Apple Kugel

This is the best apple kugel recipe with noodles! It is a sweet casserole side dish for Passover, but wonderful for any holiday. A traditional Jewish side dish or dessert we serve with air fryer latkes and you’ll love it too.

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.

This 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.

Ingredient Notes

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. It gives this dish a savory and sweet flavor which we love.

To hold it all together when it bakes you are going to want 4 large eggs at room temperature are best, acts as a binder.

A bit of white sugar makes it sweet. You could use a sugar-free alternative like Splenda if you prefer.

My favorite butter to use is salted Kerrygold because it is the smoothiest and creamiest I have ever baked with. You want it slightly melted or could use dairy free alternative. And use a bit of vegetable oil to add moisture too.

To bring in the Fall flavors you want some cinnamon and nutmeg is a killer add in as well.

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.

Crumble Topping

Breadcrumbs we used here to create a bit of texture and crunch on the top but graham cracker crumbs is another option, you will need butter unsalted, some sugar makes it sweet and cinnamon we like too

Varitations

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.

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.

Can you make kugel ahead of time?

This could be prepped and then baked later in the day. You would want to prepare it without the crumble topping. Store covered in the fridge if it is sitting longer than an hour. Take out when oven is preheating, add topping and then bake for the best texture.

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 our matzo ball recipe in a soup. Slice into squares or scoop out to serve.