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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 12, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
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Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel is a classic Jewish dish that has become a beloved side of many holiday meals and gatherings. Its made of shredded potatoes, onions, and eggs.
It has a crisp exterior with a soft interior and is full of flavor from the combination of schmaltz (chicken fat), thyme, pepper, chives, eggs, and salt.
This delicious potato kugel recipe is a great side dish for any holiday meal or gathering. It can also be served as an appetizer or snack.
This recipe guide will show you how to make Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel. So, let’s get started!
What is Potato Kugel Recipe?
As mentioned above, potato kugel is a classic Jewish dish. It is made from shredded potatoes, onions, and eggs which are combined with schmaltz (chicken fat), thyme, black pepper, chives, and salt. The mixture is then baked in an oven to give it a crisp exterior and soft interior.
However, I am a big fan of Ina Garten. I collected her Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. This is where I found this recipe.
Once I saw the recipe, I knew that I had to try it. It is a simple and delicious dish that everyone in my family loves.
How to make Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel?
Making Ina Garten Potato Kugel is very easy. The key here is to ensure you thaw the potatoes properly and that your onion is finely diced. Then follow the instructions and steps, and you will have the delicious potato kugel in your hand.
You can also read the following breakfast recipes:
- Recipe of Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread
- Recipe for Blueberry Scones Ina Garten
- Panera Bread Sierra Turkey Sandwich Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray: Spray used to coat the baking dish.
- Onions: Finely diced onions for flavor.
- Schmaltz (chicken fat): Used to add richness and flavor.
- Hash brown potatoes: Thawed frozen shredded potatoes make up the base of the kugel.
- Thyme: An herb used to add flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure for the kugel.
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the dish.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Chives: Chopped chives bring a bit of freshness and texture to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9″ × 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2
Heat the schmaltz or olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions, thyme and black pepper, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are lightly browned.
Step 3
Add the thawed hashbrowns, chives and 1 teaspoon of salt to the onion mixture and stir to combine. Spread the potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish and press down gently to compact them.
Step 4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 cup of water until blended. Pour evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.
Step 5
Bake for 40 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra chopped chives.
Tips
• Make sure to thaw the hashbrowns completely before adding them to the onion mixture.
• Add extra salt and pepper to taste if desired.
• If the kugel is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking time.
Ina Garten Potato Kugel
Ina Garten's Potato Kugel is a classic Jewish dish that has become a beloved side of many holiday meals and gatherings. Its made of shredded potatoes, onions, and eggs. It has a crisp exterior with a soft interior and is full of flavor from the combination of schmaltz (chicken fat), thyme, pepper, chives, eggs, and salt.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 140kcal
Equipment
baking dish
Medium Bowl
Whisk
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 small onions, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons schmaltz (chicken fat) or olive oil
- 3 pounds frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 bunch chives, chopped (1/4 cup), plus more for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9″ × 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat the schmaltz or olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions, thyme and black pepper, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are lightly browned.
Add the thawed hashbrowns, chives and 1 teaspoon of salt to the onion mixture and stir to combine. Spread the potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish and press down gently to compact them.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 cup of water until blended. Pour evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra chopped chives.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the hashbrowns completely before adding them to the onion mixture.
- Add extra salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- If the kugel is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking time.
Keyword: Ina Garten Potato Kugel, Ina Garten Potato Kugel Recipe
Nutrition Information
One serving of Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel contains approximately 140 calories, 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein and 8 grams of carbohydrates.
What to serve with Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel?
Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel is a great side dish that pairs well with roasted or grilled meats such as chicken or steak and can also be served with fish or a vegetarian dish. It also goes great alongside a green salad or cooked vegetables.
You can also enjoy it as an appetizer served with sauces or dips of your choice. For a heartier meal, top with sour cream and chives for a delicious potato casserole dish.
Since the kugel is savory, you may choose to serve it with a side of sweet condiments such as apple sauce or cranberry sauce.
How to store leftover Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel?
You can store leftover Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can definitely enjoy Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel. The ingredients used in this recipe are generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, as with all foods during pregnancy, it’s recommended to limit the amount of salt consumed and keep an eye on portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I substitute the schmaltz for another fat?
Yes, you can substitute the schmaltz for a different fat such as olive oil or butter. The flavor of the dish will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Is Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel vegan-friendly?
Unfortunately, Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel is not vegan-friendly as it contains eggs and schmaltz (chicken fat). However, you can make a vegan version of the dish by substituting the eggs and chicken fat for vegan alternatives like tofu or vegetable broth. You can also substitute the chives for another type of herb like parsley or basil.
Can I freeze Ina Garten’s, Potato Kugel?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Once cooked, allow the kugel to cool completely before wrapping it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
How can I make Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you will need to use potato starch or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, double-check to make sure that all other ingredients used are labeled as gluten-free.
How do I keep my potato kugel from sticking to the baking dish?
To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking dish, make sure to grease the baking dish well with nonstick cooking spray. Additionally, make sure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed and pressed down gently into the pan for even baking. This will ensure that your potato kugel comes out perfectly every time!
Is it possible to prepare Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel ahead of time?
Yes, it is possible to prepare Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before baking. When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven and proceed according to the instructions in the recipe. This will save you time and effort when it comes to preparing a delicious potato dish!
Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen hashbrowns for Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel. However, make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the mixture. Additionally, be sure to use higher fat-content hashbrowns such as those made with butter or oil for best results. This will help to ensure that your potato kugel is light and fluffy!
Is potato kugel a traditional Jewish dish?
Yes, potato kugel is a traditional Jewish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is typically served during the Passover Seder meal as a side dish, although it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Potato kugel is a beloved comfort food for many that bring back fond memories and taste great!
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel is a classic Jewish side dish that is full of flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its crisp exterior and soft interior, this dish is perfect for any holiday gathering or family meal. Make sure to follow the tips above for the best results and enjoy!
Now that you know how to make Ina Garten’s Potato Kugel, what are you waiting for? Give it a try today! Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comment section below.
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Author Profile
Lori Walker, MS, RD
My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more