Ina Garten’s Golden Crispy Potato Kugel Recipe For Beginners

Potato kugel dances on the palate with a symphony of crispy edges and creamy interiors, enchanting food lovers everywhere.

This culinary gem transforms ordinary spuds into an extraordinary experience that resonates with comfort and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of crafting this golden-brown delicacy.

Every forkful tells a story of cultural heritage and kitchen wisdom passed down through time.

Shredded potatoes blend with simple seasonings, creating a masterpiece that elevates humble ingredients.

The sizzling surface promises a textural adventure that beckons hungry diners.

Check out this recipe and let the irresistible aroma of potato kugel transport you to a world of delectable memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient Breakdown for Ina Garten Potato Kugel

• Onions: Seek sweet, firm varieties with glossy skin for maximum caramelization potential.
• Thyme Sprigs: Select fresh, vibrant green herbs with strong aromatic quality.
• Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns for grinding just before cooking for intense flavor.

• Hash Brown Potatoes: Look for frozen brands with minimal additives and crisp texture.
• Chives: Pick bright green, perky herbs without wilting for fresh, sharp taste.

• Eggs: Select farm-fresh eggs with rich, deep yellow yolks for best consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Opt for coarse-grain salt that provides clean, balanced seasoning.

Cooking Gear for Ina Garten Potato Kugel Recipe

• Oven: Standard kitchen oven for preheating and baking dish.
• 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish: Large rectangular pan for preparing and baking casserole.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy release of potato mixture.
• Medium skillet: Necessary for sautéing onions and herbs.
• Large mixing bowl: Used for combining potato ingredients.
• Separate smaller bowl: Needed for whisking eggs.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending eggs smoothly.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps fold ingredients gently.
• Measuring spoons: For precise salt measurement.
• Cutting board: Surface for chopping chives.
• Sharp knife: Used for chopping chives finely.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Potato Kugel Easily

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a glass baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick coating.

• Sizzle Flavor-Packed Onions

Warm up some oil in a skillet and toss in chopped onions with fragrant thyme. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes until they become translucent and dreamy. Pluck out the thyme sprigs and say goodbye.

• Craft Potato Medley

Dump those caramelized onions into a big mixing bowl. Toss in thawed hash browns and sprinkle some fresh chives. Gently mingle everything together so each bite will be a flavor explosion.

• Bind With Silky Eggs

Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk them with a pinch of salt until they’re smooth and gorgeous. This is your magical binding agent that’ll hold everything together.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour the egg mixture over your potato blend and fold gently. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepped dish. Slide into the waiting oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center looks firm and inviting.

Customization Tips for Ina Garten Potato Kugel

Explore different ways to elevate this classic dish with exciting twists and personal touches.

Experiment with smoked paprika, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to add a kick of heat and complexity to the potato mixture.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan between layers for an extra creamy and indulgent texture that melts perfectly.

Fold in diced bell peppers, spinach, or roasted vegetables to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrients.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten Potato Kugel

• Serve with Tangy Sour Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream to balance the warm, crispy potato casserole.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to complement the rich potato dish.
• Breakfast Brilliance: Transform this potato bake into a hearty breakfast by adding crispy bacon bits or crumbled breakfast sausage on top.
• Brunch Party Pleaser: Slice into squares and serve as a delightful centerpiece for weekend brunch gatherings with friends and family.

Storage Plan for Ina Garten Potato Kugel Leftovers

• Preserve Potato Perfection: Transfer leftover potato kugel to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap carefully to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delightful texture.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Slice the kugel into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen kugel stays delicious for up to 3 months, ready to reheat whenever cravings strike.
• Reheat with Crispy Care: Revive refrigerated or frozen kugel in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Covering with foil prevents excessive browning while ensuring the center heats evenly. Crisp edges will make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the kugel ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. Assemble the dish a day before baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven for a fresh, homemade experience that impresses every time.

Crispy Ina Garten Potato Kugel Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic Ina Garten potato kugel brings crispy comfort from Jewish culinary traditions. Russet potatoes and onions create golden, crunchy edges that welcome dinner guests with irresistible warmth you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 6 large eggs
• 2 small onions, finely diced (about 1.5 cups)
• 2 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsps schmaltz (chicken fat) or olive oil
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 bunch chives, chopped (¼ cup), plus more for serving
• Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Onion Infusion: In a medium skillet, warm schmaltz or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions with fresh thyme and ground black pepper until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs.
3. Potato Integration: Transfer caramelized onions to a large mixing bowl. Fold in thawed hash brown potatoes and finely chopped chives, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Egg Seasoning: Whisk whole eggs with kosher salt until combined and slightly frothy, creating a smooth binding liquid.
5. Final Assembly: Gently pour seasoned egg mixture over potato-onion blend, folding carefully to integrate all components uniformly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even, smooth layer.
6. Baking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes until edges transform to a rich golden brown and center becomes completely set and firm.

Notes

• Potato Perfection: Choose fresh, high-quality hash browns for the best texture and flavor in your kugel.
• Oil Infusion: Use schmaltz for authentic Jewish flavor, but olive oil works as a great alternative with lighter taste profile.
• Seasoning Secret: Don’t skip the fresh thyme during onion sautéing – it adds subtle, aromatic depth to the entire dish.
• Crispy Topping Technique: Ensure golden-brown edges by spreading mixture evenly and baking until top develops a beautiful, crisp crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg