Spaetzle is a traditional European side dish that you can cook from scratch, but it's also just as great when bought ready-made. Before cooking, be sure to check your grocery store for fresh spaetzle since many packets have been sitting on shelves since they were manufactured! Furthermore, spaetzles are typically served as a savory side dish, but you can also serve them amiably with caramelized apples and cinnamon. They're an excellent substitute for potatoes or rice.