Apple Noodle Kugel - Hanukkah Recipe - Savory Simple (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This sweet Apple Noodle Kugel recipe is perfect for celebrating Jewish holidays! Sour cream, cottage cheese, and a cinnamon-sugar topping help make this total comfort food.

Apple Noodle Kugel - Hanukkah Recipe - Savory Simple (1)

Ever since we got DNA tested, Jeff and I have been making jokes about “the food of our people.” He was surprised to discover that, even though his (our) last name is Farley, there is no direct Irish heritage.

However, he’s apparently 15.8% Iberian, which means I have now christened him my Iberian Ham. My results were slightly more straight forward, and I found them amusing: I’m 95% Ashkenazic Jew.

Certainly not a boring history, but not the most exciting results when you’re wondering if you’re going to see something unexpected.

Food is a big part of the Jewish holidays, and I’ve always been especially partial to kugel. My mom’s Sweet Pecan Kugel is still one of my favorites.

With Chanukah around the corner, I thought I’d prepare a more basic noodle kugel recipe with a touch of fall flair. Using chopped, tart apples adds a subtle texture and fruity acidity similar to what you’ll find in pineapple kugels.

Should I back up slightly? Are you wondering what kugel even is?

Apple Noodle Kugel - Hanukkah Recipe - Savory Simple (2)

What is kugel?

Kugel is a Jewish casserole, typically made from egg noodles or potatoes.It’s a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, often served on Shabbat and Yom Tov. It’s a wonderful side dish for all Jewish holidays, especially at brunch gatherings.

Sometimes at Passover you’ll see matzo kugels. There are both sweet and savory versions, and sweet kugels can range from subtly sweet (like this one) to bordering on almost dessert levels of sweetness (such as the sweet pecan kugel referenced above).

How far in advance can you prepare noodle kugel?

Noodle kugel can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance. Before serving, reheat it at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, or until warm in the center.

Alternately, you can prepare the recipe up to Step 5 (omitting the cinnamon sugar topping). Cover the casserole dish and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake it just before serving.

More holiday recipes:

  • Pumpkin Slab Pie
  • Cardamom Snowdrop Cookies
  • Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream Melting Hearts
  • Blackberry Cranberry Sauce (from Love & Olive Oil)

Apple Noodle Kugel - Hanukkah Recipe - Savory Simple (3)

Print Pin Recipe

Apple Noodle Kugel

5 from 8 votes

This sweet Apple Noodle Kugel recipe is perfect for celebrating Jewish holidays! Sour cream, cottage cheese, and a cinnamon-sugar topping help make this a perfect comfort food dish.

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine Jewish

Keyword noodle kugel

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 315

Author Jennifer Farley

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

For the kugel:

  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles
  • 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 pound cottage cheese
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 Granny smith apple, coarsely chopped (approximately 2 cups)

For the topping:

  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with butter or baking spray.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 4 minutes, then drain and set aside.

  • In a large mixing bowl, Whisk together the butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. Stir in the noodles, raisins and chopped apples.

  • Prepare the topping: in a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon and salt using a fork.

  • Pour filling into the prepared casserole dish, and top evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

  • Bake until custard is set and top is golden brown, approximately 40 to 45 minutes.

Notes

Noodle kugel can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance. Reheat it at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, or until warm in the center. Alternately, you can prepare the recipe up to Step 5 (omitting the cinnamon sugar topping). Cover the casserole dish and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake it just before serving.

Adapted from Dave Liberman

Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg

Recipe Troubleshooting

For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)

Apple Noodle Kugel - Hanukkah Recipe - Savory Simple (2024)

FAQs

Is kugel eaten at Hanukkah? ›

Potato Kugel Recipe

This potato kugel is especially wonderful for Hanukkah. It has all the flavor and deliciousness of potato latkes but takes only half the work.

Why does my noodle Kugel fall apart? ›

If the noodles cook longer, they get too soft to stick together, and the kugel falls apart. At the end of the 120 seconds, take the pot from the stove and pour the noodles into the colander. Immediately rinse them with cold tap water to stop the cooking.

What is a substitute for farmers cheese in kugel? ›

ILOC tip: if you can't find farmer cheese, just do a full pound of cottage cheese instead.

What's the difference between a kugel and a casserole? ›

The common denominators of all true kugels are a starch base, eggs (or egg substitute), and fat, without the addition of water or other liquids. If the dish lacks any of the basic ingredients, it is technically a casserole or cake, not a kugel.

Why do Jews eat kugel? ›

As Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz once said, “Jews eat lots of lokshen on Shabbat because noodles are symbolic of the unity of the people of Israel: They are so tangled that they can never be separated.” Noodle kugel may not actually be eaten by all Jews, but it has clearly reached far beyond mere Ashkenazi cuisine.

What not to eat during Hanukkah? ›

"Among other rules, eating certain animals, primarily pigs and shellfish, is forbidden; meat must be ritually and humanely slaughtered; and dairy and meat aren't to be eaten at the same meal." Fish and plant foods are "neutral" (parve) and can be eaten with either meat or dairy.

Is noodle Kugel better hot or cold? ›

Kugel is traditionally served as a side dish alongside something meaty like brisket or roast chicken. In this case it would normally be served warm, but it can also be refrigerated and eaten cold the next day. Sweeter versions can also be eaten hot or cold, and taste great with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.

Can you eat noodle Kugel cold? ›

Do You Eat Noodle Kugel Hot or Cold? While noodle kugel should be removed from the oven and cooled for at least 30 minutes after baking, it can be eaten at any temperature.

Can noodle Kugel be reheated? ›

The kugel can be cooled completely, covered and refrigerated a day in advance. Reheat, covered with aluminum foil, in a 300-degree oven until warmed through.

Why is kugel called kugel? ›

The name of the dish comes from the Middle High German kugel meaning 'sphere, globe, ball'; thus the Yiddish name likely originated as a reference to the round, puffed-up shape of the original dishes (compare to German Gugelhupf—a type of ring-shaped cake). However, nowadays kugel is often baked in square pans.

Why is my farmers cheese rubbery? ›

Too much rennet was used or too much butterfat, left your cheese during the process. Rubbery cheese can happen when an excess amount of rennet is used, too much rennet equals a rubber ball, too little, soup!

What's the difference between ricotta and farmer's cheese? ›

Cottage cheese and Farmer's cheese are casein cheeses produced from using an acid like vinegar, while ricotta is a whey cheese made from the leftover sweet whey after making rennet based cheeses.

What is the English word for kugel? ›

„Kugel“: Femininum

ball bullet, pellet, shot sphere, globe bulb head thick flank roulette ball sphere shot, bowl, ball ball More translations... ball.

What to serve with a noodle kugel? ›

The best side dishes to serve with kugel are Jewish brisket, cholent, shakshuka, Caesar salad, chicken soup, gefilte fish, zucchini fritters, applesauce, cucumber salad, pickled beets, tzatziki sauce, potato latkes, roast vegetables, matzo ball soup, coleslaw.

What is a South African kugel? ›

South African slang (usually derogatory). A type of wealthy young (Jewish) woman, characterized as being shallow and materialistic.

What is traditionally eaten at Hanukkah? ›

Throughout the eight days of Hanukkah, Jewish families like mine celebrate by eating latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (fried jelly doughnuts). Notice a theme? Traditional Hanukkah foods are often fried because they're reminders of the oil in the legendary Hanukkah story.

What is the traditional food served during Hanukkah? ›

The eight days of Hanukkah are observed with the lighting of a menorah after sundown and meals featuring foods challah bread, kugel, potato latkes, jelly doughnuts called sufganiyot, and festive drinks. Fried foods recall the miracle at the Temple of Jerusalem, when a day's worth of oil lasted eight nights.

What three foods are eaten during Hanukkah? ›

Most of these traditional foods are fried in oil, symbolic of the oil that lasted eight days. Others contain cheese to celebrate Judith's victory. Three popular foods eaten on the Jewish holidays include loukoumades, pancakes, and latkes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6535

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Birthday: 1996-05-19

Address: Apt. 114 873 White Lodge, Libbyfurt, CA 93006

Phone: +5983010455207

Job: Legacy Representative

Hobby: Blacksmithing, Urban exploration, Sudoku, Slacklining, Creative writing, Community, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.