Yes folks, it’s official… I’ve got dairy on the brain! Shavuot is right around the corner, a Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. On Shavuot we eat dairy foods. There could be a number of reasons for this tradition. There is a verse in the Song of Solomon (4:11) which says that the Torah is like “milk and honey under your tongue,” which might indicate a connection between the Torah-centric holiday and dairy foods. Some believe that on the first Shavuot, because the Israelites had not yet received the kosher laws, their foods did not follow kashrut. When they received the Torah, they read the new laws of kashrut and realized their meat dishes were not kosher, so they opted to eat dairy dishes only. Still others say that Shavuot occurs during the fertile spring period, when animal mothers produce lots of fresh milk.
Whatever the reason, I love dairy foods, so this is my kind of holiday! As I was flipping through my recipe archives, I suddenly realized that I’ve never shared my basic recipe for a Sweet Lokshen Kugel. Gasp! How did that happen??
Kugel is a Jewish dish similar to a casserole or pudding. The dish originated over 800 years ago in southern Germany and became a staple with Jewish families throughout Eastern Europe. Jewish immigrants brought the kugel with them to the United States, where it continues to be a popular holiday dish today. There are many kinds of kugel, all made with three basic ingredients: eggs, fat, and starch. The starch used to make kugel varies; I’ve seen kugels made with matzo, matzo farfel, noodles, bread, or rice. They’re all yummy in their own way, but my favorite is noodle kugel.
The word lokshen is Yiddish for noodle. A lokshen kugel is a kugel made with noodles. There are endless variations on the noodle kugel theme; they can be made savory or sweet, topped or untopped, with dried fruit or nuts or seasonings. Sweet lokshen kugels tend to be the most popular in the U.S., with good reason! They are simple and affordable to throw together with just a few ingredients. They can be easily transported, making kugel a good choice for potlucks or family get-togethers. Most importantly, they are delicious.
This is a great basic dairy kugel recipe– moist and creamy, with a nice crunchy noodle topping. My family likes it exactly as written. You can feel free to adapt it to suit your taste, kugel is very forgiving. Raisins can be substituted with another dried fruit, like cherries or chopped dried apricots. Nuts and spices can be mixed in before baking. Add a topping if you’d like. The kugel will taste best when made with full fat ingredients, but if you’re watching your figure you can use lowfat dairy. It will still taste great.
Enough chit-chatting, time for a slice of kugel. Shabbat Shalom!
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Sweet Lokshen Kugel
15 servings
15 minutes
1 hour
Dairy
Description
Learn to make traditional Yiddish dairy noodle pudding with cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Kosher
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins (optional) - you may substitute other fruits like craisins, dried chopped apricots, or chopped drained pineapple
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 6 large eggs
- 1 lb sour cream (2 cups)
- 8 oz cottage cheese (1 cup)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened - OR farmer's cheese, crumbled (1 cup)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Cinnamon and sugar for dusting
- Nonstick cooking oil spray
Recipe Notes
You will also need: large pot, food processor or blender, 9x13 baking dish
Instructions
Place a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Cover the raisins with hot water and let them soak to plump while you prepare the other ingredients.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles to the pot, bring back to a boil, and let them cook until tender (not overly soft), about 5 minutes. Drain and return the cooked noodles to the pot.
In a food processor or blender, blend together the eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sugar, melted butter, and salt.
Pour the egg mixture over the cooked noodles in the pot and stir until well combined.
Drain the raisins. Stir them into the noodles.
Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking oil. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish.
Top the kugel by sprinkling generously with sugar and lightly with cinnamon. Alternatively, you can use your favorite kugel topping (streusel, crushed graham crackers, cornflakes, etc.).
Bake the kugel for about 60 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, till the center of the kugel is set and the tips of the noodles turn golden brown. Remove from the oven.
Let the kugel rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Kugel can be served warm or cold.
Rhonda Birenbaum says
February 25, 2019 at 5:27 pmHow have I lived for 49 years without this Kugel recipe masterpiece!? Thank you so much for sharing! It is creamy and sweet. The consistency is nice and firm, but not too firm! I didn’t realize how dry and loose my own Kugel recipe was until I made your Kugel.
Rose says
January 27, 2019 at 6:19 pmIt came out perfect. Even better than I remember my mother’s. Brought it to my daughter’s house. She looked at the pan and said I made too much. She called me the next day and said it was half gone and can I give her the recipe so she can make it for in laws. I love you.
Pam Beldner says
December 24, 2018 at 11:14 pmI found a Sweet Kugel recipe in an ORT cook book about 50 years ago. Gave the cook book to my daughter in law but lost my copy over the years. I don’t remember anything about soaking the raisins. I just mixed them with the egg mixture and then the noodles. At least I think that’s what I did. I’m very glad I found your recipe. Thanks.
Tori Avey says
December 25, 2018 at 10:01 amHi Pam! I have found that soaking the raisins, especially if they are dry, can help to plump them and make them extra juicy. If your raisins are somewhat fresh there is no need.
Elizabeth says
December 24, 2018 at 9:10 amFinally found your recipe. It is the best!!!
Tori Avey says
December 24, 2018 at 10:22 amWhy thank you Elizabeth! 🙂
Ellen Gust says
December 9, 2018 at 7:56 amMade this recipe. It was delicious. Have a lot left over. ACan Noodle kugel be frozen?
Tori Avey says
December 9, 2018 at 10:07 amYes, no problem. It tastes best reheated in the oven.
Ellen says
December 7, 2018 at 12:23 pmCan I use cream cheese or sour cream in place of cottage cheese?
Tori Avey says
December 9, 2018 at 10:12 amYes, but the texture may change slightly. If using sour cream, which tends to be more liquid, you may need to bake slightly longer to firm it up.
Kathy says
December 4, 2018 at 7:19 amHi,
I am a little short on time and wonder if this can be prepped the night before? If not what is the best way to reheat without drying the noodles?
Tori Avey says
December 6, 2018 at 10:45 amYou can prep and bake it the night before. Bake it about 80% done. The next day, reheat in a 350 degree oven and bake until golden brown (baking that last 20% and finishing it, while reheating it at the same time).
Jami says
November 27, 2018 at 4:35 pmThis recipe brought back so many delicious family traditional memories! This is made exactly how I remember my Bubby making this during Hanukkah and Passover, I cooked this for thanksgiving paying close attention to buying full fattening products as suggested and it was delectable. Haha! Just one question other than raisins, what other dried fruits would make this dish just as tasty? Thanks for your advice in advance.
Tori Avey says
November 28, 2018 at 10:04 amDried cranberries (craisins), chopped dried apricots, and sweet dried cherries all work great! Also you can use pineapple chunks (well drained) for a twist. 🙂
Lauren H says
November 21, 2018 at 5:33 pmI love kugel, or noodle pudding, as we grew up calling it. This is basically the same recipie my grandmother made and passed on to my momma. And she taught me when, as she put it, was “finished cooking forever.” My goyim husband calls it noodle stuffing and it can never be forgotten. My entire family hates raisins but our not so secret family ingredient is very cherry grapeless fruit cocktail. This brings back so many great memories of family past and present. Thanks for the reminder I just put the 2018 Thanksgiving noodle pudding in the oven!
Erwin M Jacobs says
November 15, 2018 at 7:31 amI made this for my family and it was perfect even though I did not use the sour cream-I did not have it on hand- but will use it next time.l
debra says
April 16, 2019 at 6:46 pmRicotta in lieu of cottage cheese delicious!
Jo Ann Adiele says
October 1, 2018 at 1:40 pmMy daughter doesn’t like raisins! Is she my daughter?? Kidding! I want to use apples, should I fry them first? This recipe is so yummy!
Tori Avey says
October 3, 2018 at 9:58 amHi Jo Ann! If you are using apples I would suggest peeling and dicing them into 1/2 inch pieces, then adding directly to the kugel. I’m thinking they should cook up tender at that size, no need to pre-fry.
Maxx says
September 26, 2018 at 9:40 amCan you make this without using a food processor?
Tori Avey says
September 26, 2018 at 12:42 pmYou can use a blender to blend the wet ingredients together. Mixing it by hand will leave chunks of cream cheese, unless it is very softened before mixing.
Maxx says
September 26, 2018 at 2:08 pmThanks Tori. Can I use an electric hand mixer (if I let the cream cheese soften first)?
Tori Avey says
September 26, 2018 at 3:37 pmHi Maxx, yes that should work. You just want to make sure it’s as smooth as possible.
Sheila says
September 13, 2018 at 5:15 pmCan you double the recipe?
Tori Avey says
September 15, 2018 at 9:17 amYes, but you should separate it between two baking dishes.
Carol says
September 10, 2018 at 5:39 amGreat recipe! I made it exactly according to the directions and it was perfect. Now my families favorite noodle kugel.
Karen Roth Ingber says
September 10, 2018 at 3:20 amI stuck to the recipe exactly. The only change I made was swapping dried cranberries for the raisins. It was a huge hit at my mom’s house last night for Rosh Hashanah dinner. I’m definitely going to add this to my list of go-to holiday recipes.
Eve says
August 26, 2018 at 10:18 amCan your kugel recipe be adjusted for use in a smaller pan? If so what size would you recommend? I want to bake in my Breville – in AZ it’s way too hot to open the oven. I did it once in the winter and it was perfect.
Tori Avey says
August 26, 2018 at 1:00 pmHi Eve, I am sure it could. Kugel is very forgiving. Just use whatever size pan works best for you, and bake until the center of the kugel is set and the tips of the noodle turn golden.
Linda says
May 25, 2018 at 9:08 pmSound so yummy. My mother made kugel al the time pretty close to this recipe. I add 1/2 jar of high quality orange marmalade, orange zest, and the juice of an orange to the batter. Before adding the crushed corn flake butter topping, I glaze the kugel with more marmalade. If it’s an adult get together I soak the raisins over night in orange liquor or Southern Comfort. If kids are joining in I soak in orange juice. Sounds sweeter than it is because the noodles are bland.
Chris Avey says
May 20, 2018 at 3:00 pmThis looks like a good recipe to veganise, I’ve not come across a noodle or pasta based pudding before.
Chris Avey
JohnnySmash says
May 9, 2018 at 5:52 pmThis was a good recipe. You can swap fruits and toppings to suit your own tastes and put a tasty spin on it. This brought back great memories. Your posting was a mitzvah!
Lainie says
May 6, 2018 at 1:07 pmAs a little twist (mostly because my family didn’t care for the suggested fruit) I added cinnamon apples. It was a huge hit!
Abraham Baron says
April 22, 2018 at 9:47 pmVery good
Golden Raisins and the pineapple will add more taste as well as vanilla
Audrey Baron says
October 25, 2018 at 5:32 amHey that’s my uncle on the other side of the country! My son doesn’t like fruit at all and it is still delicious!
Kristy says
April 1, 2018 at 12:58 pmCan I add vanilla to this recipe?
Tori Avey says
April 1, 2018 at 6:09 pmYes, 1 teaspoon is fine.
Laura says
March 28, 2018 at 6:07 amCan I prep it and keep it in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning, or will it get too mushy?
Tori Avey says
March 28, 2018 at 9:50 amShould be ok if you cover it tightly. However, if you are using Passover noodles (which I bring up because of the time of year you’re asking your question), I can’t promise the texture will be good– I’ve never made this with Passover noodles, and their texture may be different.
Betty says
March 17, 2018 at 2:35 pmI love kugel with crushed pineapple. Cherries always go great with pineapple… so I put 1/2 in the baking dish, then scatter on some chopped cherries, and pour the rest of the mix on top… I had never had this until a couple yrs ago when I went to the Jewish food fair in town. OMG Now I make this ever yr. Having diabetes I only allow myself some once per yr. lol
Brooke Sullivan says
March 2, 2018 at 11:32 amI’ve made this recipe now about 10x. The noodle size and fruit can be changed up. I use skinny noodles and load it up with pineapple but the custard recipe itself is where it’s at. My house smells INCREDIBLE when I make this. Someone needs to make a candle or wax melt to mimic it.
Anyway, I’m taking 1/2 of this puppy to Purim services tomorrow for my Bestie… and get between her and my kugel and you might get hurt. Lol
Sheri Greenberg says
February 18, 2018 at 1:37 pmThis is as close to my grandma’s recipe as I have seen so far. Thank you. Bigtime.
Tori Avey says
February 18, 2018 at 7:57 pmYou’re welcome Sheri!
Liz says
December 12, 2017 at 5:33 amHappy Hanukkah
Omg I have been looking for this gorgeous recipe, can’t wait to try it! Thank you.
I am a geriatric nurse and I would love to bake this for my Jewish patients.
Marla James says
December 8, 2017 at 5:58 pmIn mine I substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese.
William.oconnor says
December 8, 2017 at 1:07 pmThank you,noodle krugle a friend’s child hood dish. Wishes to make noodle krugle with matzos and pineapple
Elisa says
December 7, 2017 at 8:33 amI make noddlr pudding with apple rasins and cherries with eggs and sugar
Sarah Brown says
November 20, 2017 at 7:00 amAny tips on how to add some nuts to the dish? Should they be mixed in with the fruit or put on top? What kind of nuts would be best? Thanks.
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
November 20, 2017 at 8:57 amHi Sarah, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. I think walnuts or pecans would be nice, and they can be mixed in or placed on top, whichever you prefer. Just be sure that they don’t burn if you decided to put them on top.
Ruth emanuel says
November 17, 2017 at 6:43 amCan I make lockshen pudding with pasta?
Tori Avey says
November 18, 2017 at 5:04 amYes– the texture will vary from pasta to pasta. Certain noodles work better than others. For example, I wouldn’t use spaghetti pasta in a Lokshen Kugel, but you can definitely use farfalle or rotini. I’ve found that flat egg noodles and rotini work best.
jules rosen says
October 7, 2017 at 10:33 amFyi . i used whipped cream cheese instead of those heavy rectangles. Mixed easier.
Laura says
November 5, 2017 at 9:19 amI made and baked this kugel according to your recipe. Then I froze it, planning to reheat it for an upcoming Chanukah party. My concern is that when I baked it, the kugel pulled away from the sides of the pan. Now I am concerned that it will be dry and tough when I reheat it for my party. Should I start over, or can I salvage the kugel that I’ve already made? Thanks!
Tori Avey says
November 19, 2017 at 8:52 amFor freezing kugel, I always recommend baking it only to about 80% done before freezing, then reheating and “finishing” in the oven before serving.
Jodie says
October 2, 2017 at 7:52 amI made this for Rosh Hashanah at it was a huge hit! My friend requested I make it again for a Shabbos dinner she is hosting. If I halve the recipe, does that change the baking time?
Linda says
September 29, 2017 at 2:40 pmI have a similar recipe :
1b egg noodles
Sour cream large container
cottage cheese large container
Cream cheese 8oz
Sugar 1C
Milk 3/4 C
9 eggs
Cinnamon
Anita says
July 6, 2018 at 2:27 pmI am making this, but substituted full fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. I hope it works. I am eager to try this dish.
Hannah Elizabetg says
September 29, 2017 at 11:00 amI was hoping that you could answer the about preparing the kugel today and baking it tomorrow. Thanks!
Karen says
September 29, 2017 at 10:54 amYikes! I generously sprinkled the graham crackers on top and it covers the whole top, almost like a crust! Think it will cook/ come out okay?? Wondering if I should scrape some off….
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
October 3, 2017 at 4:56 pmHi Karen, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. I would try to remove some of the graham crackers if possible.
Gary Captol says
September 28, 2017 at 6:12 pmCan I add apples ?
Sally Richardson says
October 2, 2017 at 12:26 pmI just had it with apples in it and it was great. It was a gift, so I can’t help with recipe.
Rachel says
October 29, 2017 at 2:55 pmYes! Delicious with apples.
carrie newman says
September 28, 2017 at 1:17 pmCan I cook it 50% covered on Thursday and refrigerate not freezer, then bake uncovered the other 50% right befoire serving dinner on Saturday? 2-3 days
Tori Avey says
September 28, 2017 at 2:24 pmIf you plan to do this I would bake it 80% done so it is almost done. Cooking it 50% of the way and refrigerating may lead to spoilage.
Jodi Bernstein says
September 28, 2017 at 9:22 amCan fresh apples be used instead of raisins? How many apples and should the be sliced or chopped?
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
September 28, 2017 at 11:41 amHi Jodi, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. Keep in mind that apples would introduce extra moisture to the kugel, but if you’d like to use them I would dice them very small or shred them and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. We haven’t tried this, so I’m not entirely sure how well it will work, but I think it’s worth a try!
JOYCE L KRUGER says
September 23, 2017 at 5:14 pmI am going to a service for Yom Kipper. After were are having a break the fast. Do i need to keep it in the refrigerator during the service or can i keep out and serve room temperature.
Tori Avey says
September 24, 2017 at 11:21 amI would refrigerate it to be safe. You can reheat it in a 325 degree oven for 10-20 minutes to refresh it before serving.
Vita Montgomery says
September 20, 2017 at 2:49 pmCan I substitute yoghurt for sour cream?
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
September 25, 2017 at 9:20 amHi Vita, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. Yes, you can substitute yogurt for sour cream. I’d recommend Greek yogurt.
Sheila Stern says
September 18, 2017 at 9:18 pmTory I have 2 questions!! How many people will 1# of noodles serve? Can I mix all the ingredients together the day before and refrigerate and cook the noodles and add the other ingredients the next day and bake?
I want this for Thursday night holiday dinner!!
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
September 19, 2017 at 9:48 amHi Sheila, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. This recipe is for 12 ounces of noodles and serves 15 people, so I’d guess a pound of noodles would serve about 20. Yes, it would be fine to make the egg mixture the day before and refrigerate and complete the recipe the next day.
Selda says
September 19, 2017 at 3:15 pmCan I prepare it today and cook it tomorrow?
Tia says
September 18, 2017 at 6:00 pmI made this recipe just as it was described last year and it was a hit. Would I need to alter the recipe at all if I decided to use fine egg noodles?
Tori Avey says
September 18, 2017 at 7:06 pmHi Tia, I haven’t tried it but this recipe is pretty flexible. I’m thinking it should probably be fine!
Vicki says
September 26, 2017 at 6:32 pmCan I omit the sour cream and cottage cheese and only use the cream cheese as well as the other ingredients and top with cherries ?
Elizabeth says
September 18, 2017 at 6:59 amHi, is it possible to make this in advance and bake or reheat right before serving? Thanks!
Tori Avey says
September 18, 2017 at 9:30 amHi Elizabeth – yes. Cook it until it is about 80% done, then freeze. When you reheat, continue to bake until it is fully cooked. This way it won’t turn out dry. Enjoy!
Minna says
September 19, 2017 at 2:35 pmHi, when I continue cooking in the oven (after being frozen) should I reheat:bake it covered or uncovered? And would this be for an additional twenty minutes at 350?
Tori Avey says
September 19, 2017 at 8:03 pmYou can cook it uncovered, and you should bake it until it is warmed through and golden brown around the edges. Timing will vary baking from frozen, so best to test it.
jenni says
September 17, 2017 at 2:49 pmfantastic – thank you !!!
Beeg anders says
August 31, 2017 at 8:46 amDo you have a recipe for a pareve sweet lukshen kugel? I wanna serve it on shabbos and wouldnt be able to with all these dairy products in it.
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
September 5, 2017 at 10:22 amHi Beeg, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. We do not currently have a recipe for pareve kugel.
Cheryl says
September 15, 2017 at 9:41 amYou don’t have to use all the dairy products. Sub margarine for butter
I let the hot noodles melt it and use a bit more. It won’t be creamy but it’s always been tasty (my mother’s recipe which I observed so there were never real measurements back in the day.)
Betty Greenberg says
September 27, 2017 at 7:55 amThis response is concerning a recipe for pareve kugel. Mine is pareve because I kept kosher for years and used this recipe for dairy and meat meals. I use no dairy products, margarine instead of butter and lots of beaten eggs, sugar, orange juice, chopped apples, pineapple chunks, and noodles. There’s no cheese to hold it together so it’s best to bake it a day ahead and cut it into squares when cold. Reheat when you plan to serve it. It’s delicious and lighter than kugel with cheeses. Hope this is helpful.
Hannah Y says
August 20, 2017 at 9:34 pmHi there,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your delicious kugel recipe.
My family’s kugel recipe was very dry and my grandma would usually burn the noodles on the top, bless her heart.
Anyway, I researched recipes and came across this one. Now, everyone’s family has the “best kugel” and I took a risk bringing this kugel to Shabbat dinner for four different families, but everyone raved about it. Phewwww. I added raisins and pineapple. Mmmm. Mmmmm. Mmmmmm.
Susan says
July 20, 2017 at 8:04 amNi ob
Ne asked, will ask.,,at what temperature id this bake. .. i normally bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
July 21, 2017 at 8:10 amHi Susan, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. This kugel is baked at 350 degrees F.
Dina says
June 9, 2017 at 8:26 amWould this work for regular noodles not egg noodles? Can I add extra eggs to make up for it?
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
June 9, 2017 at 9:19 amHi Dina, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. It really depends on what kind of noodles you’re considering. Kugel is traditionally made with egg noodles.
Cheryl Lifshitz says
May 18, 2017 at 4:20 amTori ,your my new Noreen Gilletz and Joy of cooking Queen! Although my brothers think I can’t follow a recipe you make it all simple and delicious!! Your web site is the first place I look for great traditional recipes..Thank you!!
Tori Avey says
September 18, 2017 at 9:28 amThat is a major compliment, thank you Cheryl! 🙂
AJ says
May 11, 2017 at 12:04 pmHow long will a traditional noodle kugel with eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream be safe to eat if refrigerated (not frozen) right after you make it? Thank you.
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
June 8, 2017 at 7:54 amHi AJ, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. The kugel will be fine in the refrigerator for a few days, I’d say no more than 4.
Kate says
May 6, 2017 at 1:16 pmHi Tori! I plan on making this recipe next week for my college-aged son who volunteered to bring it to the last day of one of his classes. The recipe looks delicious, but I have a question–what type of cottage cheese should I use? I know there are several types, i.e. small curd, cream-style, etc., so want to be sure I buy the right one. Thanks!
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
May 9, 2017 at 9:40 amHi Kate, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. Any size curd will work here since it’s all being blended together. Enjoy!
Sur says
April 15, 2017 at 11:56 amDear Tori,
I just put your recipe in the oven. It was so easy to prepare and I did add raisins.
Do you have any kind of topping you serve with it like whipped cream? I’ll let you know how it tuns out.
Karen A says
April 13, 2017 at 3:34 amFound on Google. Made for Passover and everyone loved it. Will come back to site for recipes again.
Nicole says
April 9, 2017 at 7:51 amHi, Tori! I am on a search for dishes to make during unleavened bread. I have gluten free, kosher for Pesach, egg noodles. Can I substitute them in this dish?! Super excited to give some of your recipes a try. I am so grateful for Jewish women like you providing accessible recipes online!
Tori Avey says
April 12, 2017 at 12:42 pmHi Nicole– I have never cooked with the Passover noodles before. From what I am told they are not the greatest in terms of flavor/texture, but I know some people use them and enjoy them… they should work fine in the kugel, but I can’t promise the flavor will be great because I haven’t tested it myself. Good luck!
Marsha Shtal says
April 12, 2017 at 3:33 pmHi Nicole & Tori,
I’ve been making a very similar recipe for years. I’ve adapted it to make it my own. The original ones called Elegant Noodle Pudding. I’ve also adapted the GF egg noodles that Nicole mentioned. The cooking time of the GF noodles must be reduced or the trait is a mushy Kugel.
Marsha’s Elegant Noodle Pudding
8″ square Pyrex pan
Preheat oven to 325*
•(GF Noodles cook for only 6 min.)
•2 c. “no-yolk” or GF egg noodles / you could add a little more
•3 lg. eggs
•1/8 lb. melted butter or margarine (2 oz.) / (divided) (1/2 stick)
•1 lb. cottage cheese (1 500g container)* (if too much liquid,….DRAIN it)
•1/4 c. sugar
•1/2 tsp. salt
•1 c. (light) sour cream (1/2 500g container)
•1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
•1 tbsp. flour or (Rice flour/GF)
•Cook noodles- 10 min.
(GF- 6 min)
•Rinse with cold water, drain
•Place noodles in lg. bowl, add 1/8 c. (1 oz.) melted butter (1/2 stick). Set aside.
•Separate 3 eggs. Beat yolks.
•Add to yolks: cottage cheese, sugar, salt, sour cream, 1/8 c. (1 oz) melted butter, 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
•Sift in 1 tbsp. rice flour & blend.
•Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites
•Divide this creamy mixture in half
•Mix half mixture with noodles
•Grease or spray an 8″ square Pyrex dish, put mixture with noodles into it and pour rest of creamy mixture on top
•Bake at 325* for 40-60 min., depending on your oven
•It’s done when it’s lightly browned on top and looks semi-firm.
Double Mixture:
Marsha’s Elegant Noodle Pudding (for 9×13″ pan)
Preheat oven to 325*
•4 c. “no-yolk” or GF egg noodles /you could add a little more
•6 lg. eggs
•1/4 lb. melted butter or margarine (4oz.) /(divided) (1 stick)
•2 lb. cottage cheese (2 x 500g containers)* (if too much liquid,….DRAIN it)
•1/2 c. sugar
•1 tsp. salt
•2 c. (light) sour cream (1x500g container)
•1 tsp. vanilla extract
•2 tbsp. flour or (Rice flour/GF)
•Cook noodles- 10 min.
•(GF Noodles cook for only 6 min.)
•Rinse with cold water, drain
•Place noodles in lg. bowl, add 1/4c. (2 oz.) melted butter. Set aside.
•Separate 6 eggs. Beat yolks.
•Add to yolks:
-cottage cheese, sugar, salt, sour cream, 1/4 c. (2 oz) (1 stick) melted butter, 1 tsp. vanilla.
•Sift in 2 tbsp. rice flour & blend.
•Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites
•Divide this creamy mixture in half
•Mix half mixture with noodles
•Grease or spray an 9×13″ Pyrex dish, put mixture with noodles into it and pour rest of creamy mixture on top
•Bake at 325* for 40-60 min., depending on your oven
•It’s done when it’s lightly browned on top and looks semi-firm.
Hope this helps.
Adele Miller says
April 4, 2017 at 10:43 pmCan I freeze the kugel? I am planning on baking this dish for 40 minutes, freezing it when cool .
I’ll defrost the dish and cook it for 20 more minutes, before serving. Is this okay to do?
Tori Avey says
April 5, 2017 at 8:30 amHi Adele– yes, this should be fine. As long as it is around 80% cooked when you cool it, you’re good.
Lisa says
April 4, 2017 at 8:15 amHow many packages of noodles should I use?
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
April 4, 2017 at 9:19 amHi Lisa, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. This recipe calls for one 12 oz bag of noodles.
Irina says
April 2, 2017 at 6:41 amHow do you turn the kugel over in the middle of baking it? Lol sorry for a stupid question
Ashley at ToriAvey.com says
April 3, 2017 at 12:41 pmHi Irina, Tori’s assistant Ashley here. The instructions just mean to turn the pan 180 degrees, not the the actual kugel itself. 🙂 This helps to ensure even baking.
David L says
April 1, 2017 at 3:00 pmOh my gosh, this is soooo good. My mom made a variation of this for me growing up and for longer than I care to admit. We just called it cottage cheese n noodle, cause that’s all there was to it save a little sugar and butter. I see now I was eating and in recent years making a meal that pales in comparison to this. I just made this and literally just finished my 1st helping of it. Yum! Going back for seconds. Thanks for this recipe.
Nivia Mendez-Aucapina says
March 31, 2017 at 7:28 amI’m Puerto Rican may I say thank God for meeting my Glam’Ma who’s Jewish . I had apiece of her Kugel which her niece made . I loved now I follow your recipe Tori may I say it Delicious.. this morning I’m in the middle of making KUGEL .. ????????
Naomi Tiscione says
March 30, 2017 at 8:12 pmThis is the best kugel recipe I have ever made, including my family recipe (sorry Grandma). It’s sweet, but not cloying, and it’s texture is very firm, and not soggy or slippery. I wasn’t sure what kind of sugar to use, so I used dark brown, and I liked that choice very much.
Because I live at 4500ft, I made a couple of super tiny adjustments that other people living at altitude might or might not be interested in. I turned up the oven to 375 degrees, and at an hour, I started hovering over the oven to watch what the kugel was doing. It became uniformly crisp and lovely at 1hr 20 min.
Charlene says
April 8, 2017 at 11:16 amI make a sweet kugel with farmer cheese cream cheese and whipped cottage cheese half and half sugar eggs Cooked narrow noodles and melted unasalted butter then grease a baking pan with butter and bake for 45 minutes While that’s baking I make a streusel topping and add it to my kugel till it’s all brown and bubbly.Its mike high and light as well as delicious Oh yes a bit of baking powder as well
Judy says
March 24, 2017 at 8:20 amMaking 2 trays of this for tonight, my daughter has a pot luck for some Japanese exchange students in her HS program. Smells delish as it finishing in the oven. This is just like the one I remember my mom cooking.
Debra Dail says
March 14, 2017 at 6:11 amI don’t normally follow recipes. This one i did & i made a delicious SLK (noodle pudding) i am African American and i ? this recipe. About to make my 2nd one today .Thanks
Debra Dail says
March 7, 2017 at 12:30 pmI Got the recipe from my Patients daughter. She made one for me for a wake. It was a different dish to my family & friend out of all the food that was there everyone was complementing that dish. I made it for the first time today and it was a good dish also i am prove of my self and i follow this recipe thanks
Shoshanna M says
March 1, 2017 at 8:22 amI use this one as a matzo farfel kugel by using chopped apple and plumped raisins for the cup of fruit and substituting the matzo farfel for the cooked noodles. It has always turned out wonderful. When it is first out of the oven I spread jam on it and then sprinkle with shaved almonds. I never have leftovers.
Annabelle May says
March 18, 2017 at 4:00 pmDid you do anything to prep the apples or just chopped worked out? I’m trying to find a fruit to add that goes well with it, but I’m just not a fan of raisins.
Christine spencer says
February 24, 2017 at 11:26 amTori,
Loved your brisket. I’m looking to duplicate my moms kugel ( we’re not Jewish) and I’m almost positive she used Farmers cheese. Would that have been in lieu of the cottage cheese? Your photo looks just like moms . Thanks Christine
Tori Avey says
February 24, 2017 at 1:52 pmHi Christine – yes, farmer’s cheese can be substituted for cottage cheese. It is slightly drier, but the end result should be very similar.
christine spencer says
February 28, 2017 at 2:27 pmTori
Thank you! i used the farmers cheese instead of the cream cheese and the kugel was
light and fluffy, just the right amount of sweet and my husband couldn’t believe he wasn’t
eating my moms recipe. Ive already spread your praises amongst my family.
Sincerely , Christine Spencer
PS- next I’m trying your matzah balls!
Tori Avey says
February 28, 2017 at 7:47 pmFabulous Christine! So happy to hear that. I’ll add farmer’s cheese as an alternative to cream cheese in the ingredient list, as I’ve had this question before. I know many families grew up using farmer’s cheese in their kugel. Thank you for writing!
Carol says
February 11, 2017 at 3:39 pmCan Ricotta be substituted for Cottage Cheese ?
Tori Avey says
February 12, 2017 at 1:10 pmYes.
Maria Cullen says
February 7, 2017 at 8:51 amJust tried this recipe last night, wow!!! Had to cut in half because I didn’t have enough precooked egg noodles and I used dried apricots, yum! Because I had a smaller amount, I buttered ramekins and cooked in a water bath for an hour, delish!!! Thank you!
Ron Gross says
January 1, 2017 at 9:50 amTori, your recipe sounds wonderful. This would be the first time I’ve ever made kugel, and all the different recipes have confused me. Some have just cottage cheese, others have cottage cheese and sour cream, some just sour cream, some have cream cheese & sour cream, etc.
So, as a fairly inexperienced cook, how much of a difference is there, between one of those combinations and the other? Is it just a matter of taste? I also see that the recipes call for between 8 oz of noodles, to 16 oz, yet they all say to use a 9×13 pan. So, which is better?
I’m going to try making your recipe, but these questions are because everyone who sent me their family recipe, has a totally different recipe.
Thanks.
Stan says
January 14, 2017 at 6:00 amThis is the recipe my grandmother used. It is the real one!
Stan
Coco says
February 24, 2017 at 7:45 amI’m not Tori but figured I’d weigh in since I’ve made this kugel recipe and a few others — the cream cheese results in a dense, cheesecake-like texture. It’s different from cottage cheese kugel I grew up with, which was fluffier and lighter — this one feels more like dessert to me! I made it for my brother and sister in law (she loves kugel) and they were big fans. I used dried cranberries in place of the raisins.