Have you ever had kugel? Noodle kugel is a traditional Jewish holiday dish made from egg noodles baked in a sweet custard. It can be made in advance, refrigerated and baked before serving, making it perfect for big family get-togethers.
I kept seeing my friends post about this noodle pudding around Rosh Hashanah and I was so curious, I had to try it myself! It’s so different from anything I had ever tried. A sweet pasta dish that is used as the main course? I just couldn’t resist!
I researched all the kugel recipes I could find and ended up combining three different recipes to create this one. I’m sold! It’s so good! Perfectly sweet, but hearty enough for a main dish. And my kids thought they were getting away with eating dessert for dinner!
Kugel is pronounced kuh-gull or koo-gull and has been around for hundreds of years. It has got to be good if it has been around for that long! Kugel originates in southern Germany and it is a Yiddish work for baked casserole. It is a popular option for Jewish holidays, like Shabbat, in that region. It is also a popular dish for family brunches.
Ingredients Needed for Kugel
In order to make kugel, you need a starch, eggs and fat. For the starch, we use wide egg noodles and for the fat we use a combination of butter, cottage cheese, sour cream and cream cheese. Here is your grocery list:
Kugel
- Egg Noodles
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Cottage Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Cream Cheese
Topping
- Butter
- Sugar
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
The exact measurements for each ingredient are listed in the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to Make Jewish Kugel
We will start by making the topping, and then we will move on to making the kugel itself. This is so simple. I can see why it has stood the test of time. It is also be easily scaled up for larger crowds.
Topping
- Combine: Add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Save: Set the topping aside to be used later.
Kugel
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook: Cook the egg noodles as directed on the package. Drain and rinse.
- Separate: Next you need to separate the the eggs. Place the yolks in a large bowl and beat them with a hand mixer (or you can whisk them by hand) until pale yellow. Save the egg white in a separate bowl.
- Beat: Add the sugar and cream cheese to the egg yolks and beat them again.
- Mix: Add the noodles, butter (cut into small pieces), sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix everything together well folding together with a wooden spoon.
- Beat: Using the electric mixer, beat the egg whites until you can create stiff peaks. Then fold the egg whites into the noodle mixture.
- Bake: Pour into a buttered 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle the topping all over it and bake for 1 hour.
- Serve: You can serve it hot, room temperature or cold if you want. I’ve heard of something sprinkling a little cinnamon on top too! Yum!
All of these instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of the post. You can also save or print the recipe there.
Possible Kugel Variations
I haven’t tried any variations, but I read about people adding raisins (golden raisins could be fun too!) or other dried fruits like cherries, apples or apricots. They all sound delicious to me!
I also read about people making savory kugel using potatoes instead of noodles and adding sauteed onions and garlic. These will be next on my to do list!
Is Kugel a Dessert?
Kugel is a casserole of noodles with a creamy, buttery sweet sauce.
It seems like a dessert, but it’s actually a main dish.
How Long Will Kugel Keep?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or put plastic wrap tightly over the casserole dish that it was baked in once it has cooled completely.
Can Kugel Be Frozen?
Noodle kugel can be frozen for up to 1 month. It should be wrapped in foil and then stored in a freezer safe container. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then it can be eaten cold or you can warm it up in the oven.
How Do You Reheat Kugel?
Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through.
Whether you have been making kugel for years or if this is the first time you’ve heard of it, you should definitely try this recipe. It is perfectly balanced with pasta and custard and just the right amount of sweetness. Be coo-gel…make a kugel! I can’t believe I just went there!
More Holiday Main Dishes:
Description
Have you ever had kugel? Noodle kugel is a traditional Jewish holiday dish made from egg noodles baked in a sweet custard. It can be made in advance, refrigerated and baked before serving, making it perfect for big family get-togethers.
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For the Topping
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Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Set aside.
1/2 Cup Sugar, 1 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs, 4 Tablespoons Butter
For the Kugel
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Cook the noodles in a large pot of water until done.
16 oz Egg Noodles
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In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together the egg yolks. Add the sugar and cream cheese and beat again.
6 Eggs, 1/2 Cup Sugar, 6 oz Cream Cheese
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Drain and rinse the noodles and mix them with the cream cheese mixture, along with the cut up butter, sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix well.
1/3 Cup Butter, 1 Cup Sour Cream, 16 oz Cottage Cheese
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Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl using a clean beater until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the noodles and pour into your baking dish.
6 Eggs
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Sprinkle with the topping and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.
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Serve hot, room temp or even cold!
Store Kugel in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories: 474kcal
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