Sweet Noodle Kugel Recipe

Wide egg noodles: These are the base of the kugel, providing a tender and chewy texture.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Sugar: Sweetens the dish and balances the tangy flavors of the dairy.

Eggs: Provide structure and help set the kugel.

Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the dish.

Cottage cheese: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a mild flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

Raisins: Add bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture.

Ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a warm and aromatic finish.

When preparing the noodles, make sure to cook them al dente. This means they should be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooking the noodles can result in a mushy kugel, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Additionally, when folding in the raisins, ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture to provide a consistent burst of sweetness in every bite.

• wide egg noodles - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar texture and width, making it a good alternative for the structure of the kugel.

• melted unsalted butter - Substitute with melted coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a subtle sweetness that complements the dish.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slight floral note, which can enhance the flavor profile of the kugel.

• beaten large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This provides a similar binding effect for a vegan option.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement.

• cottage cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta has a similar texture and mild flavor, which works well in the kugel.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor, adding a nutty undertone to the dish.

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a similar chewy texture and a tart sweetness that balances the richness of the kugel.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet spice that can enhance the overall flavor of the kugel.

• Allow the sweet noodle kugel to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• For short-term storage, transfer the kugel to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the kugel in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the kugel. Cut it into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents. The kugel can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, transfer the desired number of portions from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw overnight.
• Reheat thawed kugel portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• If you prefer a crispier top, uncover the kugel for the last 5 minutes of reheating in the oven.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover sweet noodle kugel in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the kugel on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy top, reheat the kugel in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place the kugel on a baking sheet, and heat for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

• For an extra touch of flavor, reheat the kugel in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat, add the kugel, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the kugel in the air fryer basket and heat for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a nice, crispy top.

• Oven: Used for baking the kugel at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the egg noodles according to package instructions.

• Colander: Utilized to drain the cooked noodles after boiling.

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the melted butter, sugar, beaten eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese, and vanilla extract.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the noodle mixture until well combined.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients like sugar, sour cream, and cottage cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

• Baking dish: The vessel in which the kugel mixture is poured and baked.

• Non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the kugel from sticking.

• Whisk: Helpful for beating the eggs before adding them to the mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for folding in the raisins into the noodle mixture.

• Cooling rack: Allows the kugel to cool evenly after baking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-cooked noodles: Opt for pre-cooked wide egg noodles to save time on boiling and draining.

Quick-melt butter: Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave to speed up the preparation.

Mix in one bowl: Combine all ingredients in one large mixing bowl to minimize cleanup time.

Pre-grease the baking dish: Grease the baking dish before starting to avoid delays later.

Use a food processor: Blend the cottage cheese and sour cream in a food processor for a smoother mixture.