Noodle Kugel
A beloved Jewish-American classic, this sweet noodle kugel is a creamy, custardy baked pudding. Made with wide egg noodles, a rich blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, it's often studded with raisins and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar cornflake crust. Perfect for holiday meals, brunch, or as a comforting side dish.
For 8 servings
9 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Generously grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, but undercook them by 2-3 minutes so they are very al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten
- a.Add the sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer or a strong whisk, beat the mixture until it is smooth and well-combined. A few small lumps from the cottage cheese are perfectly fine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Whisk in 150g (3/4 cup) of granulated sugar, 113g (1/2 cup) of melted butter, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until fully incorporated into the custard base.
- 5
Gently fold the drained, cooked noodles into the custard mixture
- a.If using, stir in the raisins until everything is evenly coated.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- 7
Prepare the topping
- a.In a small bowl, combine 25g (2 tbsp) of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. If using cornflakes, lightly crush them and toss with 28g (2 tbsp) of melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the kugel.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean) and the top is golden brown and bubbly at the edges.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Remove the kugel from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest texture, use full-fat dairy products. Low-fat versions can result in a less rich and potentially watery kugel.
- 2Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in your custard.
- 3Do not overcook the noodles initially. They need to be al dente as they will absorb the liquid custard and continue cooking in the oven.
- 4If your cottage cheese seems particularly wet, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes to remove excess liquid.
- 5Letting the kugel rest before slicing is crucial. It allows the custard to set firmly, ensuring clean, neat slices.
- 6Kugel is excellent for making ahead. You can bake it a day in advance, cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven or serve at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruity Kugel
In addition to or instead of raisins, add 1 cup of drained, crushed pineapple, or 1 finely diced apple (like a Granny Smith) to the custard mixture.
Savory KugelSavory Kugel
Omit the sugar, raisins, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add 1 cup of sautéed onions, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
Alternative ToppingAlternative Topping
Instead of cornflakes, use 1 cup of crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps mixed with the melted butter and cinnamon-sugar for a different flavor profile.
Nutty AdditionNutty Addition
Fold 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the noodle mixture for added texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The combination of eggs, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
Egg noodles are a primary source of complex carbohydrates, which the body uses as its main fuel source, providing sustained energy.
Rich in Calcium
Dairy products like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream are good sources of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Noodle Kugel is a rich and indulgent dish, traditionally high in calories, fat, and sugar from the dairy, butter, and sugar. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat or part of a holiday meal.