Kugelis
Kugelis is a traditional Lithuanian potato pudding with crispy bacon, savory onions, and rich flavors, perfect for hearty family meals or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the potatoes and onions by hand for best results.
- Mix grated potatoes, onions, eggs, sour cream, flour, salt, pepper, and crumbled bacon together.
- Spread the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Serve warm with sour cream, alongside sausage and sauerkraut.
Tips & Substitutions
For best texture, grate the potatoes and onions by hand instead of using a food processor. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute half of the bacon with mushrooms or omit it entirely. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. For a creamier texture, consider adding a little extra sour cream or using a mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Kugelis is delicious served warm with a dollop of sour cream on top. It pairs beautifully with sausage and sauerkraut for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dish. For a comforting brunch, consider it alongside Southern Fried Squash.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftover kugelis to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cut into portions and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kugelis contains roughly 876 calories, with 15g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1140mg per serving (50% 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 make Kugelis ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture. You can also bake it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
What type of potatoes are best for Kugelis?
Starchy potatoes like Russets work best for Kugelis, as they provide a fluffy texture when baked. Avoid waxy potatoes, like red or new potatoes, since they hold too much moisture and can make the dish gummy.
Can I freeze Kugelis?
Yes, Kugelis freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).