Name: Kugel Apple Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 12 oz wide egg noodles (or matzo for Passover); 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced thin; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Kugel is warm, rich, and full of cozy cinnamon-apple flavor. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between savory and sweet, making it versatile for brunch, holiday tables, or even as a comforting dessert. The texture is creamy with a golden, slightly crisp top, and the apples add a juicy, fresh bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wide egg noodles (or matzo for Passover)
Apples, peeled and sliced thin
Unsalted butter, melted
Eggs
Granulated sugar
Sour cream
Cottage cheese
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Raisins (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, sugar, sour cream, cottage cheese, vanilla, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
Fold in the cooked noodles, sliced apples, and raisins if using. Pour in melted butter and mix until evenly coated.
Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10 people.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or matzo.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with margarine and use dairy-free sour cream and cottage cheese.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Extra Sweet: Drizzle with honey before serving.
Apple-Pear Mix: Swap half the apples with sliced pears for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.
Kugel can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well.

Can I make kugel ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

Is kugel a dessert or a side dish?

It can be either—sweet kugel like this one is often served as dessert, while savory versions are sides.

Can I skip the raisins?

Yes, they’re optional and can be omitted or replaced with dried cranberries.

How do I get a crispy top?

Bake uncovered and avoid adding too much liquid to the mixture.

Can I use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, but it will make the kugel denser.

Is this recipe kosher for Passover?

Yes, if made with Passover-approved noodles or matzo.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, a neutral oil can be substituted for a dairy-free option.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Absolutely—it adds sweetness and crunch.

How should I serve kugel?

Warm, at room temperature, or even chilled—it’s delicious all ways.

Conclusion

Apple Kugel is a timeless dish that blends comforting textures with sweet, spiced apple flavor. Whether served as a celebratory side or a cozy dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser that carries the warmth of tradition to every table.