15 Kugel Recipes (Sweet & Savory)

It’s hardly a family get together without kugel! (Well in my family at least.) Custardy noodle kugel was a staple from Yom Kippur break-fast to a post-bat mitzvah brunch. Kugel is the ultimate Jewish comfort food. It’s a baked casserole that’s creamy, custardy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you grew up on sweet noodle kugel studded with raisins (or are team no raisins) or a crispy savory potato kugel, there’s a version for every table. Here are 15 kugel recipes, from classic lokshen kugel to modern twists, organized by type.

What is kugel?

Kugel (pronounced “KOO-gull”) is a baked Ashkenazi Jewish casserole or pudding, traditionally made with egg noodles (lokshen kugel) or potatoes. It can be sweet or savory and is a staple of Shabbat and holiday meals. Sweet noodle kugels are bound with eggs, sometimes cream cheese, sour cream, or cottage cheese, and studded with raisins or fruit (though this is controversial, of course. And can be served as a side dish some say a dessert (I do not, ha). Savory potato and vegetable kugels are sides, crispy on top and tender inside.

Noodle (lokshen) kugels

• Classic Noodle Kugel
• Noodle Kugel with Candied Pecans
• Caramel Apple Kugel
• Jerusalem Kugel
• Blueberry Goat Cheese Kugel with Meyer Lemon Glaze

Potato & vegetable kugels

• Caramelized Onion Sriracha Potato Kugel
• Potato Zucchini Kugel Cupcakes
• Vegetable Kugel with Caramelized Leeks

Sweet potato kugels

• Sweet Potato Kugel
• Individual Sweet Potato Kugels
• Sweet Potato Kugel Parfait

More kugel recipes from around the web

A few more kugels worth a try from cooks I love:

• Classic Potato Kugel — The Nosher
• Sweet Lokshen Kugel — Tori Avey
• My Family’s Noodle Kugel — Smitten Kitchen
• Broccoli Kugel — The Nosher

More Jewish recipe collections

• 90+ Rosh Hashanah Recipes
• 40+ Yom Kippur Break-Fast Recipes
• The 20 Best Jewish Main Dishes
• 20 Best Jewish Bread Recipes

Kugel FAQ

What is kugel?

Kugel is a baked Ashkenazi Jewish casserole traditionally made with egg noodles or potatoes, bound with eggs. It can be sweet or savory and is a classic Shabbat and holiday dish.

Is kugel sweet or savory?

Both. Noodle (lokshen) kugel is usually sweet. It’s made with cinnamon, sugar, raisins, and dairy, while potato and vegetable kugels are savory. Sweet potato kugel can go either way.

What is the difference between noodle kugel and potato kugel?

Noodle kugel is made with egg noodles and is typically sweet and custardy, served as a side or dessert. Potato kugel is made from grated potatoes and onion, like a giant baked latke, savory, with a crispy top.

When do you eat kugel?

Kugel is traditionally served on Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur break-fast, and other holidays. Sweet kugels also work as dessert (for some people), and savory kugels are a year-round comfort-food side.

Can you make kugel ahead of time?

I prefer to serve kugel the day it’s made but you can bake it a day ahead and reheat.