Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (2024)

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Make potato kugel for an impressive Passover side dish or any time the mood strikes. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, like a giant potato latke.

By

Micah Siva, RD

Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (1)

Micah Siva, RD

Micah Siva is a trained chef, registered dietitian, recipe writer, and food photographer, specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. She runs Nosh with Micah, her personal blog.

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Updated January 23, 2024

Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (2)

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Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (3)

In This Recipe

  • Best Potatoes for Kugel

    See Also
    Potato Kugel

  • Crispy Kugel Trick

  • What Is Potato Starch?

  • Easy Variations

  • Make It Ahead

My family makes potato kugel—a dish popular in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine—during Passover. During the springtime holiday, we feast on foods like matzo and matzo ball soup, celebrating the exodus from Egypt. The word kugel means “pudding” in Yiddish, and the dish can be savory or sweet, traditionally made with either potatoes or noodles.

The perfect potato kugel should be crispy and crunchy on the outside, with a fluffy, creamy filling on the inside, like a giant potato latke that you slice, share, and enjoy alongside your main dishes (like beef brisket).

Because this recipe is dairy-free, it is considered “pareve,” meaning it can be eaten with either a meat or dairy meal. And you don’t have to save it for Passover—make it anytime the mood strikes.

Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (4)

The Best Potatoes for Kugel

Russet potatoes are the best potato for making kugel—their high starch content helps create a light and fluffy dish that becomes golden brown and crispy when baked. Whether you choose to peel your potatoes or not is your choice. I often skip that step to save time and reduce my food waste.

How to Buy and Store PotatoesREAD MORE:

The Trick for Crispy Kugel

The key to the perfect kugel is preheating the baking dish to ensure crispy edges. I also like to soak my grated potatoes in ice-cold water to remove any excess starches, then wring or squeeze out the liquid. This prevents a gummy kugel.

What Is Potato Starch?

Potato starch is made from the naturally occurring starch in potatoes. It’s a fine, powdered substance that is great for thickening and binding. It is not the same as potato flour but does work similarly to cornstarch. Find potato starch in the flour aisle of your grocery store, typically right beside the cornstarch. It’s key in this recipe since it helps bind the kugel together without imparting any flavor.

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Easy Variations

  • Want a cheesy twist? Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes.
  • Can’t find matzo meal? Substitute equal amounts of all-purpose flour instead—it won’t be suitable for Passover, but great for the rest of the year.
  • Get colorful! Add a grated carrot, or replace a potato with an orange sweet potato.
A "Classic Meets Modern" Passover MenuREAD MORE:

How to Make It Ahead

Potato kugel can be prepared in advance. Once cooked and cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through in the center and re-crisped.

You can also freeze kugel. Wrap in plastic wrap and then foil and store for up to 3 months. Reheat at 250°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or defrost in the fridge and reheat using the instructions above.

How to Freeze Lasagna and Other CasserolesREAD MORE:

Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (6)

More Passover Favorites

  • Jewish Brisket
  • Apple and Sweet Potato Matzo Bake
  • Charoset with Apples, Dates, and Walnuts
  • Chocolate and Hazelnut Matzo Toffee
  • Noodle Kugel

Potato Kugel

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time60 mins

Total Time90 mins

Servings8to 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 4 pounds russet potatoes

  • 2 medium yellow onions

  • 6 large eggs

  • 1/3 cup matzo meal

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving

  • 2 tablespoons potato starch

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the top

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  2. Grate the potatoes:

    If desired, peel the potatoes (this is optional). Using the shredding disc of a food processor or the largest hole of the box grater, grate the potatoes.

    Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (7)

  3. Soak the potatoes and prepare the pan:

    Add the potatoes to a large bowl of ice water. Let soak for 10 minutes. Drain well and place in a clean kitchen towel. Gather up the edges and squeeze out any excess water. This step removes excess starch so that your kugel does not turn out gummy.

    Add the potatoes to a large, dry bowl.

    Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a 9x13-inch baking dish and place it in the oven to warm up.

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    Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (9)

  4. Prepare the onions and combine the ingredients:

    Meanwhile, peel and grate the onions using the food processor or box grater. Drain any excess liquid and add the onions to the potatoes.

    Add the eggs, matzo meal, parsley, potato starch, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix well until combined.

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    Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (11)

    Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (12)

  5. Bake:

    Carefully transfer the potato mixture to the heated baking sheet and spread out into an even layer. Drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with salt.

    Bake until deep golden brown and a knife pierces the kugel easily, 60 to 70 minutes. Top with additional chopped parsley.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

    Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (13)

    Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (14)

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
339Calories
11g Fat
50g Carbs
10g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8to 10
Amount per serving
Calories339
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g15%
Saturated Fat 2g11%
Cholesterol 112mg37%
Sodium 198mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 50g18%
Dietary Fiber 5g18%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 20mg101%
Calcium 61mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
Potassium 1122mg24%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Our Perfect Potato Kugel Is Crisp on the Outside and Fluffy on the Inside (2024)

FAQs

Can you bake a potato kugel 2 days ahead and reheat it? ›

Potato kugel can be prepared in advance. Once cooked and cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How long is potato kugel good for in the fridge? ›

Potato kugel keeps well in the refrigerator for four to five days, as long as it's covered. You can eat a cold slice right out of the fridge, or reheat it in a 350 F oven, uncovered so the top can crisp, until hot. Kugel will also freeze well.

Why is my potato kugel gray? ›

After peeled or grated potatoes are exposed to air they will begin to turn gray or brown. This appearance can be off-putting, but the good news is that the quality of the potato isn't compromised. This is a harmless natural reaction and it is perfectly fine to cook and eat potatoes even if they have turned gray.

At what temperature do you reheat twice baked potatoes? ›

How to Reheat Twice-Baked Potatoes. Reheat by baking the potatoes in an oven preheated to 350 degree F for 15 to 20 minutes or in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel) for 2 to 3 minutes.

What nationality is potato kugel? ›

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.

Why are my potatoes turning brown in the fridge? ›

This process, which is called oxidation, happens because potatoes are a naturally starchy vegetable. And when exposed to oxygen, starches turn gray, brown, or even black. An oxidized potato is completely safe to eat. The process doesn't affect the flavor or texture of the vegetable.

Can you freeze raw potato Kugel? ›

Another thing that freezes extremely well is kugel. All kinds of kugels freeze well, broccoli, carrot, butternut squash, noodle kugel all freeze well. I used to not like to freeze potato kugel, because there is nothing like crispy potato kugel fresh from the oven, but it is totally fine. Finally, Desserts!

What is the best way to reheat kugel? ›

For an optimal result:
  1. Temperature: Preheat the oven to a low temperature, typically around 300°F (150°C) to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Technique: Place the kugel in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil to retain moisture.
  3. Duration: Heat for about 20-30 minutes, until the kugel is warmed through completely.
Apr 2, 2024

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.

Can you eat kugel 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.

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.

Why is my baked potato gray inside? ›

A: The potatoes were stored improperly for them to last that long after baking. Also, was there any chance that the potatoes were pierced with a fork to release steam or cut before baking? Those exposed surfaces, especially when wrapped tightly in foil and heated will become oxidized and turn brown or gray.

What does potato rot look like? ›

Soft rot on tubers first appears as small, tannish, water-soaked spots on the surface. These spots rapidly enlarge and the tissue decomposes in a soft, blister-like area on the surface of the tuber. Often, a slimy or watery substance oozes from breaks in the blister. The blister margin is darker than the tuber skin.

What is the internal discoloration of potatoes? ›

The darkening color is induced by low oxygen concentrations producing compounds with these alternative colors. There have been no harmful properties shown from this condition other than the discoloration. Sometimes, the color disappears in cooking while sometimes it does not.

Can I bake a potato and reheat it later? ›

Reheat a Baked Potato in the Oven

The best way to reheat food is to use the same method you did when cooking it. Reheating a baked potato in the oven helps keep the potatoes from drying. Preheat the oven to 350°F and take the potatoes out of the fridge to reach room temperature.

How do you reheat hash brown potato casserole? ›

The best way to reheat your casserole is to cover the pan with foil and place it in a 325 degrees F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until leftovers are heated through and cheese is melted.

How do you reheat breakfast potatoes in the oven? ›

To store: store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat: feel free to reheat the potatoes right back in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave until warmed through, though they won't be as crispy.

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