As documented by The New York Times, families across America tend to serve a Thanksgiving meal that speaks to their family’s distinct heritage and culinary traditions. As the article illustrates, Thanksgiving menus are every bit as diverse as our population.
If we could contribute a recipe, it would probably be a kugel, one of the most versatile Jewish side dishes. With a few grates of nutmeg, a tablespoon or two of maple syrup and a handful of cranberries, you can customize your family’s noodle kugel to reflect seasonal produce and nutty, autumnal Thanksgiving flavors.
Some of the dishes below could even be hearty main dishes for vegetarians craving something other than mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. In other words: Kugels aren’t just for Rosh Hashanah or Passover — they’re perfectly at home on the Thanksgiving table.
Apple-Pear-Cranberry Kugel
All of the fall flavors.
Pumpkin Kugel With Pecan Streusel
Perfect for a holiday or just a cozy fall evening.
Caramelized Apple and Cranberry Noodle Kugel
Make this for Thanksgiving or Rosh Hashanah, or anytime you’re craving a fall-flavored kug’.
Salt & Pepper Spaghetti Squash Kugel
A light, fluffy kugel with the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Sweet Potato-Pecan Kugel Recipe
This Southern-inspired sweet potato kugel has a sweet, crunchy pecan topping.
Classic Potato Kugel
Skip the mashed potatoes and make this perfect potato kugel, instead.
Cakey Crunch Sweet Potato Kugel
Topped with cake mix and marshmallows, this is a Thanksgiving indulgence you won’t regret.
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kugel
Prounounced: KOO-gull (oo as in book), Origin: Yiddish, traditional Ashkenazi casserole frequently made with egg noodles or potatoes.
Rosh Hashanah
Pronounced: roshe hah-SHAH-nah, also roshe ha-shah-NAH, Origin: Hebrew, the Jewish new year.
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