Cheese Kugel
A comforting baked noodle dish with creamy cheese and a crunchy cornflake topping, perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, cream cheese, sugar, butter, cottage cheese, and milk or sour cream until smooth.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture and stir well.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the cheese mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the corn flakes mixed with 2 teaspoons of sugar on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting ricotta cheese for some of the cottage cheese. If you want to reduce the sugar, you can use a sugar substitute, or adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. Adding vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile significantly. For additional crunch, try mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds with the corn flakes topping.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese kugel is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a sweet touch, serve it with a dollop of fruit preserves or a side of fresh fruit. This dish makes a great addition to brunch or holiday gatherings, alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Kugel contains roughly 536 calories, with 14g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses such as mascarpone or goat cheese to create a unique flavor. Just ensure the consistency is similar to cream cheese for the best results.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kugel a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze cheese kugel?
Yes, you can freeze cheese kugel. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).