Pronounced kuh-gull or koo-gull, kugel is a Jewish dish that’s been around for hundreds of years. It’s a popular option for both special holidays and everyday gatherings alike. Whether you have Bubbe’s favorite recipe or are looking to try something new, kugel is an excellent dish for any occasion—and one you’ll come back to again and again.
Note that this noodle kugel recipe contains dairy, so keep that in mind if you or your guests follow strict kosher guidelines.
What is kugel?
Hailing from Germany, kugel is, at its core, a baked casserole with starch (usually noodles or potatoes), eggs and fat. While that’s the base, kugel can be found in many variations from savory to sweet. The word kugel is German for “sphere,” which refers to the dumplings that made up the earliest version of the dish.
Today, both noodle kugel and potato kugel are common additions to special meals. Noodle kugel tends to be more popular because of its versatility, and it’s more likely to be a sweet dish with added fruits and spices. Potato kugel is typically a savory recipe, and it can be made with onions, herbs and meat.
Ingredients for Kugel
- Egg noodles: Since this is a casserole-sized dish, we recommend using extra-wide egg noodles. However, if you want to bake this kugel in muffin tins, purchase medium-width egg noodles.
- Eggs: The egg noodles are essentially baked into a custard, and no custard is complete without a good amount of eggs!
- Sugar: Use granulated sugar for this noodle kugel recipe. Brown sugar would discolor the kugel.
- Cinnamon graham crackers: Don’t reach for just any old graham crackers from the shelf! Double-check that they’re infused with cinnamon.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cook the noodles according to package directions, and drain. Toss the noodles with butter, and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the kugel ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, sour cream and cottage cheese until well blended. Stir in the noodles.
Editor’s Tip: Make sure the noodles have cooled to prevent them from scrambling the eggs.
Step 3: Top with crackers
Next, transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Combine the cracker crumbs and butter, and sprinkle over the top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 50 to 55 minutes. Any hotter could cause the custard to split.
Step 5: Serve the kugel
Let the kugel stand for 10 minutes before cutting, if you can wait that long! Serve warm or cold.
Recipe Variations
- Add mix-ins: Stir in fruits like raisins, dried cherries, apple or apricot preserves (like our apricot kugel). Nutmeg and cinnamon also add cozy warmth to any noodle kugel recipe. You can even make a citrusy kugel, as we do in our lemon kugel.
- Make a different topping: Our kugel recipe uses a graham cracker crumb, but you can try a variation with a cornflake or streusel topping.
- Make a non-egg noodle kugel: Not a fan of egg noodles? Try an untraditional option, like onion kugel, which uses finely chopped onions and matzo meal as the base of this dish.
- Bake in a different pan: Don’t have a 13×9-inch baking dish? Cut the noodle kugel recipe in half to convert to an 8×8-inch pan.
Can I make kugel ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the kugel a day in advance. Don’t bake it just yet. Instead, cover the pan of kugel in storage wrap, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it off whenever you’re ready the next day!
How to Store Kugel
To store leftover kugel, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Keep the kugel in its pan, and wrap it in storage wrap, or place slices of noodle kugel in an airtight container. Kugel can last in the fridge for up to three days.
How to Freeze Kugel
To freeze, allow the kugel to cool completely to room temperature. Wrap the kugel very well in storage wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. Reheat the kugel in a 325° oven until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
Kugel Tips
Can you make egg noodles for noodle kugel from scratch?
Definitely! Follow these tips for making egg noodles from scratch.
Should kugel be served hot or cold?
Sweet noodle kugel can be served warm or cold at holiday gatherings, parties, potlucks and brunches.
