Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (2024)

by Rhonda Albom // 8 Comments
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Sweet or savory, side dish or dessert – regardless of how you think of Jewish kugel, you will find it here. Below are 9 of the best kugel recipes we can find, including several gluten-free kugel options.

I don’t know about you, but for me, growing up, Jewish noodle kugel was the highlight of just about every holiday meal. And when we went to bubbe’s (grandma’s), we often got to sink our teeth into her sweet kugel on the Sabbath too.

Homemade noodles, plumped up sweet raisins, sugar all bound together in an egg batter . . . just thinking about it takes me back to my childhood. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer. Sometimes a side dish for the family, other times, it was a dessert.

For me, it was always a treat. Even when served alongside chicken and vegetables, I saved it for last. So, for me, I ultimately created what felt like two desserts when we were at grandma’s house, as she always at least had cookies or ice cream to follow up for us.

Yes, those were the days before food allergies. Now, I can’t touch that kugel, but even if I could, bubbe had kept that recipe close to her heart, and sadly it faded with her, just like her matzo ball soup.

But today, we have found several gluten-free kugel recipes and share them below along with other traditional kugel recipes. Eventually, we may try them all by substituting rice or corn-based gluten-free pasta or flour. For now, we can only recommend some of the recipes if you are attempting gluten-free.

What is kugel?

What is kugel?

Kugel is a Yiddish word for a baked pudding or casserole and is a common dish amongst Ashkenazi Jews. While it’s typically made with a noodle or potato base, in our family, it was always noodles.

Is kugel a dessert or a side dish?
Honestly, gluten-free kugel can be either. If served as the meal’s carbohydrate alongside a slice of meat and vegetable, it is a side dish. However, when presented after the meal and covered in whipped cream or with a scoop of ice cream, it is clearly a dessert.

Should kugel be served warm or cold?
Another great question without an answer. It can be served either hot or cold. Both are delicious.

Can kugel be vegan?
Sure, it can. There is even a couple of vegan recipes below.

Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (1)

Four gluten-free kugel recipes amongst our list of nine Jewish kugel recipes

To make it easy to find what you are looking for, this list is divided into gluten-free kugel and other kugel recipes.

Kugel recipes

Sweet and savory, noodle kugel is a worldwide family favorite amongst Ashkenazi Jews. Here is a list of nine varieties, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.

Gluten-free kugel recipes

These recipes have all been tried with the gluten-free option by the recipe creator.

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Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (2)

Gluten-Free Noodle Kugel

Photo Credit:www.fearlessdining.com

Everyone will love this homemade gluten-free kugel recipe. My grandma's family kugel, made in a gluten-free version. Nobody will know this is gluten-free!

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Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (3)

Apple Noodle Kugel

Photo Credit:debraklein.com

A healthier noodle kugel. Delicious dairy-free kugel that is gluten-free, oil-free, and sugar-free. What’s left is a tasty kugel that is light and satisfying.

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Parsnip & carrot kugel: egg and dairy-free

Photo Credit:family-friends-food.com

Sweet root vegetables shine in this delicious parsnip and carrot kugel. Crispy edges & a soft, almost cakey interior. A delicious vegan side dish. Make it gluten-free by substituting your preferred GF flour blend for the plain flour.

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Leek & potato kugel

Photo Credit:family-friends-food.com

With crispy golden edges and a meltingly soft, delicious interior, this gorgeous leek and potato kugel is a glorious twist on tradition. Substitute the flour for a gluten-free option.

More traditional noodle kugel recipes

While these recipes could use a gluten-free substitute, it has not yet been tested for flavor and consistency.

Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (6)

Cherry Kugel

Quick, easy, and delicious, this sweet noodle kugel with cherries ticks all the boxes for a perfect holiday side dish or even a yummy dessert.

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Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (7)

Vegan Spinach Noodle Kugel

Photo Credit:zardyplants.com

This creamy vegan spinach noodle kugel is a fantastic kosher-friendly main or side dish for any holiday meal or even on a weeknight, as it takes just 35 minutes to throw together. Protein-packed and much lighter than normal kugel, this healthy dish is delicious and perfect for the entire family.

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Jerusalem Kugel

Photo Credit:globalkitchentravels.com

This Jerusalem style kugel is both a little sweet and a little savory, flavored with black pepper and sugar. It's made with thin egg noodles, so it is not gluten-free but oh so delicious.

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Grandma Rose's Jewish Noodle Kugel

Photo Credit:thisoldgal.com

Grandma Rose's Jewish noodle kugel is a traditional sweet noodle dish. While it's great every day of the year, you'll make a great impression at your holiday and Shabbos table.

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Pressure Cooker Jewish Noodle Kugel

Photo Credit:thisoldgal.com

Your favorite Grandma's noodle kugel recipe can easily be made in your Instant Pot. Sweet cheese and noodles combine for a wonderful breakfast or side dish.

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Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (11)

Sweet And Savory Apple Noodle Kugel

Photo Credit:livingsweetmoments.com

This delicious apple noodle kugel recipe is both sweet and savory. The apples are sauteed with onions, raisins, and cinnamon. Perfect for a holiday side dish!

Read next: Breaking Tradition with These 27 Yom Kippur Break Fast Menu Ideas

Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (12)

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Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (13)

Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (14)

Have you ever tried a gluten-free kugel?

More Jewish-style recipes you might like or check out one of our favorite Jewish cookbooks.

Grandma’s Easy Charoset Recipe: Sweet and Delicious

Decadent Gluten-Free Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

8 Gluten-free Latkes: A New Recipe Each Night of Hanukkah

Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Gluten-free Kugel Recipes Among These 9 Fabulous Kugel Options (2024)

FAQs

Why does my noodle Kugel fall apart? ›

Make Sure to Cool Your Kugel

Once it's baked, a kugel needs to cool, otherwise it will fall apart when slicing. Give it at least an hour to cool and set up, then slice and serve it warm or at room temperature.

What is a substitute for farmers cheese in kugel? ›

ILOC tip: if you can't find farmer cheese, just do a full pound of cottage cheese instead.

Is kugel better hot or cold? ›

Do You Eat Noodle Kugel Hot or Cold? While noodle kugel should be removed from the oven and cooled for at least 30 minutes after baking, it can be eaten at any temperature. Eaten warm, when just set, noodle kugel's texture is more akin to a baked mac and cheese (the extra-crunchy noodles on top might be the best part.)

What's the difference between a kugel and a casserole? ›

The common denominators of all true kugels are a starch base, eggs (or egg substitute), and fat, without the addition of water or other liquids. If the dish lacks any of the basic ingredients, it is technically a casserole or cake, not a kugel.

Why are my gluten free noodles falling apart? ›

They overcook the noodles until mushy.

Gluten-free pasta tends to be less forgiving than regular pasta and can go from hard in the center to mushy in a matter of minutes.

How do you keep egg noodles from getting gummy? ›

After boiling pasta/noodles put them in a cold water bowl for 2 minutes, this process helps to remove starch, then take out noodles from water and pour 2 teaspoons oil on noodles and mix oil into noodles well. After this noodles will be completely separate from each other and no more stickiness left.

Why is kugel called kugel? ›

The name of the dish comes from the Yiddish word kugel meaning 'sphere, globe, ball'; thus the Yiddish name likely originated as a reference to the round balls of dough that were placed in the center of the cholent, a traditional Shabbat stew, to cook alongside it and absorb its flavors for its later use as a side dish ...

Why is my farmers cheese rubbery? ›

Too much rennet was used or too much butterfat, left your cheese during the process. Rubbery cheese can happen when an excess amount of rennet is used, too much rennet equals a rubber ball, too little, soup!

What is the flavor of farmers cheese? ›

Farmer cheese is a mild white fresh cheese with a crumbly texture and subtle, milky flavor. It's super-easy to make at home—it requires just three ingredients and some patience. And because it isn't aged or pressed for a long period of time, you can make it and eat it on the same day.

What do you eat kugel with? ›

Kugel is traditionally served as a side dish alongside something meaty like brisket or roast chicken. In this case it would normally be served warm, but it can also be refrigerated and eaten cold the next day. Sweeter versions can also be eaten hot or cold, and taste great with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.

What culture is kugel from? ›

Kugel (Yiddish: קוגל kugl, pronounced [ˈkʊɡl̩]) is a baked casserole, most commonly made from lokshen (לאָקשן קוגל lokshen kugel) or potato. It is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, often served on Shabbos and Jewish holidays. American Jews also serve it for Thanksgiving dinner.

What is the meaning of kugel in English? ›

kugel in American English

(ˈkugəl ) noun. a crusty baked pudding made as of potatoes or noodles. Word origin. Yiddish kugl < MHG kugel, ball.

What do Midwesterners call casseroles? ›

The term hot dish is typically utilized in the upper parts of Minnesota and North Dakota because people up there like to coin their own verbiage, much like “uff da” or “you betcha.” You probably called it a casserole, like this one, and, not to sound like a hot dish snob, but the parameters of hot dish are a bit more ...

Is kugel eaten at Passover? ›

Noodle kugel (COO-gull) is a casserole of noodles drenched in an egg mixture. It is made with egg noodles, so it is kosher for Passover. When it is done, you will be introduced to a savory meal that has sweetness to it as well.

How do you keep potato Kugel from turning brown? ›

Potato Kugel Tips

Alternating the potatoes and onions while shredding helps minimize some darkening. You can also submerge the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water, drain them well, and pat dry before mixing with the seasoned egg mixture.

Why did my egg noodles turn to mush? ›

With their delicate composition, egg noodles can quickly absorb liquids and become overly soft. Adding them too early in the soup-making process might lead to a soggy, gooey outcome, losing that satisfying bite.

How do you keep egg noodles from clumping together? ›

It's kind of a no brainer, but stirring the pasta helps keep the noodles moving and breaks up sticky spots before they become full-on clumps. But you don't have to sit over the pot and stir constantly. Aim to stir the pasta fully within the first two minutes of cooking, then another time or two while the pasta cooks.

Why do my homemade noodles fall apart? ›

Hanging pasta for long causes it to dry too quickly, and that's what causes curling and brittle or fractured pasta.

How do you keep rice noodles from falling apart? ›

Don't stir. Noodles break because your spatula cut them into bits while you're stirring.

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