Skip to content
Forkin
Side DishMain Course

Semmelknödel

Semmelknödel are classic Austrian and German bread dumplings made from stale bread, milk, and eggs. These savory, tender dumplings are seasoned with parsley and nutmeg, then simmered until perfectly cooked. They are a traditional and hearty side dish, excellent for soaking up sauces from roasts or stews.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 10 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
295 kcal
Download the app

Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Semmelknödel

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 250 gstale white bread roll, cut into 1 cm cubes
  • 200 mlwhole milk
  • 2 pcslarge egg, lightly beaten
  • 80 gyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbspunsalted butter
  • 10 gfresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 0.25 tspground nutmeg

dumpling mixture

  • 1 tspsalt

cooking water

  • 1 tbspsalt

Equipment

slotted spoon · large bowl · large pot · small saucepan · cutting board · knife · small skillet

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.

    About 2 min

  2. 2

    Gently warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it is warm to the touch, but not boiling.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Warming the milk helps it absorb into the stale bread more effectively.

  3. 3

    Pour the warm milk over the bread cubes, toss to combine, and set aside to soak for at least 20 minutes.

    About 20 min

  4. 4

    While the bread is soaking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  5. 5

    Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, then remove from heat.

    About 7 min

  6. 6

    Add the sautéed onion, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt for the mixture, black pepper, and nutmeg to the soaked bread.

    About 2 min

  7. 7

    Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Overworking the mixture can make the dumplings tough.

  8. 8

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt for the cooking water.

    About 5 min

  9. 9

    With damp hands, form the mixture into 8 round, compact dumplings, about the size of a tennis ball.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Wetting your hands prevents the mixture from sticking and helps create a smooth surface on the dumplings.

  10. 10

    Reduce the heat so the water is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Carefully lower the dumplings into the water.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: A rolling boil can cause the dumplings to break apart.

  11. 11

    Simmer the dumplings for 20 minutes, turning them gently once or twice, until they float to the surface and are firm to the touch.

    About 20 min

  12. 12

    Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the dumplings from the pot, allow them to drain for a moment, and serve immediately.

    About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
294.9kcal
Protein
11.5g
Carbs
40.5g
Fat
10.5g
Fibre
2.2g
Sugar
6.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently by steaming for 5 minutes or by slicing and pan-frying in butter until golden brown.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Sernik (Polish Cheesecake)dessert

    Sernik (Polish Cheesecake)

    This traditional Polish cheesecake features a rich and creamy filling made from farmer's cheese, baked on a simple shortcrust pastry base. It's less sweet than American cheesecakes, with a delightful tang from the cheese and a hint of vanilla and citrus.

    5 hr 40 min 639 kcal
  • Pad Phrik Khingmain course

    Pad Phrik Khing

    Pad Phrik Khing is a vibrant Thai dry curry stir-fry, known for its bold flavors and aromatic red curry paste. It typically features green beans and a protein, all coated in a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. This recipe offers a balanced and authentic taste experience.

    45 min 300 kcal
  • Fritto Mistoappetizer

    Fritto Misto

    Fritto Misto is a classic Italian mixed fry, featuring an assortment of seafood and vegetables lightly battered and quickly fried until golden and crisp. It's a delightful appetizer, perfect for sharing.

    40 min 567 kcal
  • Vegan Sambharmain course

    Vegan Sambhar

    This vibrant Vegan Sambhar is a hearty and aromatic South Indian lentil and vegetable stew, bursting with savory and tangy notes from tamarind and a special spice blend. Tender toor dal and a medley of vegetables are simmered to perfection, creating a comforting dish that's both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. It's an ideal main course or a delightful side, especially when paired with fluffy rice or soft idlis.

    1 hr 5 min 184 kcal
  • Keto Egg Drop Soupsoup

    Keto Egg Drop Soup

    A comforting and quick keto version of the classic Chinese egg drop soup. This low-carb recipe features a flavorful broth with delicate ribbons of egg, perfect for a light meal or appetizer. It's easy to prepare and satisfies cravings without the carbs.

    20 min 133 kcal
  • Crispy Sesame Tofulunch

    Crispy Sesame Tofu

    This recipe features pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sesame sauce. It's a quick and easy vegan meal that's satisfying and full of flavor. Serve it over rice or with your favorite stir-fried vegetables.

    35 min 253 kcal
  • Makki Di Rotiside dish

    Makki Di Roti

    A rustic, unleavened Indian flatbread made from fine maize flour, traditionally enjoyed in the Punjab region. This gluten-free bread has a hearty texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It is best served hot off the pan with a dollop of butter or ghee alongside a vegetable curry.

    50 min 343 kcal