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

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.

Easy Gluten-free Chicken Stock: Our Base for Soups and Other Recipes

Easy Gluten-Free Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Perfect Side Dish

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

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 does kugel symbolize? ›

The Importance of Kugel

If the dish is made with noodles because they are intertwined, it can mean Jewish unity. The composition and the sugar contained in kugel can symbolize the arrival of Shabbat and bring spiritual blessings.

Why do people eat kugel? ›

Jewish festivals

Some Hasidic Jews believe that eating kugel on the Jewish Sabbath brings special spiritual blessings, particularly if that kugel was served on the table of a Hasidic Rebbe.

What makes something a kugel? ›

Hailing from Germany, kugel is, at its core, a baked casserole with starch (usually noodles or potatoes), eggs and fat. While that's the base, kugel can be found in many variations from savory to sweet. The word kugel is German for “sphere,” which refers to the dumplings that made up the earliest version of the dish.

Why does my noodle Kugel fall apart? ›

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 to serve with kugel? ›

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 is the English word for kugel? ›

„Kugel“: Femininum

ball bullet, pellet, shot sphere, globe bulb head thick flank roulette ball sphere shot, bowl, ball ball More translations... ball.

What does "kugel" mean in Yiddish? ›

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 kugel eaten at Hanukkah? ›

It commonly makes an appearance on the dinner table during Shavuot (along with bourekas), when it's traditional to consume dairy foods, and Shabbat because it's said that kugel resembles the manna that fell from heaven. It's the perfect side dish for a Hanukkah latke party, adding some richness to the meal.

Why do Jews eat egg noodles? ›

History. "Jews eat lots of lokshen on Shabbat because noodles are symbolic of the unity of the people of Israel: They are so tangled that they can never be separated."

What is the difference between kugel and lokshen? ›

I had to look it up but “lokshen” means egg noodles. As for “kugel”, it is a Yiddish word meaning a baked casserole, most commonly made from lokshen or potato. It is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, often served on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It can be either sweet or savory.

What is the difference between sweet and savory kugel? ›

Sweet kugel is often made with sugar, raisins, and cinnamon. While it may sound like a dessert, sweet kugel is served as a side dish at meals or for breaking your Yom Kippur fast. Savory kugel may include pepper, a crunchy cornflake or breadcrumb topping, onions, and cheese.

What is a kugel slang? ›

(ˈkuːɡəl ) noun South Africa offensive, derogatory, slang. a young Jewish woman from a wealthy background who is seen as being excessively materialistic.

Does kugel need to be refrigerated? ›

Does noodle kugel need to be refrigerated? Yes, because of the dairy, kugel must be kept in the refrigerator. Storing leftover baked kugel: Let cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

What does the name kugel mean? ›

German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): nickname for a rotund person, from Middle High German kugel(e), German Kugel 'ball, orb'. The term also denoted a hooded cloak or round-topped mountain, and in some cases the surname may have arisen from either of these senses.

Do you heat up kugel? ›

Serve hot or warm, freshly baked or reheated. The kugel reheats extremely well in a 350°F oven, uncovered so the top can crisp up additionally.

When should I eat kugel? ›

Thanksgiving and Rosh Hashanah simply are not the holidays without homemade kugel. Ever since I was young, kugel has been one of my all time favorite dishes. Even though it's usually considered a meal for holiday occasions, I love to have it all year round.

How do you keep potato kugel from turning brown? ›

Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Grate the potatoes into the eggs and stir to coat the potatoes with the egg to keep the potatoes from turning brown.

How do you reheat Jerusalem kugel? ›

Recommended Reheating Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°. Place kugel on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes until fully reheated.

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