We’ve always been fans of Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles, a comforting classic from Michigan’s German-inspired cuisine that brings a taste of Frankenmuth right to your table. This simple dish captures the essence of hearty, homemade meals with its rich buttery flavor and tender pasta.
In our kitchen, we’ve perfected this recipe to make it easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, it’s a crowd-pleaser that adds warmth to any gathering. Let’s dive into what makes it so irresistible.
Ingredients
For our authentic Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles recipe, we start by assembling these key ingredients in the order they are used. This simple list ensures you capture the rich, buttery essence that makes this dish a comforting staple.
- Egg Noodles: 8 ounces uncooked, wide egg noodles – these form the tender base and should be fresh or dried for optimal texture.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, softened to room temperature – we use this as the heart of the flavor, melted to coat the noodles evenly.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, fine sea salt – added to the cooking water for enhancing the pasta’s natural taste.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground – incorporated for a subtle kick that balances the buttery richness.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped – stirred in at the end for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – optional but recommended for a fragrant depth that elevates the classic profile.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles recipe to life with ease and precision, we recommend gathering the essential equipment beforehand. This ensures a smooth cooking process from boiling the noodles to adding that signature buttery finish.
Here’s a detailed list of the key tools we’ll need:
- Large Stock Pot: For boiling the uncooked wide egg noodles to achieve that perfect tender texture.
- Colander or Strainer: To drain the noodles efficiently and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Ideal for stirring and tossing the noodles with unsalted butter and seasonings for even coating.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional minced garlic.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: If using fresh parsley or garlic, these help in quick, precise chopping.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining the buttery mixture before incorporating it with the noodles, ensuring a rich, comforting flavor profile.
- Stove or Cooktop: A standard heat source to boil water and melt butter, which is crucial for this simple yet authentic dish.
With these tools at hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps while maintaining the dish’s homemade essence.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and equipment, let’s walk through preparing Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles step by step. We ensure each phase delivers the rich, buttery flavors and tender texture that make this dish a comforting favorite.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we focus on prepping our ingredients for efficiency and flavor. Begin by measuring out 12 ounces of uncooked wide egg noodles into a bowl for quick access. Next, chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely on a cutting board using a sharp knife—this adds a vibrant, herbaceous note to our dish. If using the optional minced garlic, prepare 1 teaspoon by mincing it fresh to enhance the aroma. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, ensuring it’s just softened for easy mixing. Finally, measure out 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper into separate small dishes to maintain precise seasoning.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to cooking the noodles to achieve that perfect tender consistency. Fill a large stock pot with 8 quarts of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat on the stove—the bubbling water promises the al dente texture we crave. Add the 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the water for enhanced flavor, then carefully add the 12 ounces of uncooked wide egg noodles. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender but firm. While the noodles cook, in a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic if using, stirring until fully incorporated for a rich, savory base. Once done, drain the noodles immediately in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water and preserve their fluffy appeal.
Assemble and Serve
To bring everything together, we combine the cooked noodles with our flavorful elements for a harmonious dish. Transfer the drained noodles back to the large stock pot or a mixing bowl, then pour in the butter mixture and toss gently with tongs or a wooden spoon until every noodle is evenly coated—the glossy butter creates an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and the chopped fresh parsley, stirring to distribute evenly for a burst of color and taste. Serve immediately in warm bowls as a versatile side or main dish, allowing the aromatic steam to entice your guests and highlight the comforting essence of Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles recipe.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles offers the perfect opportunity for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time while preserving the dish’s rich, buttery essence and tender texture for gatherings or busy weeknights. We outline the steps below to ensure your noodles remain flavorful and glossy when you’re ready to serve.
Preparing the Components in Advance
To maintain the dish’s comforting appeal, we focus on prepping key elements separately. Begin by cooking the noodles and preparing the butter mixture ahead of time.
- Cook the noodles: Boil 8 ounces of uncooked wide egg noodles in salted water until al dente, as detailed in our step-by-step instructions. Once drained, toss them lightly with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. This step can be done up to 2 days in advance.
- Make the butter mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and any optional minced garlic. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is crucial to lock in the fresh, herbaceous notes from the fresh parsley. We recommend the following guidelines to avoid sogginess and ensure optimal quality:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked Noodles | Airtight container in the refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the process and maintain firmness. |
| Butter Mixture | Sealed container in the refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Stir well before use to re-emulsify and enhance the silky texture. |
| Chopped Parsley | Wrapped in a damp paper towel in a sealed bag in the refrigerator | Up to 1 day | This preserves the vibrant green color and bright flavor for garnishing. |
Reheating and Assembling
When it’s time to serve, we revive the dish with minimal effort to deliver that signature Zehnder’s comfort. Reheat the noodles in a large stock pot with boiling water for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, then drain immediately. In a separate pan, gently warm the butter mixture over low heat until it becomes glossy and aromatic. Combine the reheated noodles with the butter mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat evenly. Finally, sprinkle with the chopped parsley for a burst of fresh, earthy flavor. This method ensures the noodles stay tender yet not overly soft, making your Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles as delightful as if freshly made.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles and how it brings simple comfort to our tables. It’s a timeless recipe that elevates everyday meals with its rich flavors.
As we wrap up we’re confident you’ll enjoy making this dish your own. Give it a try and see how it adds warmth to gatherings or quick dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles?
Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles is a classic Michigan dish inspired by German cuisine, featuring tender egg noodles tossed in rich, buttery sauce. It’s a comforting, versatile meal that serves as a side or main dish, perfect for gatherings with its simple yet flavorful profile.
What ingredients are needed for Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles?
The key ingredients include uncooked wide egg noodles, unsalted butter, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh parsley, and optional minced garlic. These simple elements create a rich, buttery flavor that’s easy to prepare at home for an authentic taste.
What equipment is required to make Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles?
You’ll need a large stock pot for boiling, a colander for draining, a wooden spoon or tongs for stirring, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, and a medium mixing bowl. A stove or cooktop is essential for cooking.
How do I prepare Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients: measure noodles, chop parsley, and melt butter. Boil noodles in salted water until tender, then drain. Mix butter with seasonings and garlic if using. Combine everything in a bowl, toss well, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Can I make Zehnder’s Buttered Noodles ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the noodles and butter mixture in advance. Cook noodles, cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the butter mix, refrigerate separately. Reheat gently on the stove with a little water to keep it tender, then add fresh parsley before serving.