This crispy, rich casserole is derived from traditional Jewish culture and a hint of Southern. Commonly served on Jewish holidays, lokshen kugel—Yiddish for noodles and casserole—contains sugar, cream, jam, cinnamon, and raisins, which allows the dish to take on a sweeter, creamier flavor than most savory noodle casseroles.
According to Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey’s cookbook, Kugels and Collards: Stories of Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina (University of South Carolina Press, 2023), the recipe’s Southern feel is credited to the cornflake topping, which Jewish home cooks started to use as the availability of convenience foods like cereal became widespread back in the early 20th century. Try this delicious and easy-to-make dish with your friends and family for the perfect cool-weather comfort meal.