Apple kugel is a classic Jewish dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This sweet and savory casserole combines tender noodles with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar for a delightful balance of flavors. It’s a perfect side for holiday meals or a cozy weekend brunch.
We love how this kosher apple kugel recipe stays true to tradition while being easy to prepare. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a hearty dessert, this dish never disappoints. Let’s dive into making a kugel that’s both delicious and kosher-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of heritage.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher, gathering the right ingredients is essential. We focus on fresh, quality components to balance the sweet and savory flavors traditional to this dish.
Dry Ingredients
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles (preferably lokshen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup matzo meal or fine breadcrumbs
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and grated
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted schmaltz (chicken fat for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Zest of 1 lemon for added brightness
- 2 tablespoons honey for extra sweetness
| Ingredient Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | Egg noodles | 8 ounces |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | |
| Kosher salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Matzo meal/breadcrumbs | ½ cup | |
| Wet Ingredients | Eggs | 4 large |
| Granny Smith apples | 3 medium, peeled and grated | |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1 cup | |
| Vegetable oil/schmaltz | ½ cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Optional Add-ins | Raisins/dried apricots | ½ cup |
| Walnuts/pecans | ¼ cup | |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon | |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
Using these ingredients ensures our Apple Kugel remains authentically delicious and kosher-friendly.
Equipment Needed
To make our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher turn out perfectly, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Here’s a detailed list of tools that will help us prepare this traditional dish smoothly and efficiently.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
For combining the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Medium Saucepan
To cook and drain the wide egg noodles as needed.
- Colander
For straining noodles after boiling, ensuring no excess water remains.
- Peeler and Corer
To quickly peel and core the fresh Granny Smith apples essential to our kugel.
- Cheese Grater or Box Grater
For shredding apples finely to blend perfectly into the kugel.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
To beat eggs and sugar for a smooth, well-aerated mixture.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish (Glass or Ceramic)
Standard for baking kugel. Glass or ceramic ensures even heat distribution.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
To gently fold ingredients together without breaking delicate noodles.
Optional But Helpful Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement of sugar, cinnamon, and other ingredients impacts taste and texture.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray or Butter
To grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and aiding in cleanup.
- Timer
Keep track of baking time for that perfect golden crust.
Equipment Table Summary
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | Combine ingredients | Durable and spacious |
| Medium Saucepan | Boil noodles | Medium to large capacity |
| Colander | Drain noodles | Fine mesh preferred |
| Peeler and Corer | Prep apples | Sharp and ergonomic |
| Cheese Grater | Shred apples | Box grater with large holes preferred |
| Whisk or Electric Mixer | Beat eggs and sugar | Electric mixer speeds up process |
| 9×13 Inch Baking Dish | Bake kugel | Glass or ceramic for even baking |
| Spatula or Wooden Spoon | Fold ingredients | Flexible and gentle on noodles |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Measure dry and wet ingredients | Precision improves final taste |
| Non-stick Cooking Spray | Grease baking dish | Or softened butter |
| Timer | Monitor baking time | Ensures perfect doneness |
Having these tools ready before starting our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher guarantees a smooth cooking process and a deliciously authentic result. Remember, preparation is key to a mouthwatering kugel that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
Prep Work
Before we start combining flavors for our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher, organizing each element carefully ensures a seamless cooking experience. Let’s prepare the apples and any ingredients requiring pre-cooking.
Preparing the Apples
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, we start with fresh Granny Smith apples. Here’s how we prep them:
- Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water.
- Peel each apple using a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin.
- Core the apples with an apple corer or a paring knife, removing seeds and stems.
- Grate the peeled and cored apples using the coarse side of a cheese grater for a tender but structured consistency.
- Optional: Drain excess juice by pressing the grated apples gently with paper towels if you prefer a less moist kugel.
This process highlights the fresh apple flavor that is key to our kugel’s sweet and savory balance.
Pre-cooking Ingredients (if applicable)
Some components need brief preparation to unlock their flavors fully:
| Ingredient | Pre-cooking Step | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Egg noodles | Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes, then drain | Softens noodles for easy mixing |
| Raisins (optional) | Soak in warm water or tea for 10 minutes | Plumps raisins for tender sweetness |
| Walnuts (optional) | Lightly toast in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes | Enhances nutty aroma and crunch |
For the noodles, use plenty of water and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After draining, rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking and keep them from clumping.
These pre-cooking steps ensure each ingredient delivers optimal texture and depth to our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare our delicious Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher. Precision and timing are key to achieving the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Mixing the Kugel Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and slightly pale.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then gradually whisk in 1 cup vegetable oil or melted kosher margarine for moisture and richness.
- Pour in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce or the freshly grated apples, stirring gently to combine.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a subtle fragrant note.
Combining Ingredients
- Slowly fold in 12 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked al dente and drained. Ensure noodles are still slightly warm to help absorb flavors.
- Incorporate the 2 peeled and grated Granny Smith apples into the batter, mixing evenly for consistent apple flavor throughout.
- Optionally, fold in ½ cup raisins (soaked in warm water and drained), and ½ cup toasted walnuts for added texture and depth.
- Mix carefully using a spatula or wooden spoon until all ingredients cling together without breaking the noodles.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 4 large | Whisked |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | |
| Vegetable oil or kosher margarine | 1 cup | Melted or liquid |
| Unsweetened applesauce/grated apples | 1 cup / 2 apples | Fresh, peeled, grated |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | |
| Wide egg noodles | 12 ounces | Cooked and drained |
| Raisins (optional) | ½ cup | Soaked and drained |
| Toasted walnuts (optional) | ½ cup | Coarsely chopped |
Pouring Into the Baking Dish
- Pour the batter mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, gently spreading it with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Tap the dish lightly to settle the ingredients and remove air pockets.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For an even crisper top, broil the kugel under low heat for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Embrace the perfect texture contrast of tender noodles and warm apple notes with this authentic Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to create our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher that balances the perfect sweetness and texture. This guide will ensure our kugel bakes evenly and comes out golden and delicious every time.
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to start. This moderate temperature allows the kugel to cook through without burning the top.
Place the prepared kugel batter in a 9×13 inch greased baking dish and set it on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges slightly crisp.
| Step | Temperature (°F/°C) | Baking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F / 175°C | – |
| Bake apple kugel | 350°F / 175°C | 60 – 70 |
Checking for Doneness
To ensure our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher is perfectly baked:
- Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center.
- If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the kugel is done.
- If wet batter sticks, continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes and check again.
- The kugel should be firm on the edges and gently springy in the middle.
“Remember: the kugel will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking.”
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Allow the kugel to cool in the baking dish for 15 to 20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps the flavors meld and the texture to settle.
For serving:
- Cut into squares or slices using a spatula.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of honey, or fresh fruit for an authentic kosher experience.
- This dish complements holiday meals or brunch perfectly.
By following these directions closely, we achieve the classic Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher that is both visually appealing and full of comforting flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Kugel Kosher
To achieve a truly exceptional Apple Kugel Kosher, we must pay attention to several important details throughout the preparation and baking process. Below are our essential tips that ensure flawless results every time.
Choose the Right Apples
Selecting the best apples is crucial. We recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture, which hold up well during baking without turning mushy. Combining them with a sweeter variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp can create a nicely balanced flavor profile.
Prepare the Noodles Properly
For authentic texture, use wide egg noodles. Cooking them al dente is key; overcooked noodles become too soft and lead to a soggy kugel. After boiling, rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly to remove excess starch and stop cooking. This prevents clumping and helps maintain individual noodle strands.
Enhance Flavor with Spices
Besides the essential cinnamon, adding a small pinch of nutmeg or allspice can deepen the kugel’s flavor without overpowering the apples. Be cautious to keep spice amounts balanced to maintain the traditional taste.
Maintain Kosher Standards
Use certified kosher ingredients, especially for dairy or parve classifications. For a dairy version, use kosher butter and kosher dairy milk or sour cream. For a parve kugel, substitute with kosher non-dairy margarine and almond milk to sustain kosher dietary laws.
Balance Sweetness Carefully
Since apples add natural sweetness, balance additional sugar accordingly. We recommend starting with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and adjust to taste depending on apple sweetness. Honey can also be added for a more complex sweetness, but not too much to avoid syrupy texture.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) consistently before placing the kugel inside.
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly greased with kosher butter or non-stick spray.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges pull away slightly from the dish.
Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (never wet batter).
Cooling Is Essential
Allow the kugel to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the kugel firm up, enhancing slicing and presentation.
Optional Enhancements
| Ingredient | Purpose | Usage Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Raisins | Adds bursts of sweetness | Soak in warm water before mixing |
| Toasted Walnuts | Provides crunch and depth | Lightly toast ¼ cup for topping |
| Honey | Adds natural sweetness & shine | Drizzle on serving or mix in batter |
In Our Words
“Patience during preparation and attention to kosher details make the difference between a good kugel and a perfect Apple Kugel Kosher. Every step from noodle texture to apple preparation plays a role in delivering a rich, comforting dish that honors tradition with each bite.”
By following these tips, we guarantee our Apple Kugel Kosher turns out flavorful, balanced, and authentically satisfying every time.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher in advance can save valuable time during busy holiday gatherings or brunches. Here’s how to make ahead and store this delicious dish effectively without compromising its texture or flavor.
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Assemble the Kugel: Follow the recipe steps through to placing the batter in the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate: Store the unbaked kugel in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps flavors meld and ensures freshness.
- Bake When Ready: Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as instructed, adding 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.
Storage After Baking
Once baked, our Apple Kugel keeps well and can be enjoyed over several days with these tips:
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 hours | Cover loosely with foil or a cloth |
| Refrigerator | 4 to 5 days | Store in airtight container or cover with foil |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer-safe container |
Reheating Instructions
- For Refrigerated Kugel: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Reheat covered kugel in baking dish for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- For Frozen Kugel: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheat as above, adding 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.
“Proper storage keeps our Apple Kugel Recipe Kosher tasting freshly baked and preserves the delightful balance of sweet apples and tender noodles every time.”
By following these practical make-ahead and storage tips we ensure that this traditional dish remains irresistibly flavorful and convenient to serve.
Conclusion
Apple kugel is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting tradition that brings warmth and flavor to any kosher table. With the right ingredients and careful preparation, we can create a kugel that honors its heritage while delighting modern palates.
By following the tips and techniques we’ve shared, making a perfect apple kugel becomes an achievable and rewarding experience. Whether for holidays or everyday meals, this recipe adds a touch of sweetness and nostalgia that everyone will appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is apple kugel?
Apple kugel is a traditional Jewish dish made with noodles, fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s known for its comforting sweet and savory flavors and is often served during holidays or brunch.
What ingredients do I need to make apple kugel?
Key ingredients include wide egg noodles, Granny Smith apples, eggs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional add-ins like raisins, walnuts, and honey for extra flavor.
What kitchen tools do I need to prepare apple kugel?
Essential tools are a large mixing bowl, saucepan, colander, peeler, corer, cheese grater, whisk or mixer, 9×13 inch baking dish, and a spatula or wooden spoon.
How do I prepare the apples for kugel?
Wash, peel, core, and grate the Granny Smith apples to get the ideal texture and flavor for the kugel.
How long should apple kugel bake?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can apple kugel be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the kugel and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking to save time during busy gatherings.
How should I store leftover apple kugel?
Store baked kugel in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage. Unbaked kugel can also be refrigerated before baking.
How do I reheat apple kugel?
Reheat refrigerated kugel in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For frozen kugel, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is apple kugel kosher?
Yes, apple kugel is traditionally kosher when making sure to use kosher ingredients and following kosher cooking practices.
What are good serving suggestions for apple kugel?
Serve apple kugel warm with sides like sour cream, honey, or fresh fruit to complement its sweet and savory flavors.