If you’ve ever had sweet noodle kugel, you know that it’s a creamy, custardy delight that practically melts in your mouth.
If you’ve never had sweet noodle kugel, get ready to fall in love with this traditional Jewish noodle pudding!
There are times when I love introducing my non-Jewish friends to traditionally Jewish foods and other times when I feel just plain bad about it. For instance, I haven’t been able to persuade many people to join me in my love of kasha and bowties.
But when it comes to this sweet noodle kugel made with cream cheese, cottage cheese and topped with syrupy cherries, my job is pretty easy. It’s a consistent winner!
What is Kugel?
Pronounced KOO-gull, kugel is a sweet noodle pudding. The basic ingredients are egg noodles, eggs, cream cheese and cottage cheese. Sometimes, sour cream is used instead of cream cheese.
Kugel is traditionally served on Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a side dish or dessert. Sometimes it is called sweet lokshen kugel, lokshen being the Yiddish word for egg noodles.
Depending on your family, your kugel could have cinnamon and golden raisins or it could be topped with cherries.
In our family, there was so much bickering over the toppings that we eventually started making two different kugels. My dad and I love cherries on top, and that’s how I always make it.
Ingredients for Sweet Noodle Kugel
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple Jewish dish:
- Egg noodles. Look for medium-sized noodles. You could substitute wide egg noodles if necessary.
- Eggs
- Milk. Even nonfat milk works in this recipe, so use whatever you like.
- Cottage cheese. Small curd is what we’re looking for.
- Cream Cheese
- Butter
- Cherry pie filling
How to Make Sweet Noodle Kugel
Get started on the custard mixture while your egg noodles are cooking.
First, combine the eggs, sugar and vanilla in one bowl. In a second bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese and milk.
Once the noodles are cooked al dente and drained, pour them into the cottage cheese mixture. Then, pour in the egg mixture and stir everything together.
The small amount of butter in this recipe is used to coat the baking dish. Then, just pour the kugel mixture into the buttered baking dish and pop it in the oven.
You’ll put the cherry topping on about halfway through the baking time. Once it’s done, wait for the kugel to cool to room temperature before slicing it into servings.
Variations and Substitutions
Although I’m team cherry, there are many other ways to enjoy sweet noodle kugel. Here are some popular options:
- Fruit options: Enhance the sweetness by adding diced apples or golden raisins to the kugel mixture.
- Get nutty: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to add crunch and depth of flavor.
- Spice Up Your Life: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to increase the comfort food vibes.
- Healthier Options: Opt for low-fat cottage cheese and 1/3 less fat cream cheese. Those following an gluten free diet could try using gluten free egg noodles.
Can you make Sweet Noodle Kugel ahead of time?
You can absolutely make this noodle kugel ahead of time. Assemble the entire thing but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with several pieces of plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until it you’re ready to bake it. It will last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
You can also bake the kugel, allow it to come to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Be sure to consume it within 3-5 days.
How to Store Sweet Noodle Kugel
If you have leftovers of this Jewish noodle pudding, cut them into individual servings and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the individually wrapped servings in a larger airtight container or freezer bag.
It will be good in the fridge for 3-5 days and in the freezer for several months.
How to Reheat Sweet Noodle Kugel
Some people like to enjoy kugel at room temperature and others prefer it to be slightly warmed up. It comes down to personal preference.
If your kugel is frozen, allow it to come to room temperature and reheat it in the microwave, if desired.
When you make this Sweet Noodle Kugel recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more Jewish recipes, try these:
- Challah Bread Recipe (Traditional Braided Jewish Bread)
- Latkes Recipe (Jewish Potato Pancakes)
- Mom’s Best Jewish Apple Cake
For more pudding recipes, try these:
Sweet Noodle Kugel Recipe (Jewish Noodle Pudding)
Ingredients
- 8 oz. medium egg noodles
- 6 eggs
- 4 oz. unsalted butter 1/2 stick
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 oz. cream cheese room temperature
- 1 lb. small curd cottage cheese
- 3 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain noodles and set aside.
- Beat eggs and sugar together, then beat in the vanilla. In a separate large bowl, combine the cream cheese, milk and cottage cheese. Stir in the noodles. Pour in the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Melt the butter in a 8×8 or 9×9 square casserole dish. Coat the dish with the melted butter and pour the remaining butter into the noodle mixture. Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread cherries over top, and return to oven for another 20 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
This looks good. How many eggs?
6 eggs! I’ve updated the recipe, so sorry for the oversight!
How many eggs?
Oops! 6 eggs. So sorry for the oversight! I’ve updated the ingredients list.
I took a wild guess and made it with two- it was still yummy! I can’t wait to try it with 6 ?
So how many eggs?
6 🙂
This looks so delightful! I am saving it and hoping I can squeeze it in somewhere special before the holidays are over.
Hi Jessica! So glad you like the recipe. It’s awesome for a holiday brunch as well as dessert. Let me know what you think!
This looks wonderful. Might make it with 1 can cherry pie on one side (for me) and one can blueberry on the other side for hubby
Looks wonderful. May try it with 1 can cherry pie filling on one side (for me) and one 1 blueberry filling on the other side for hubby.
Linda, I love that idea. Sign me up for both sides!