Lokshen kugel. Potato kugel. That casserole thing that sometimes has raisins in it, sometimes doesn’t. Whether you make yours with cottage cheese, cream cheese and/or sour cream and top it with Rice Krispies, cornflakes or nothing so the noodles get crispy, this bizarre but delicious Jewish culinary staple isn’t going anywhere.
Here are several unique recipes you can try next time you’re looking for a twist on a classic comfort dish.
Instant Pot Fruity Noodle Kugel
Of course something like this exists. Grab your cans of pineapple and fruit cocktail and let the magic kitchen device do its thing.
Caramelized Onion Sriracha Potato Kugel
Caramelized onions offer a unique sweetness, while panko breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to this spicy potato and onion dish.
Gluten-Free Zoodle Kugel
Zoodles are a food trend that will never fade (we see you and forget you, charcoal ice cream). Zucchini noodles are versatile enough for kugel; chopped fresh herbs and a splash of acid tie everything together. (Don’t have a spiralizer? No problem; just use a vegetable peeler.)
Tex-Mex Sweet Potato and Corn Kugel
Who doesn’t love Tex-Mex? Plus sweet potatoes are delicious. Win-win.
Yapchik (Potato Kugel With Meat)
A throwback to the old country, this “Hungarian cholent” is warming and comforting.
Vanilla Noodle Kugel
With vanilla pudding and crunchy vanilla cookies on top, this dish is anything but vanilla. (Get it?)
Mushroom Leek Kugel
Leeks are an understated delight while enhancing the earthiness of the mighty mushroom. Use as many different mushroom varieties as you’d like. You can make this vegan too! Per the instructions, just substitute tofu and almond milk for sour cream.
Salt and Pepper Noodle Kugel
Keep it simple! Sometimes all you need is a little spice blend to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
