I love making dishes that feel special but don’t add stress to my holiday to-do list. This easy manischewitz noodle kugel recipe Sweet Holiday Classic is your answer, perfect for busy families and holiday hosts alike. This delightful manischewitz noodle kugel recipe fills my kitchen with the most comforting cinnamon aroma, promising crispy edges and a creamy center. It’s truly a family-friendly favorite, perfect for anyone seeking an easy, hearty dish. Especially during busy weeknights or when hosting a small gathering, this sweet kugel always delivers.
Ingredient Spotlight and Why They Matter
Creating the perfect manischewitz noodle kugel recipe Sweet Holiday Classic starts with understanding its core components. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wide Egg Noodles: 12 oz (340g) wide egg noodles (Manischewitz brand delivers classic soft texture for this manischewitz noodle kugel recipe).
- Cottage Cheese: 16 oz (450g) small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (240g) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a higher-protein tang).
- Large Eggs: 4 large eggs (essential binder for a custardy texture).
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust for your preferred sweet holiday flavor).
- Melted Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g) melted butter (adds richness; salted butter also works).
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp ground cinnamon (a warm spice to enhance the sweet profile).
- Raisins or Dried Cranberries: ½ cup (80g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional chewy sweetness).
Substitutions and Alternatives
For dietary needs, you can easily use lactose-free dairy or non-dairy cream cheese/sour cream alternatives. Consider reducing the sugar by a quarter or using a sugar substitute for a lighter version. If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap in gluten-free wide egg noodles for the traditional kind.
Healthy or Premium Options
To lighten this manischewitz noodle kugel recipe, opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Using organic ingredients can enhance the overall flavor and offer peace of mind. For a special touch, choose good quality dried fruits for the mix; fresh berries make a lovely topping after baking.
Easy Cooking Instructions for Your Manischewitz Noodle Kugel Recipe
Ready to make your own delicious manischewitz noodle kugel recipe? Here are the simple steps:
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) until it’s ready; grease a 9×13 inch baking dish for easy release.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; cook wide egg noodles for 6-8 minutes until al dente, ensuring they still have a slight bite. Drain well, seeing steam rise.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow. Stir in the optional raisins or dried cranberries for added texture. I often warm the cottage cheese slightly before mixing; it helps achieve an even smoother custard.
- Combine: Add the drained noodles to the creamy custard mixture, gently tossing for about 1 minute until every noodle strand is evenly coated and glistening. If the mixture looks a little too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream.
- Bake: Pour the coated noodle mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center feels set when gently pressed. Let it stand for 10 minutes, allowing the custardy center to firm up slightly.
Inline Variation Notes
For a truly family-style classic, simply follow this Manischewitz noodle kugel recipe as written. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter and swap in low-fat dairy products for a healthier option.
Quick Warnings About Common Mistakes
Avoid overcooking the wide egg noodles initially; they will continue to bake and soften in the oven. Also, ensure the eggs are thoroughly whisked into the custard mixture to prevent a grainy texture in your finished kugel.
Everyday Uses and Make-Ahead Convenience
This sweet Manischewitz noodle kugel recipe Sweet Holiday Classic fits perfectly as a side dish for holiday meals like Rosh Hashanah, Passover, or Chanukah. It’s a comforting addition to Sunday brunch, or a delightful dessert for family gatherings and potlucks.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Serve warm or at room temperature for versatile enjoyment.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a side of fresh fruit compote.
- A cup of hot tea or coffee makes a lovely accompaniment, especially for cozy family dinners.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Bake the kugel completely, then let it cool before covering tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for healthy meal prep throughout the week.
To reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
For freezing: Wrap cooled kugel tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages of Noodle Kugel
This comforting dish offers a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and dairy, providing sustained energy and a sense of well-being for your family.
Tie the Dish to Wellness Themes
It’s a wholesome, energy-boosting meal component that provides comfort and satisfaction, making it a valuable addition to your diet.
Highlight Common Dietary Patterns
- This dish is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
- It can be adapted for gluten-free diets with appropriate noodle substitutions.
- Lower sugar versions are easily made by adjusting sweetener amounts.
Include Natural High-Value Phrases
- This is a great make-ahead holiday recipe for stress-free meal prep.
- It offers comforting family meals perfect for special occasions.
Why This Recipe Helps You Save Time and Money
This Manischewitz noodle kugel recipe simplifies your cooking routine with its straightforward steps and readily available, budget-friendly ingredients. Utilizing affordable pantry staples like egg noodles, eggs, and dairy means less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
For ultimate convenience, you can easily add all ingredients for this sweet holiday classic to your online grocery order.
Smart Tips, Adjustments, and Special Notes
Upgrades for Flavor and Presentation
- Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for extra depth.
- Top with a streusel made from butter, flour, and brown sugar for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries before serving.
Adjustments for Spiciness, Sweetness, or Texture
- Increase cinnamon for a bolder spice profile if desired.
- Adjust sugar to your family’s preferred sweetness level; I often slightly reduce it for a less intense sweetness.
- For a firmer kugel, bake a little longer until truly set; for a softer, more custardy texture, bake for a shorter time.
Safety and Allergy-Friendly Tweaks
- Ensure eggs are cooked through; the kugel should be fully set in the center to be safe.
- For nut allergies, verify no cross-contamination if using a facility that processes nuts in your chosen ingredients.
Common Questions About Manischewitz Noodle Kugel
1. Can Manischewitz noodle kugel be made low-sugar or gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily reduce the sugar by a quarter or use a sugar substitute for a lighter option. For a gluten-free Manischewitz noodle kugel recipe, simply swap in gluten-free wide egg noodles.
2. Can I freeze this sweet noodle kugel recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months, making it perfect for healthy meal prep. I always double this recipe during the holidays for easy freezer meals!
3. What are the best healthy sides to serve with sweet noodle kugel?
A fresh fruit salad, steamed seasonal vegetables, or a light green salad complement the richness of this sweet holiday classic well. These offer a nice contrast to the kugel’s sweetness.
4. What’s the best way to reheat frozen noodle kugel?
First, thaw the kugel in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
5. How long does homemade noodle kugel last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your delicious homemade noodle kugel will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This makes it a great make-ahead option.
6. What type of Manischewitz noodles are best for this classic kugel?
Wide egg noodles, like those from Manischewitz, are traditionally used for their soft texture and ability to absorb the rich custard. They hold their shape well during baking.
Conclusion
This easy Manischewitz noodle kugel recipe Sweet Holiday Classic is a sweet, comforting tradition, perfect for family and friends.
Save this recipe on Pinterest for comforting family meals, or add ingredients to your grocery list today!
manischewitz noodle kugel recipe Sweet Holiday Classic
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy manischewitz noodle kugel recipe is a sweet holiday classic, perfect for busy families and hosts. It promises crispy edges, a creamy center, and a comforting cinnamon aroma.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 16 oz small curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, optional
- water, for cooking noodles
- salt, for cooking noodles
Instructions
- Prep Pan: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook wide egg noodles for 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain well.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in optional raisins or dried cranberries.
- Combine Noodles and Custard: Add the drained noodles to the creamy custard mixture, gently tossing until every noodle strand is evenly coated. (If the mixture looks too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream.)
- Bake Kugel: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use lactose-free or non-dairy alternatives for dietary needs. Reduce sugar or use low-fat dairy for a lighter version. For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles. Avoid overcooking noodles initially and ensure eggs are thoroughly whisked for a smooth texture. Fresh berries make a lovely topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: easy kugel, holiday classic, sweet noodles, baked dessert, cinnamon, comfort food, family friendly, Manischewitz, egg noodles, side dish