Ina Garten Noodle Kugel Recipe

Noodle Kugel is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, often served during holidays such as Yom Kippur.

While this comfort food has many variations, Ina Garten’s noodle kugel recipe stands out for its simplicity and scrumptious flavor.

This dish consists of a creamy blend of egg noodles, sugar, and dairy, baked together to create a golden brown crust with a luscious, custard-like interior.

How to Make Ina Garten Noodle Kugel

Ingredients List

To make Ina Garten’s Noodle Kugel, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 5 extra-large eggs
• Optional toppings: parmesan cheese, brown sugar, etc.

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter a 10-by-13-by-2 1/4-inch baking dish.

Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add a bit of salt to the water.

Cook the wide egg noodles in the boiling water for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are tender.

Be sure not to overcook the noodles.

Drain them and transfer them to a large bowl.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Blend until smooth.

Add the cheese mixture to the cooked noodles and mix well.

Stir in the melted butter.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, gently whisk the 5 extra-large eggs.

Then, fold the eggs into the noodle mixture.

Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

If desired, sprinkle some parmesan cheese or brown sugar on top for added flavor and texture.

Place the baking dish in the preheated 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes until the kugel is set and golden brown on top.

Serve Ina Garten’s Noodle Kugel warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Ina Garten Noodle Kugel

Noodle kugel is a traditional Jewish dish that is often served during holidays and festive occasions.

Ina Garten’s version of this delicious recipe is a great addition to your meal.

To take your meal to the next level, consider serving your kugel with some of these complementary side dishes:

Jewish Brisket

This slow-cooked meat dish is tender and flavorful, with an aromatic blend of spices and herbs.

The richness of the brisket pairs well with the creamy, sweet taste of the noodle kugel.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons, is an excellent option to balance the kugel’s sweetness.

Additionally, it brings freshness and brightness to the whole meal.

Honey Glazed Salmon

Another delicious option is honey glazed salmon, which has a similar sweet profile as the noodle kugel, thanks to the honey glaze.

The richness of the salmon and the lightness of the kugel create a harmonious combination.

Ingredients Substitutes

Here we will share a substitute that you can consider to create a delicious recipe.

Brown Sugar substitute 

If you find yourself out of brown sugar, you can easily substitute it with granulated white sugar combined with molasses.

For every 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, use 1/4 cup of white sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of molasses.

This will give your noodle kugel the same sweetness and moisture that brown sugar provides.

If you prefer a darker, richer flavor, increase the amount of molasses accordingly.

How to Store Ina Garten Noodle Kugel

Ina Garten’s noodle kugel recipe is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or even cold.

When it comes to storing this tasty treat, there are a few important steps to keep in mind to ensure the kugel remains fresh and delicious.

Here are the most efficient methods to store Ina Garten’s noodle kugel.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

To store Ina Garten noodle kugel in the refrigerator, allow the dish to cool to room temperature after baking.

Then, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the kugel to an airtight container.

This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted fridge odors.

Store the kugel in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing for Long-term Storage:

If you want to save your Ina Garten noodle kugel for an extended period of time, freezing is an excellent option.

Make sure the kugel is completely cool before proceeding to the following steps.

Cut the kugel into individual portions for easier future defrosting and reheating.

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.

This double wrapping is essential to protect the kugel from freezer burn and helps to preserve its golden brown texture.

Label each package with the date and place it in your freezer.

Frozen noodle kugel can be stored for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Egg Noodles

One common mistake when making Ina Garten’s noodle kugel recipe is overcooking the egg noodles.

To avoid this, cook the noodles for 6 to 8 minutes until tender but not overly soft.

Overcooked noodles can result in a mushy kugel.

Not Browning the Onions

Another mistake is not properly browning the yellow onions.

When cooking the onions, ensure they become soft and golden brown.

This will add a depth of flavor to the kugel and balance the sweetness of the dish.

Skipping the Water Bath

Forgetting the water bath might compromise the texture of your ricotta noodle kugel.

Incorporate a water bath in your cooking method to maintain an even temperature throughout, keeping the kugel moist and preventing curdling.