About the Recipe
This soup starts out with Swiss-style pancakes called Omelette—but not the fluffy, egg-heavy breakfast kind most North Americans are familiar with. In Switzerland, Omelette refers to a thin, crêpe-like pancake made with flour, eggs, and milk. Once cooked, these delicate pancakes are rolled up and sliced into fine ribbons, creating Flädli, the star ingredient of this comforting soup.
Omelette was a staple in my household growing up. Whether it was served simply with cinnamon sugar or homemade applesauce for a light supper, or turned into this warming soup with chunks of Gruyère melting into the broth, it was always a comforting and familiar dish. Flädlisuppe was a favorite on chilly days—light yet satisfying, with the pancake ribbons soaking up the rich, flavorful broth. It’s one of those recipes that feels like home, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Light yet Comforting – The warm, flavorful broth combined with tender pancake strips makes for a cozy meal without being too heavy.
Quick & Easy – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes.
Versatile – You can adjust the broth, make the Flädli ahead of time, or add extra ingredients to suit your preferences.
Authentic Swiss Tradition – A classic Swiss dish that brings a touch of European charm to your kitchen.
Kid-Friendly & Fun to Eat – The thinly sliced pancake strips make this soup a hit with both kids and adults alike!
What You'll Love
Flädlisuppe – FAQs
1. What is Flädli Suppe? Flädli Suppe is a traditional Swiss and Austrian soup featuring thin strips of savory pancakes (Flädli) which are made from Swiss pancakes called Omelette. The pancake noodles are then served in a clear beef or vegetable broth. It’s a comforting, light, and flavorful dish often enjoyed as a starter.
2. Can I make the Flädli in advance? Yes! You can prepare the pancakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the rolled pancakes and slice them just before serving.
3. What type of broth works best? A rich homemade beef or vegetable broth works best for deep flavor, but you can use a good-quality store-bought broth as a shortcut. Chicken broth also works well if you prefer a lighter taste.
4. Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the Flädli. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
5. What other seasonings can I add to the broth? You can enhance the broth by adding a pinch of nutmeg, thyme, or a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
6. What can I serve with Flädli Suppe? A simple side of Swiss-style rustic bread, a green salad, or even a light cheese platter pairs well with this soup.
7. Can I add other ingredients to the soup? Absolutely! Some variations include adding finely chopped vegetables (like carrots or leeks) or shredded cooked chicken for a heartier version.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredients
For the Flädli (Pancakes):
½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
1 egg
½ cup (120ml) milk
1 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil
¼ tsp salt
Butter or oil for frying
For the Soup:
4 cups (1 liter) beef or vegetable broth
1 small onion, halved
1 bay leaf
1 small carrot, finely chopped (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Make the Flädli (Pancakes):
In a bowl, whisk together flour, egg, milk, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
Transfer the pancake to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Once all pancakes are done, roll them up tightly and slice them into thin strips.
Prepare the Soup:
In a pot, bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add the onion, bay leaf, and carrot (if using) and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes for extra flavor. Remove the onion and bay leaf before serving.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
Divide the pancake strips into serving bowls.
Ladle the hot broth over the Flädli and let them soak for a minute.
Garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
Serving Suggestion
Serve immediately with crusty bread or a simple Swiss salad for a light yet satisfying meal.