If you have ever dreamt of capturing the pure comfort of homemade pasta right in your own kitchen, this Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, silky ribbons of noodles that taste richer and fresher than anything store-bought, made from a handful of simple ingredients that come together in under an hour. This recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, whether stirring them into a hearty soup or tossing with butter and herbs for a quick dinner. The process is straightforward but rewarding, creating a texture and flavor that is truly special and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet vital, creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your noodles. They combine to give you noodles that are tender but hold their shape beautifully when cooked.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the noodles, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor, ensuring the noodles are not bland and complement any sauce or broth.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup milk: Softens the dough, contributing to a tender, silky texture.
- 1 tbsp melted butter: Infuses a subtle buttery taste and adds moisture to the dough for easier handling.
How to Make Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl, then create a well in the center. Into this well, add your eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mixing these together gradually with the flour creates a shaggy dough that begins the transformation from simple ingredients to delectable noodles. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the moisture and getting a cohesive dough that’s not too sticky or dry.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This rigorous process develops the gluten network, which is vital for giving the noodles their elastic yet tender bite. You’ll notice the dough becoming smooth and pliable – that’s the hallmark of perfectly kneaded dough. Afterward, cover it and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes; this rest period relaxes the gluten, making future rolling easier and preventing shrinkage when cooking.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the rested dough in half to make rolling more manageable, then work each portion into a thin sheet about 1/8-inch thick. Rolling the dough evenly is key for consistent cooking and texture, so take your time to get that perfect thinness that will cook quickly while still holding up to your favorite sauces or broths.
Step 4: Cut the Noodles
Now comes the fun part! Use a sharp knife or a pasta cutter to slice your dough sheets into your desired shape—whether wide ribbons, thin strips, or something more creative. The thickness and width are entirely up to you, which makes homemade noodles a playground for your culinary creativity.
Step 5: Dry (Optional)
If you’re not cooking your noodles right away, allow them to dry on a floured surface for 1 to 2 hours. This optional step helps them keep their shape and makes storing easier. Freshly cut dough is delicate, so drying helps firm them up a bit without affecting their wonderful texture when cooked.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
Boil the noodles in salted water or flavorful broth for 2 to 4 minutes until al dente. Since these noodles are fresh, the cooking time is short, making them a perfect last-minute addition to any meal. Drain them carefully and get ready to enjoy that satisfying bite!
How to Serve Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese to add freshness and subtle saltiness. A pat of butter melted over the noodles and cracked black pepper makes the noodles shine on their own—sometimes less is very much more with egg noodles.
Side Dishes
Homemade egg noodles pair wonderfully with roasted or sautéed vegetables, grilled chicken, or a hearty beef stew. Their mild flavor complements more robust sides, soaking up sauces and gravies, creating a perfect balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by tossing noodles with a drizzle of browned butter and toasted nuts for a nutty crunch or folding in fresh herbs and lemon zest to brighten the dish. Alternatively, layer the noodles in a casserole baked with cheese and sautéed mushrooms for a comforting family-style meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cooked egg noodles, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Toss them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, making reheating easier and enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked dried noodles by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to freezer bags. They will keep for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the boiling time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked noodles, briefly dunk them in boiling water or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel. Reheating with a splash of broth or sauce keeps them moist and tender, avoiding that dreaded dryness.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your noodles a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might want to add a bit more liquid since whole wheat tends to absorb more moisture.
Do I need a pasta machine to roll out the dough?
Not at all. Rolling by hand with a rolling pin works perfectly well. Just take your time to roll as evenly as possible to get consistent noodle thickness.
How long do homemade egg noodles take to cook?
Because they are fresh, they cook quickly—usually 2 to 4 minutes in boiling water or broth is perfect. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
Are these noodles gluten-free?
Traditional Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For gluten-free options, you’d need to experiment with gluten-free flour blends specially designed for pasta.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade egg noodles from scratch is one of those kitchen joys that brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment and comfort to your table. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create tender, flavorful noodles that elevate any meal. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe—it’s a delicious ritual well worth embracing, and once you taste the difference, you won’t want to go back to store-bought again.
Print
Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Egg Noodles recipe yields tender, fresh noodles made from simple pantry ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and butter. With a straightforward dough preparation and quick cooking time, these noodles are perfect for soups, stir-fries, or as a side dish. The recipe involves mixing, kneading, rolling, cutting, and boiling, resulting in classic egg noodles with a delicate texture.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Stir together until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the rested dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness, creating thin sheets of dough ready to be cut.
- Cut the Noodles: Using a sharp knife or pasta cutter, slice the rolled dough into your desired noodle shapes, typically thin strips for classic egg noodles.
- Dry (Optional): Spread the cut noodles on a floured surface and let them dry for 1 to 2 hours if you do not plan to cook them immediately. This can help improve texture and prevent sticking.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water or broth to a boil. Add the fresh noodles and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain well and serve hot.
Notes
- Resting the dough is crucial for easier rolling and better noodle texture.
- Use a rolling pin or pasta machine to achieve even, thin sheets of dough.
- Fresh egg noodles cook much faster than dried ones; keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
- You can freeze the dried noodles for longer storage.
- Boiling in broth instead of plain water adds extra flavor.
