Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Meritage›Braised Rabbit Spätzle Recipe

Braised Rabbit Spätzle Recipe

Inspired by Meritage
Time3h
Serves4

Roasted mushrooms, peas, rabbit jus, gruyere cheese sauce

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Braised Rabbit

Spätzle

Gruyere Cheese Sauce

Mushrooms and Peas

Method

Braised Rabbit

  1. 1

    Sear the Rabbit

    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the rabbit pieces with salt and black pepper. Sear the rabbit on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Sauté Vegetables

    In the same pot, add chopped carrots, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

  3. 3

    Add Herbs and Broth

    Add fresh thyme, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

  4. 4

    Braise the Rabbit

    Return the rabbit pieces to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rabbit is tender.

  5. 5

    Adjust Seasoning

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the rabbit from the pot and set aside.

Spätzle

  1. 6

    Prepare Spätzle Dough

    In a mixing bowl, combine flour, eggs, milk, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

  2. 7

    Cook Spätzle

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a Spätzle maker or a colander, press the dough through into the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove and set aside.

Gruyere Cheese Sauce

  1. 8

    Make the Roux

    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

  2. 9

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

  3. 10

    Add Cheese

    Remove from heat and stir in shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Mushrooms and Peas

  1. 11

    Sauté Mushrooms

    In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. 12

    Add Peas

    Stir in peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and black pepper.

Assembly

  1. 13

    Combine and Serve

    On a plate, place a portion of spätzle, top with braised rabbit pieces, and spoon over the mushroom and pea mixture. Drizzle with Gruyere cheese sauce and serve hot.

More from Meritage