• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
OMG! Yummy
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook!
  • Tasting Jerusalem
  • Jewish Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook!
  • Tasting Jerusalem
  • Jewish Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
×

Home » Passover

Potato Kugel - Passover Tradition with a Twist

by Beth Lee · Published: Apr 6, 2019 · Modified: Mar 30, 2022

525 shares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
pinterest image showing cooked kugel with some on spoon

This potato kugel recipe will satisfy the traditionalists at your table but surprise your taste buds with a few new elements to lighten and brighten the dish. Matzo meal is used in this kugel, making it perfect for Passover or any meal where a comforting potato side dish is the perfect choice.

baked potato kugel in white casserole dish with yellow napkin and large serving spoon
Photos by Laura Bashar of the blog Family Spice

This post contains Amazon affiliate links – if you click on one and purchase something, I receive a very tiny percentage of the sale. Your price is never affected. 

This potato kugel recipe has all the elements of a traditional kugel – the potatoes, eggs, matzo meal, and oil – with a few new additions to brighten it up, visually and for your taste buds.

I’ve added carrots, parsley, za’atar (Middle Eastern spice blend) or thyme, and a bit of paprika or Aleppo pepper for the top.

And all self-respecting potato kugels have a bit of crunch – I offer you a couple of cooking techniques to achieve this texture.

What is potato kugel?

Potato kugel is a bit like a giant potato latke or pancake. The preparation is similar in many ways, but the nuanced differences make it cook perfectly in a casserole dish and feed a crowd with ease. No frying just a few at a time!

uncooked kugel in white dish with paprika on top and large serving spoon
Photos by Laura Bashar of the blog Family Spice

Should I strain the liquid like a potato latke?

In my version, I don’t strain the potatoes to make them perfectly dry as most would recommend for a latke. Instead, I peel the potatoes and let the whole potato soak in cold water while I finish the peeling and the potatoes are ready to shred. Once I start shredding, I put everything in a bowl together without straining the liquid. Any juice from the potatoes will carry some potato starch with it, which helps, along with the eggs, to hold it all together. There will be some residual moisture from the uncooked onions, I found this to be no problem at all.

uncooked kugel in white dish with yellow napkin and large serving spoon no paprika
Photos by Laura Bashar of the blog Family Spice

Is potato kugel kosher for Passover?

As long as you use matzo meal that is kosher for Passover, yes it is! And as my neighbor does every time she makes this, don’t forget to eat the leftovers with a runny egg the next day. Or try a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Kosher for Passover Note: If you use za'atar, it has sesame seeds in it which are considered kitniyot. More recent dietary laws are including kitniyot in the Passover food list. But if you do not eat kitniyot during Passover, leave out the za'atar and just use thyme.

Can kugel be frozen? Or made in advance?

Many people recommend against making a kugel in advance. My experience is that cooking it earlier in the day that you plan to eat it works out just fine. I don’t think I would leave it uncooked in the refrigerator because the potatoes will continue to discolor. But I would cook it and then reheat it (covered so it doesn’t dry out) and then give it a quick run under the broiler to crisp up the top. As for freezing it, I’ve never had enough left over to do this!

How can I prevent my potatoes from turning brown after peeling?

I let mine soak in a bowl of water after I peel them. When I shred, I dry the whole potato off before I cut them and slip them through the food processor grater.

shredded carrots and potatoes in food processor for potato kugel
Photos by Laura Bashar of the blog Family Spice

Tips for making potato kugel:

  1. Get organized. I really like the extra flavor imparted from caramelizing some onions for this version. Caramelizations happens when you cook onions low and slow. So get them started and while they cook, you can prep the other ingredients.
  2. Different potatoes have different amounts of starch. I tested this recipe with russet potatoes. Other types might yield slightly different results.
  3. Don't hesitate to use your food processor to shred the potatoes, carrots and onion. If you want to hand grate, you can but I don't personally believe it improves the result.
  4. Preheating the casserole dish with oil is a great way to get a crispy bottom but be careful when you take this preheated dish out of the oven to add in the potato kugel mixture!
caramelized onions in a pot ready to add to potato kugel
Photos by Laura Bashar of the blog Family Spice

What is Za’atar and Aleppo pepper?

Za’atar is a middle eastern spice blend comprised of hyssop (a member of the thyme family found in the Middle East), sumac, and sesame seeds. The combination creates a beguiling earthy and nutty flavor that enhances the onions in this dish very nicely. But if you don’t have za’atar, a little thyme will also add extra flavor without overpowering the traditional crispy potato and onion profile of this dish.

Aleppo pepper is mild sun-dried red pepper that originates from Turkey and Syria with smoky sundried tomato overtones. Once you start using it, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

cooked crispy potato kugel in dish with serving spoon of kugel on the side
Photos by Laura Bashar of the blog Family Spice

More Passover recipe inspiration

Check out my Recipe and Resource Guide for Passover for more seder menu ideas

and my Matzo Recipe page for more way to use up your can of matzo meal

Apple Matzo Farfel Kugel

Apricot Apple Matzo Farfel Kugel 

Matzo Meal Pancake (also called a Bubula or Chremslach)

Instant Pot Brisket

Brisket with Tzimmes

Dairy Free Chocolate Truffles

Matzo Ball Soup

Try FamilySpice's Persian Kookoo Sabzi - a perfect egg and herb frittata to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner during Passover season or anytime of the year.

And a special thanks to Family Spice's publisher, photographer, chef, and two-time cookbook author Laura Bashar for recipe testing and photographing this potato kugel recipe. Her flavor combinations and photography are inspiring - please pop over and check out her blog and buy!! her cookbooks here:

Also check out my Amazon shop that includes some of my favorite food and food-related products. I am always updating it – please visit often. And let me know if you need specific product recommendations – I am happy to help!

cooked kugel in pan with some on spoon

Potato Kugel for Passover

This potato kugel is perfect for Passover or any holiday meal. I’ve added a few elements to brighten and lighten the flavor while still delivering a traditional crispy potato onion flavor profile.
4.67 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins
Total Time 1 hr 40 mins
Course Passover Side Dish
Cuisine Jewish Holiday Cooking
Servings 16
Calories 183 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds Russet Potatoes peeled and grated
  • 2-3 medium carrots grated
  • 1 onion chopped
  • ½ onion grated
  • 3 eggs
  • ⅓ cup chopped parsley
  • ½ cup matzo meal or flour
  • 10 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Za’atar or dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or paprika on the top

Instructions
 

  • Slowly caramelize the chopped onion in skillet using a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Let it cook low and slow – you don’t want to sear it but rather slowly caramelize them. If you have za’atar, add in a tablespoon while the onions are cooking. If not, add in a teaspoon of thyme and a dash of salt and pepper.
    caramelized onions in a pot ready to add to potato kugel
  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. If you like a really crispy crust, add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to the bottom of your kugel pan and preheat the whole pan with the oil in it in the oven while you preheat.
  • While the onions are cooking and the oven is preheating, shred the potatoes using the shredder disc of your food processor. Shred the carrots and half of an onion as well. Put all the shredded vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
    shredded carrots and potatoes in food processor for potato kugel
  • Add the three eggs, ½ cup of flour or matzo meal, ⅓ cup of chopped parsley and the cooked and slightly cooled onions plus a quarter cup of the oil. Add a teaspoon of pepper and 2 teaspoons of salt (less or more as you prefer). Mix well.
  • When the kugel mixture is ready, carefully remove the hot kugel pan from the oven. Put the potato mixture in the hot pan. Brush another 1-2 tablespoons of oil on top and sprinkle it either with Aleppo pepper or paprika for the color and the flavor.
    uncooked kugel in white dish with yellow napkin and large serving spoon no paprika
  • Bake for 1 hour, then broil it for about 3 minutes to really get that “burnt” top that my Aunt Trudy loved. *NOTE: If you use a pyrex (glass) baking dish then skip the broiling. Glass pans can shatter if put under high broiling heat. So if you want Aunt Trudy's "burnt" top - be sure to use a non-glass baking pan!
  • The deeper your pan, the longer the kugel will take to bake. Shallower pan, slightly less time. And don't use a glass pan if you want to broil at the end.
    baked potato kugel in white casserole dish with yellow napkin and large serving spoon

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 458mgPotassium: 425mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1495IUVitamin C: 7.8mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword kugel, Passover recipes, potatoes, side dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Passover

  • Matzo granola in a small canning jar with a decorative string and a wooden spoon of granola on the side.
    Matzo Granola for Passover or Anytime!
  • Braised beef brisket in a bowl with a slice of challah on the side.
    Braised Beef Brisket with Tsimmes
  • Sliced brisket on a small white plate with potatoes and carrots and knife and fork nearby.
    Jewish Brisket with a Sweet and Tangy Braising Sauce
  • Two cheese latkes on an off white plate with syrup on top.
    Cheese latkes: crispy cottage cheese pancakes  

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. barb

    March 12, 2023 at 4:46 am

    HI!! PLANNING TO MAKE THIS FOR PASSOVER....can i use frozen grated/shredded potatoes?? i dont have a food processor..i mean i could hand grate...but just asking!! that you

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 12, 2023 at 11:15 am

      Great question. I've never tested the recipe with pre-shredded potatoes (disclaimer ) BUT I would totally do it - either with the frozen ones or the ones you can buy in the refrigerated section. If they are frozen, make sure there isn't a lot of extra water when they defrost and if there is, dry them off with a kitchen towel. Otherwise, I say go for it! And let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  2. Christine Lemieux

    April 09, 2022 at 8:32 am

    I have to try this! Looks like comfort food to me.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      April 10, 2022 at 8:37 am

      Oh yes - delicious comfort food!

      Reply
  3. Lori

    March 28, 2021 at 3:55 am

    5 stars
    I made this for the first time for Passover Dinner last night. It was absolutely delicious and smells heavenly when it is baking. It was my first potato kugel and it was like eating a delicious latke without standing at the stove frying them up in messy oil for an hour. Thanks for all of the step-by-step instructions. I multiplied it by 1.5 & had two big casserole dishes. We ate almost all of 1 for 12 people. I used convection bake and it got very crispy. We usually go out b/c we have so many people, but we were only 12 this year b/c of who has been vaccinated. Anyway, I usually leave the Passover kugel on my plate when we are out b/c it is soggy and underwhelming. But this was awesome!! (Oh, and I found Za-atar at a middle eastern place called Tabouli at my Farmer's Market). I may need to eat leftovers with apple sauce and sour cream for dinner tonight.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 28, 2021 at 8:42 am

      This makes me so happy. So glad you found the za'atar too. Just makes it that much more special. My neighbor makes this and she isn't Jewish - just loves it as a side dish and then makes a yummy breakfast with eggs the next morning. I totally agree with you - I love how simple this is compared to latkes and yet you get almost all the same yumminess. Chag Sameach!

      Reply
  4. Ronna Spiwak

    March 23, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Can I make this recipe in advance?

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 23, 2021 at 4:17 pm

      Sure - but it's one that you'll want to bake and then reheat since potatoes will discolor if left uncooked. But it will reheat really nicely. I would totally make it ahead.

      Reply
  5. ann

    March 14, 2021 at 10:56 am

    This recipe as written states it feeds 16. Is that correct? I've not yet made it but I do find it hard to believe based on the ingredient quantities I could serve that number of people.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      March 14, 2021 at 3:25 pm

      Hi Ann - so I am actually writing a cookbook right now and am pondering servings all day every day. When I created the recipe, I put it in a 9 X13-ish casserole. And when I serve something like this, it's usually part of a big spread. So for me, I would definitely cut it into at least 16 pieces. But if you are counting this as your main side dish without a buffet's worth of other food, then I'd say 8 - 10. Thanks for asking the question. Let me know how it works out for you! My neighbor, who isn't even Jewish, loves making this and eats the leftovers as a hash brown-like side for her eggs the next morning.

      Reply
  6. Tara

    April 09, 2019 at 7:19 am

    5 stars
    Mmm, why save this for Passover? It's delicious any time!

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      April 09, 2019 at 11:02 am

      Right? I always wonder why I compartmentalize foods into certain times of the year, especially when they are not seasonally drive by ingredient!

      Reply
  7. Dana

    April 07, 2019 at 2:05 pm

    5 stars
    Now this is the ultimate potato kugel. Bravo on all the detailed instructions and FAQs. Love the extra flavors.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      April 07, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      Coming from you, always a high compliment! I bet you have a great family recipe.

      Reply
  8. Sandi

    April 07, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    5 stars
    What a delicious recipe for Passover...it looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      April 07, 2019 at 4:47 pm

      Thanks Sandi - I made it at our big Rosh Hashanah dinner and there was not a bite left!

      Reply
  9. Rosemary Mark

    April 07, 2019 at 11:31 am

    Looks so good! I've had noodle kugel, but not potato. Adding Zatar sounds wonderful.

    Reply
    • Beth Lee

      April 07, 2019 at 4:47 pm

      I LOVE noodle kugel. But this is so comforting - like a giant potato latke 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Hi! I’m Beth Lee. In 2010, I realized I prefer pita chips to memory chips and started this blog. My family is a mix of Jewish/Hawaiian/Korean heritage and my food reflects our diversity. My virtual kitchen is always open. Let’s cook together! 

See all my recipes →

Popular

  • Close up of 3 poppy seed hamantaschen on a flowery plate with a bowl of filling in the background.
    Poppy Seed Filling for Hamantaschen
  • Roasted grapes in a grey bowl with an herby napkin and copper spoon.
    Roasted Grapes
  • Korean cucumber salad in white bowl with red chopsticks
    Korean Cucumber Salad
  • One stuffed pepper on a plate with yogurt and fresh parsley.
    Stuffed Romano Peppers Recipe

Buy My Cookbook

Photo of the cover of the essential Jewish baking cookbook by Beth Lee.

Footer

↑ back to top
Horizontal image showing logos of various media outlets that OMG! Yummy has been featured in.

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Web Stories

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Jewish Recipes

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Beth Lee/OMG! Yummy · All Rights Reserved

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
  • Reddit
 

Loading Comments...