Carrot Kugel Recipe Easy and Delicious Family Favorite

Carrot kugel is a wonderfully comforting and traditional Jewish dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the satisfying texture of a baked noodle casserole. This delightful recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an excellent side dish for holiday meals, Shabbat dinners, or any time you crave something cozy and wholesome.

Whether you’re a seasoned kugel lover or trying it for the first time, this carrot kugel recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavor and tender crumb.

What makes this carrot kugel so special is the harmonious blend of freshly grated carrots, tender egg noodles, and a touch of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a dish that not only tastes amazing but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma as it bakes to golden perfection.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy households and festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This carrot kugel recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Perfectly balanced flavors: The natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with subtle spices and a hint of vanilla.
• Comfort food classic: A warm, baked noodle pudding that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish for holiday meals or as a vegetarian main course.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the day before and bake when ready, saving you time on busy days.
• Kid-approved: Its mildly sweet flavor and creamy texture appeal to all ages.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
• 4 cups grated carrots (about 6 large carrots)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (for topping)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Large mixing bowl
• Grater or food processor for shredding carrots
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing spoons or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the carrots and onion: While the noodles are cooking, grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Finely chop the onion.
3. Sauté the onion: In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in a splash of oil until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until combined.
5. Combine all ingredients: Add the drained noodles, grated carrots, sautéed onions, and raisins (if using) to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
6. Prepare the baking dish: Grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray. Pour the kugel batter into the dish and spread it evenly.
7. Add the topping: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crispy, golden crust.
8. Bake the kugel: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the kugel for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the kugel is set in the center.
9. Cool and serve: Remove the kugel from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the kugel hold its shape when served.

Tips & Variations

For an extra moist kugel, add a bit of applesauce or crushed pineapple to the mixture.

• Make it vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil.
• Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and complement the sweetness.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste, or add a pinch of ginger for warmth.
• Sweetener alternatives: Swap white sugar for brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Texture: For a smoother texture, pulse the grated carrots briefly in a food processor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This carrot kugel is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite roast chicken, turkey, or brisket for a classic holiday meal.

It also works well with vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or stuffed peppers.

For a lighter meal, enjoy a warm slice with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers are delicious cold or reheated and can be packed for lunches or picnics.

Looking to experiment further? Check out other fantastic recipes like Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or try some quick and tasty Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

If you want a light and refreshing side, the A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals is a perfect complement.

Conclusion

Carrot kugel is more than just a simple casserole — it’s a dish that brings warmth, tradition, and delightful flavors to your table. With its sweet and subtly spiced profile, it’s easy to see why this recipe has stood the test of time in Jewish cuisine and beyond.

Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this carrot kugel is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Its ease of preparation, make-ahead convenience, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a perfect addition to any meal. Plus, with the flexibility to customize spices, sweeteners, and texture, you can make it uniquely yours.

Enjoy the golden, comforting goodness of this carrot kugel and savor every bite!

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