Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth and comfort as we delve into the delightful world of Cinnamon Kugel. This beloved dish, with its roots in Jewish cuisine, offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and soothe your soul. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast treat, or side dish, Cinnamon Kugel is sure to bring joy to any occasion. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating this timeless classic and learn how to make it a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 12oz bag of egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cottage cheese (16 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ¼ cups white granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter (one stick), melted
- 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cottage cheese, sour cream, melted butter, cream cheese, 1 ¼ cups white sugar, salt, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine with Noodles:
- Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the wet mixture, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- In a separate small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup white sugar, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Layer and Bake:
- Pour half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the noodles. Repeat with the remaining noodle mixture and cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake Until Golden Brown:
- Bake the kugel in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Cinnamon Kugel to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fruit Variation: Add diced apples, raisins, or cranberries to the noodle mixture for added sweetness and texture.
- Nuts Option: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the top of the kugel before baking for a crunchy texture.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and swirling it into the noodle mixture before baking.
Keto Version: For a keto-friendly version of Cinnamon Kugel, replace the egg noodles with shirataki noodles or thinly sliced zucchini noodles. Use keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of white and brown sugars. Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use full-fat cottage cheese and sour cream. Adjust the quantities of sweeteners to taste and omit the toppings for a lower carb option.
Low Carb Version: To make a low-carb version of Cinnamon Kugel, use low-carb egg noodles or spaghetti squash as a noodle substitute. Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or erythritol, and use full-fat dairy products. Reduce the amount of sweetener used in the cinnamon sugar mixture and opt for unsweetened toppings such as chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make Cinnamon Kugel ahead of time? A: Yes, Cinnamon Kugel can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Cinnamon Kugel? A: Yes, Cinnamon Kugel freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I customize the flavors of Cinnamon Kugel? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different add-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to create your own unique flavor combinations.
In conclusion, Cinnamon Kugel is a timeless dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and warmth. Whether enjoyed as a comforting breakfast, decadent dessert, or indulgent side dish, this versatile recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. With its simple preparation and endless variations, Cinnamon Kugel is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of tradition with this delightful dish today!
