Delicious Noodle Kugel

Why Make This Recipe

Noodle Kugel is a delightful dish that has roots in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine. It combines egg noodles with creamy ingredients and a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect side dish or even a dessert. People of all ages love this dish for its comforting texture and rich flavors. It can be served during Jewish holidays like Passover or simply enjoyed at family gatherings. By making this recipe, you bring a warm piece of tradition to your table. Plus, it’s relatively easy to prepare, allowing even novice cooks to shine in the kitchen.

How to Make Delicious Noodle Kugel

Making Delicious Noodle Kugel is an enjoyable experience that yields a satisfying result. Following these simple steps will guide you through creating this comforting casserole that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Delicious Noodle Kugel, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 16 oz sour cream
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (additional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (additional)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your Delicious Noodle Kugel:

1. Preheat Your Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step prepares the oven for baking your kugel.

2. Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and add the wide egg noodles along with the kosher salt. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, meaning they are still slightly firm. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.

3. Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. Mix these three creamy ingredients until the mixture is smooth. This creamy base is what makes the kugel rich and flavorful.

4. Add Eggs and Flavor: Next, add the large eggs one by one to the creamy mixture. Drizzle in the melted butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix everything together thoroughly. This step is where the kugel gains its signature flavor.

5. Fold in the Noodles: Now, take your cooked noodles and gently fold them into the creamy mixture. Make sure all the noodles are evenly coated without breaking them too much. You want to keep the texture intact.

6. Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a large baking dish and grease it with some butter or cooking spray. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.

7. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the additional granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the noodle kugel. This will create a lovely, sweet crust when it’s baked.

8. Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden-brown top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

9. Cool Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, remove the kugel from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows it to set a bit more and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Delicious Noodle Kugel

Delicious Noodle Kugel can be served warm or cold. For a heartwarming experience, consider serving it fresh out of the oven with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of warm fruit compote. If you prefer, you can also serve it the next day cold, which makes for a refreshing dish. It pairs well with roasted chicken or can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet snack or dessert. You might even sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top or serve it with fresh fruit for additional flavor.

How to Store Delicious Noodle Kugel

To store your leftover Delicious Noodle Kugel, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or place it back in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat.

Tips to Make Delicious Noodle Kugel

• Choose the Right Noodles: Always use wide egg noodles for a traditional kugel texture. Different noodles may not provide the same consistency.

• Experiment with Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less sugar depending on your taste. If you prefer a sweeter kugel, add some raisins or dried fruit into the mix for added sweetness and chewiness.

• Incorporate Fruits: You can also experiment by adding fresh fruits like apples or pears to the mixture for extra flavor and moisture.

• Texture Preference: If you like a crunchier top, cook the kugel a little longer. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Variation

• Savory Noodle Kugel: For those who want a savory twist, you can skip the sugar and cinnamon and add sautéed onions, garlic, and green peppers. You might also consider adding shredded cheese for a cheesy version.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese in Noodle Kugel?

Yes, you can substitute or add different types of cheese. For example, ricotta or mozzarella can be used to create a different flavor profile.

2. Is Delicious Noodle Kugel gluten-free?

Traditional Noodle Kugel is not gluten-free due to the egg noodles. However, gluten-free pasta can be used as an alternative if you or someone you are serving has gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I make Noodle Kugel ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare Noodle Kugel a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil after mixing, and store it in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve it, you can bake it from the chilled state. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

4. How can I enhance the flavor of my kugel?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg, using fresh vanilla beans instead of extract, or infusing citrus zest can elevate the flavors of your kugel significantly.

5. Can Noodle Kugel be served as a main dish?

While it’s typically a side dish or dessert, you can certainly serve Noodle Kugel as a main course, especially if you add some protein or veggies to the mix, making it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Embrace the joy of cooking and share the warmth of Delicious Noodle Kugel with family and friends. Remember, this dish is not just about great taste; it’s also about creating wonderful memories around the dining table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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