Easy Sweet Lokshen Kugel is a simple recipe for a delicious, classic noodle casserole dish (otherwise known as “noodle pudding”) popular in Jewish Ashkenazi (Eastern European) cuisine, especially on the holiday of Shavuot.
About this kugel
Think of kugel as a Jewish noodle casserole (although people who speak Yiddish—like my grandmother z”l—often translate the name of the dish into English as “noodle pudding”).
Lokshen kugel is typically made with egg noodles and often found on Ashkenazi Jewish tables, such as at an event with dairy food or for the holiday of Shavuot.
It’s simple to make, refrigerates well, and warms up well (if you want to have it warm—we eat it cold).
This is a “mix and bake” recipe, so it’s the perfect go-to dairy dish for your family and guests and when you need to bring a dish to someone else’s event.
It’s budget-friendly, and it makes a great light cold meal, a quick snack, or a perfect bring-to-school or work lunch to save money!
This dish isn’t only delicious, but it has some nutritional value as well because it’s made not only with noodles but also with cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese!
However, none of the above have particularly long shelf lives, so make sure they are fresh when you make this dish.
To save calories, feel free to use reduced-calorie options!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lokshen Kugel
Is lokshen kugel served warm or cold?
Lokshen kugel can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on personal preference and how it was prepared. Sweet noodle kugels are delicious either slightly warmed up or at room temperature, making them a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Is lokshen kugel traditionally dairy or pareve?
Traditionally, sweet lokshen kugel is dairy because it is made with ingredients like cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, and milk. However, you can make it pareve if you substitute equivalent pareve ingredients for each of the dairy ones.
Can you freeze sweet lokshen kugel?
Yes, sweet lokshen kugel freezes very well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What kind of noodles are best for kugel?
Wide or medium egg noodles are the traditional choice for lokshen kugel. They absorb the mixture well while maintaining a tender yet slightly firm texture during baking.
Can I make lokshen kugel ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the kugel a day in advance, cover and refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. You can also bake it completely ahead of time and gently reheat it before your meal.
What other kugels are there in Jewish cuisine?
Potato kugel, salt and pepper kugel, Jerusalem kugel, and vegetable kugel.
So, what is needed to make Sweet Lokshen Kugel?
Even if you don’t want to keep a pantry full of just-in-case ingredients, these are all you need to have on hand to make this recipe!
egg noodles
sour cream
cottage cheese
cream cheese
white granulated sugar
eggs
butter or margarine
vanilla
cinnamon
Want to try other delicious kugels? Try these!
Broccoli Kugel
Potato Kugel
Cauliflower Kugel
Salt and Pepper Kugel
Jerusalem (Yerushalmi) Kugel
Easy Sweet Lokshen Kugel Recipe
Delicious and sweet, traditional dairy Jewish noodle casserole (noodle pudding)!
Ingredients
- ½ pound of dry egg noodles
- 1 pound sour cream
- 1 pound cottage cheese
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- ¾ cup of white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 teaspoon more for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package and drain completely.
- In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla, eggs, butter, and cinnamon together.
- Add the cooked noodles to the cheese mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Poor the mixture into a lined or greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan sprinkle with cinnamon (optional for garnish).
- Place in an over that has been preheated to 350°F.
- Bake for around 1 ¼ hours or until the top is slightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 363Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 14gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 301mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 9g