Classic Potato Kugel
Classic Potato Kugel is a warm, comforting dish that combines simple pantry ingredients to create a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, tender interior. Perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners, this traditional recipe brings generations of flavor and nostalgia to your table with versatile customization options and satisfying textures.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 large onion, peeled and grated
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons flour or matzo meal
- 3 tablespoons oil or schmaltz
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and grate the potatoes and onions, then soak them in cold water for several minutes to remove excess starch and prevent browning. This step ensures a lighter texture and prevents the kugel from becoming too dense.
- Drain and Squeeze: Drain the grated mixture thoroughly, using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing moisture is key to achieving a crispy, golden crust during baking.
- Mix the Batter: Combine the drained potatoes and onions with beaten eggs, flour or matzo meal, oil (or schmaltz), and seasonings in a large bowl. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overmixing.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish well to prevent sticking, then spread the kugel mixture evenly. Smooth the top to promote even browning and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until the top is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the kugel to cool slightly before cutting it into squares or scoops. This resting time helps it set and makes serving easier, while preserving its delicious texture.
Notes
- Grate finely using the small side of a box grater or a food processor for the best texture.
- Dry grated potatoes thoroughly to avoid sogginess and achieve a crispy crust.
- Mix gently to keep the kugel light and tender; avoid overmixing.
- Use schmaltz for traditional flavor depth or high-quality oil for a lighter version.
- Monitor baking closely near the end to prevent over-browning or drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: potato kugel, classic kugel recipe, traditional Jewish dish, potato casserole, comfort food, holiday side dish, gluten free potato kugel