Noodle Kugel Bake

Noodle Kugel Bake is an amazing feast of flavor and texture. This comforting dish is great for large gatherings or smaller family get-togethers alike. It's also a fantastic make-ahead meal since it can be prepared in advance, reheats easily, and can be easily suited to your tastes. With its deliciously creamy filling, Noodle Kugel Bake is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Want another tasty noodle dish for dinner? Check out this tuna noodle casserole for a classic dinner-time comfort food.

classic baked noodles in glass baking dish on top of wire rack on table

What to Serve with Noodle Kugel

This noodle kugel is a delicious meal that can be paired with almost anything.
Combine the kugel with a light salad for a simple side dish. Roasted vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower also go great with this dish.

For a heartier meal, serve it with roasted chicken or grilled fish. This dish also goes great with applesauce or your favorite chutney.

square slice of noodle kugel bake on round white plate by glass baking dish

Ingredients

7 oz egg noodles (200g)
1 teaspoon salt (6g)
½ teaspoon black pepper (1.25g)
¼ cup butter, melted (57g)
5 large eggs
10 oz cottage cheese, (300g)
1 cup sour cream (240g)
1 medium yellow onion, caramelized

Kitchen Tool Used

rectangle baking dish made of glass filled with noodle kugel bake

How to Make a Classic Noodle Kugel

Video Recipe:

This recipe uses caramelized onions. If you have never made them, follow this tutorial for how to make caramelized onions. You will need to allow at least 30-45 minutes for these to cook properly in addition to the time listed.

Once your onions are nicely caramelized, you can begin preparing the dish. Since most of this is simply putting things together and pouring them into a baking dish, it is considered a fast and easy recipe in our house.

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C, then prepare your baking dish. This is ideal for a 9"x13" baking dish or a 10" oval dish. Spray or butter this well so the pasta doesn't stick.

In a large stockpot, cook the egg noodles in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, drain and set aside.

pasta being added to boiling water on hot plate

Now, in a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in the caramelized onions and then season with salt and black pepper.

Combine this cheesy mixture with the pasta, then pour it into the baking dish.

Bake for 50 minutes until nicely browned on top and bubbling.

square piece of kugel on plate with brown trim beside baking dish and napkin

Chef's Tips:

Choose a quality frozen noodle such as Reame's or Mrs. Weiss' Kluski Egg Noodles. If you prefer using a dry noodle, the Manischevitz egg noodles are perfect, and you may find that NoYolk pasta works well for this recipe as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Kugel a Kugel?

A kugel is a type of casserole made with egg noodles and one or more additional ingredients. Its base is typically formed from a mixture of butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and spices. Common additions to this recipe include cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, raisins, applesauce, or a variety of nuts.

Why Does My Noodle Kugel Fall Apart?

If your noodle kugel is falling apart, it's likely because you didn't cook the noodles long enough. Be sure to boil the egg noodles for 4 minutes or until al dente before combining them with the other ingredients.

You also want to use the right-sized baking dish. If the dish is too small it may not provide enough support to hold the kugel together.

Finally, be sure not to overbake the kugel, as this can also cause it to become too dry and fall apart.

Do You Eat Kugel Hot or Cold?

Kugel can be served either hot or cold, depending on how you enjoy it. If you are serving it warm, let the kugel cool for about 10 minutes before serving it.

Leftovers can be reheated in the oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 15 minutes or until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

For cold kugel, simply refrigerate the dish after baking and enjoy it chilled.

How to Store Jewish Kugel

If you have any leftovers, store the kugel in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or microwaving.

Do you want more easy-to-prepare and flavorful recipes? Check out my cookbooks. The Mediterranean Air Fryer Cookbook, Clean Eating Air Fryer Cookbook, The Complete Dutch Oven Cookbook, and the recent The Complete Cookbook for Beginners all share my favorite recipes along with handy tips for succeeding in the kitchen.

glass baking dish of kugel on wire rack by cream napkin

More Noodle Casseroles

Noodles and pasta are always a hit at our dinner table. Whether you want something vegetarian or filled with meat, these are ideal carriers for delicious flavors. Take a moment to check out the recipes below and bookmark your favorites. You may also print out the recipes or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Yield: 6

Noodle Kugel Bake

Create a classic comfort food with our simple noodle kugel bake rich with cheese goodness and caramelized onions in every bite.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

7 oz egg noodles (200g)
1 teaspoon salt (6g)
½ teaspoon black pepper (1.25g)
¼ cup butter, melted (57g)
5 large eggs
10 oz cottage cheese, (300g)
1 cup sour cream (240g)
1 medium yellow onion, caramelized

Instructions

Caramelize the onions, then set them aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray then set it aside.
In a large stockpot, cook the egg noodles in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, drain and set aside.
Now, in a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in the caramelized onions and then season with salt and black pepper.
Combine this cheesy mixture with the pasta, then pour it into the baking dish.
Bake for 50 minutes

Notes

Caramelized onions can be made with any onion, but I prefer a yellow onions for sweetness. You may use a mixture of white, yellow, and red, or any preferred onion on hand.