We’ve always been captivated by the hearty charm of Frankenmuth Noodles, a beloved dish straight from Michigan’s Bavarian-inspired town. This recipe brings authentic German flavors to your table, blending simple ingredients into a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners.
Originating in Frankenmuth, it’s a nod to the area’s rich heritage, where traditions meet everyday cooking. We’ll show you how to whip up this easy favorite that warms the soul and impresses guests with its timeless appeal.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the authentic Frankenmuth Noodles Recipe, we focus on the fresh, hearty ingredients that capture the soul-warming essence of this German-inspired dish. These components blend to create a comforting meal with rich flavors and textures that evoke Michigan’s Bavarian heritage.
We organize the ingredients below in the order they are typically used during preparation, including any necessary prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Egg Noodles (12 ounces): We start with wide egg noodles as the base—cook them al dente for that perfect chewy texture that absorbs the savory broth.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): Use low-sodium chicken broth next—homemade if possible for a deeper, more authentic flavor that forms the heart of the dish.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs (1 pound, cubed): Add these for protein—season with salt and pepper beforehand to enhance the tender, juicy bites that make this recipe satisfying.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): Incorporate fresh carrots—peeled and chopped for their sweet crunch, adding vibrant color and a subtle earthiness to every spoonful.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Follow with onion—sauté until translucent to release its aromatic sweetness, building layers of flavor in the mix.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Include celery—washed and thinly sliced for a crisp contrast that complements the noodles’ softness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Use garlic—freshly minced for its pungent kick, infusing the dish with that irresistible, warm aroma.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Add unsalted butter—melted to enrich the sauce, providing a creamy finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Finish with parsley—finely chopped for a burst of fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the overall taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season throughout with salt and black pepper—adjust based on broth to balance the flavors perfectly in this comforting classic.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for the authentic Frankenmuth Noodles, we guide you through the preparation process step by step. Our method ensures a flavorful, hearty dish that captures the soul-warming essence of Michigan’s Bavarian heritage.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to streamline the process and enhance flavors. Start by chopping 2 medium carrots, 1 large onion, and 2 celery stalks into uniform 1/4-inch pieces for even cooking—this step builds the aromatic base that infuses our noodles with rich, savory notes. Next, mince 3 garlic cloves finely to release their pungent essence, and measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour along with 3 large eggs at room temperature. Finally, cube 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and set aside the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth—prepping these ensures our Frankenmuth Noodles turn out tender and full of depth.
Make the Noodle Dough
With our ingredients prepped, we now create the heart of our Frankenmuth Noodles by making a simple, elastic dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then form a well in the center and crack in 3 large eggs—whisk vigorously with a fork until the mixture forms a shaggy dough, about 2 minutes. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and springs back when pressed, incorporating an additional tablespoon of flour if needed to prevent stickiness. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes—this rest period allows the gluten to develop, resulting in noodles with a perfect, chewy texture that evokes traditional German comfort.
Roll and Cut the Noodles
Once rested, we roll and cut the dough to achieve those signature, rustic noodles that make Frankenmuth Noodles so irresistible. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions for easier handling, then use a floured rolling pin to roll one portion at a time on a lightly floured surface into a thin sheet, about 1/8-inch thick—aim for a translucent look to ensure tender results. Lightly dust the sheet with flour to avoid sticking, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 1/4-inch wide strips for classic egg noodles. Stack and cut the remaining portions similarly, gently tossing the cut noodles with a bit more flour to keep them separate—this step creates the hearty, irregular shapes that add authentic texture and make every bite satisfyingly al dente.
Cook the Noodles
Finally, we cook the noodles to perfection, bringing out their golden hue and subtle, nutty flavors. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the cut noodles in batches to prevent clumping—cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the top and achieve a tender yet firm bite. For added depth, you can simmer them directly in the prepared chicken broth mixture with the cubed chicken, carrots, onion, celery, and garlic for 10-12 minutes until everything is fully cooked. Drain if needed, and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped fresh parsley for a glossy finish—the result is a warm, aromatic dish with layers of flavor that perfectly embody our Frankenmuth Noodles tradition.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our authentic Frankenmuth Noodles recipe with ease and precision, we rely on a selection of essential tools and equipment. These items help us achieve the perfect texture and flavor while streamlining the process from prepping ingredients to cooking the final dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools
We organize our tools by the stages of preparation to ensure everything flows seamlessly from chopping vegetables and kneading dough to boiling noodles.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, large wooden or plastic board for safely chopping onions, carrots, celery, and cubing chicken thighs. We recommend one at least 12×18 inches for ample space.
- Chef’s Knife: Our go-to sharp knife for precise cuts; it makes quick work of dicing vegetables and preparing meat, ensuring even cooking and enhanced flavors.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of two to three medium and large stainless-steel bowls for combining ingredients like flour and eggs to form the noodle dough, allowing for easy mixing and resting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate stainless-steel sets for measuring flour, broth, and other ingredients precisely, which is crucial for maintaining the recipe’s balance of flavors.
- Rolling Pin: A wooden or marble pin for rolling out the dough into thin, even sheets—this tool is key for achieving those rustic noodle strips that capture the dish’s hearty essence.
- Pasta Cutter or Sharp Knife: For cutting the rolled dough into traditional strips; a simple knife works, but a dedicated cutter ensures uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Large Stock Pot: A 6- to 8-quart pot for boiling the noodles in salted water or simmering them directly in chicken broth, infusing them with rich, aromatic flavors.
- Skillet or Dutch Oven: A 12-inch heavy-bottomed pan for searing chicken and vegetables, building a flavorful base that embodies the soul-warming heritage of Frankenmuth.
- Colander: Essential for draining cooked noodles without losing any precious broth, preserving the dish’s comforting moisture.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring and mixing during cooking, preventing sticking and ensuring the noodles absorb the savory broth evenly.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we make our cooking experience efficient and enjoyable, allowing the true tastes of this Michigan favorite to shine through.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our preparation of Frankenmuth Noodles and preserve its authentic German flavors, we can make several components ahead of time. This approach allows us to enjoy the dish’s hearty, comforting aroma and tender textures without last-minute rushes. Let’s break down the steps for efficient make-ahead strategies.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
We recommend starting with the ingredients to maximize freshness and flavor. Begin by chopping vegetables and cubing chicken a day or two before cooking. For instance:
- Carrots, onion, and celery: Wash, peel, and chop these into uniform pieces. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their crispness and enhance the broth’s earthy notes.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Cube the meat and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Place in a sealed bag or container with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step ensures the chicken absorbs seasonings, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites when cooked.
Making the Noodle Dough Ahead
The heart of our Frankenmuth Noodles lies in the dough, and we can prepare it in advance for optimal texture. Follow these steps:
- After mixing the dough with egg, flour, and a pinch of salt, knead it thoroughly until smooth.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before use—this prevents it from becoming tough.
- For longer storage, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. If freezing, thaw it overnight in the fridge to retain its pliable quality.
Cooking Components in Advance
To capture the soul-warming essence of the dish, we can partially cook elements ahead and reheat them later:
- Broth and vegetables: Simmer the chicken broth with chopped carrots, onion, celery, and garlic in a large stock pot until the vegetables are tender. Cool the mixture completely, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to restore its rich, aromatic steam.
- Noodles: Roll and cut the dough into rustic strips, then cook them separately in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, avoid overcooking initially to keep the noodles from becoming mushy when reheated.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. Below is a quick reference table for make-ahead times and methods:
| Component | Refrigerator Storage (Up to) | Freezer Storage (Up to) | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped Vegetables | 2 days | Not recommended | Sauté briefly to refresh crispness |
| Cubed Chicken | 1 day | 3 months | Thaw and cook thoroughly to 165°F |
| Noodle Dough | 2 days | 1 month | Let rest at room temperature before rolling |
| Broth Mixture | 3 days | 3 months | Simmer on low heat to avoid boiling off flavors |
By following these make-ahead instructions, we ensure our Frankenmuth Noodles remain a delightfully effortless yet impressive meal, ready to evoke Michigan’s Bavarian heritage whenever we need it.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Frankenmuth Noodles recipe with you as it captures the heart of Michigan’s Bavarian charm. It’s more than a meal—it’s a way to bring warmth and tradition into our kitchens.
By trying it out you’ll discover how simple ingredients create lasting memories. Let’s make this dish our go-to for cozy gatherings and keep that heritage alive in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frankenmuth Noodles?
Frankenmuth Noodles is a traditional dish from Michigan’s Bavarian-inspired town of Frankenmuth, featuring authentic German flavors. It’s a simple, comforting meal made with egg noodles and hearty ingredients, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. This soul-warming recipe connects to the area’s rich heritage, offering a cozy, flavorful experience.
What are the key ingredients for Frankenmuth Noodles?
The essential ingredients include egg noodles, low-sodium chicken broth, boneless chicken thighs, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, butter, and fresh parsley. These fresh, hearty items are used in order during preparation to create a flavorful dish that captures Michigan’s Bavarian essence, ensuring a balanced and authentic taste.
How do I prepare Frankenmuth Noodles?
Start by prepping ingredients like chopping vegetables and cubing chicken. Make the noodle dough, knead and rest it for texture, then roll and cut into strips. Cook the noodles in salted water or chicken broth mixture. Follow the steps for a warm, aromatic dish that embodies Frankenmuth’s comforting flavors, ready in about 45-60 minutes.
What tools and equipment are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board, chef’s knife, mixing bowls, rolling pin, and a large pot for cooking. These basic tools ensure precise prep and easy assembly, making the process straightforward for creating authentic Frankenmuth Noodles with minimal hassle.
Can I make Frankenmuth Noodles ahead of time?
Yes, prep vegetables and chicken 1-2 days in advance, and make noodle dough ahead for optimal texture. Partially cook broth and noodles, then store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. This method preserves flavors and simplifies mealtime, letting you enjoy this heritage dish effortlessly.