Apple Kugel

This is our favorite apple kugel recipe that is a sweet casserole side dish for Passover, but wonderful for any holiday. A traditional Jewish side dish or dessert made in a unique delicious way. Make our air fryer latkes and this tonight.

What is Kugel?

Kugel is a traditional Jewish dish that is often served as a side dish or dessert. It is a baked casserole or pudding like dish made from ingredients like noodles, potatoes, apples and/or matzo. Combined with eggs and flavorings this can be sweet or savory, and it comes in various regional and family specific variations.

My best friend growing up was (and still is) Jewish. Her family was my second so I spent a lot of time at her house. Learning all about Challah and other traditional dishes. Now she is a rabbi and we are still besties even today and miles apart. I still remember those childhood days and love recreating what I loved back then.

Of course I love thinking outside of the box though too. Typically you would find this Apple Slices Recipe made with shredded potatoes, which is wonderful too, but fruit is a great tweak on an Old Fashioned slice. If you have had this during holiday get togethers and ready to make your own batch, this is an easy step by step.

Kugel Ingredients

This time we are making a sweet version so we start with 8 cups of apples peeled and shredded, this is the difference from potato kugel where peeled and shredded russets would be used instead.

I like to use and include Egg noodles wide, boiled to al dente in a pot and drained beforehand is necessary

• 4 eggs at room temperature are best, acts as a binder
• 1/2 c sugar makes it sweet
• Butter melted or use dairy free alternative
• Vegetable oil is the best choice
• 1 tsp cinnamon adds to the Fall flavors
• Nutmeg we love too
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Vanilla extract for flavor

Crumble

Breadcrumbs we used but graham cracker crumbs is another option, you will need butter unsalted, some sugar makes it sweet and cinnamon we like too

There are many things that you can do to make this personal. Some love to add raisins like we did here. Dried cranberries could be substituted, or add chopped walnuts into the crumble.

Varitaions

Made with egg noodles, eggs, sugar, and often dairy ingredients like sour cream or cottage cheese. You can certainly make yours sweet or savory, with the addition of raisins, cinnamon, or other flavorings. If you make yours like a potato tart it can be baked until crispy on the outside or softer and creamier on the inside.

How Long to Bake Apple Kugel

At the beginning you want to cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes or until top is golden brown on top, and the apples are tender.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature with Chicken Matzo Ball Soup. Slice into squares or scoop out to serve.

Some prefer to make this traditional Passover recipe with crumbled matzo crackers (unleavened bread), eggs, and various sweet or savory additions. Sweet kugel like this one is often served as a dessert or side dish for the holidays, while savory can be served as a side dish for meals.

Other easy Jewish recipes you’ll love

Just like with sweet potato latkes recipe, all recipes can vary widely based on family traditions and regional influences. Some include fruits, vegetables, nuts, or spices to add flavor and texture. Typically baked in the oven until it’s set and has a golden or browned top. The baking time and temperature can vary depending on the recipe and the desired texture.

As with a Matzo Ball Recipe, this is commonly associated with Jewish cuisine and is a staple of many Jewish holiday meals, such as Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Hanukkah, it is also enjoyed on other occasions. It can be found in various Jewish communities around the world in a variety of different flavors

In recent years, creative variations have emerged, incorporating modern ingredients and techniques. Some use ingredients like mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or quinoa to put a contemporary twist on this traditional dish. It can be served as a whole casserole, sliced into squares, wedges, or scooped into individual servings.