Noodle Kugel (Jewish Soul Food)
Noodle Kugel is a comforting Jewish baked casserole featuring tender egg noodles, sweet apples, raisins, and a creamy vanilla custard, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cook noodles in salted water until just done.
- Rinse noodles and cool in cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, milk, vanilla, beaten eggs, sugar, orange juice, and melted butter; mix well.
- Add grated apples and raisins to the mixture.
- Stir in cooked noodles until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist. If you prefer a sweeter kugel, increase the sugar slightly, or add a bit of honey. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. Make sure not to overcook the noodles as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Noodle kugel is delightful served warm, and pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It's also excellent as a sweet breakfast or brunch dish. For a unique twist, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. Consider browsing more vegetarian recipes to accompany this hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover noodle kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodle Kugel (Jewish Soul Food) contains roughly 842 calories, with 8g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% 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 noodle kugel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the noodle kugel a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I substitute the raisins in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of raisins, you can use dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just ensure any substitutes are chopped to a similar size for even distribution throughout the kugel.
Is noodle kugel typically served sweet or savory?
Noodle kugel is traditionally served sweet, often incorporating ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and fruit. However, some variations exist that lean toward a savory profile, featuring ingredients like onions and cheese. The sweet version is more common in Jewish cuisine and is a beloved comfort food.
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).