When comfort food meets elegance, you get this nostalgic Kugel pear dairy-free recipe. It’s a creative twist on a classic kugel—a cozy, baked dish that often stars pasta or potatoes. This version, however, swaps in sweet pears for a naturally dairy-free dessert or side. Whether you’re looking for something new for the holidays or craving a sweet treat to share with loved ones, this recipe brings warmth and sweetness to your table. Get ready to make something everyone will be excited to try!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Kugel pear dairy free recipe Recipe
If you’ve never tried kugel before, you’re in for a treat. Traditionally a beloved Jewish dish, kugel is baked comfort food that’s been around for centuries. Think of it as casserole’s sweeter, more refined cousin. This version builds on the classic formula but skips dairy entirely, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or anyone looking for a lighter option. The hint of natural sweetness comes from ripe pears, which give the dish a fresh, velvety twist. Whether you’re enjoying it warm on a cold evening or sneaking a slice chilled for breakfast (no judgment, we do it too!), this recipe feels like a warm hug. And while kugel often shows up during religious holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Passover, this particular version is versatile enough to make any day feel special. So, grab your apron—you’re about to add a unique, crowd-pleasing recipe to your kitchen lineup.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance or dietary needs
- Perfect balance of sweet and cozy flavors
- Great for festive gatherings or casual family dinners
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
- Easy to prep, even for beginner cooks
- Can be made ahead for convenience
- Pairs beautifully with a variety of meals
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pears: Go for ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears for natural sweetness. If pears aren’t your thing, you can substitute with apples for a similar flavor and texture.
- Noodles: Traditional kugel often uses wide egg noodles, but for a dairy-free twist, try any pasta you prefer. Gluten-free noodles work well here too if needed!
- Sugar or Natural Sweetener: A touch of sugar gives this dish an indulgent edge, but feel free to swap for honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar based on preference.
- Eggs: These bind everything together. For a vegan option, use flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Seasonings: A pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla add warmth and depth to the flavors.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to keep everything from sticking.
- Cook your noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs (or substitute), sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. This will form the backbone of your kugel.
- Slice your pears thinly and toss them gently into the mixture so they get coated evenly.
- Add in the cooked noodles and stir everything together for an even mix.
- Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, so it sets up nicely and slices cleanly.
Expert Tips for Success
Use ripe, juicy pears for the best flavor
Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll continue to soften in the oven
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or coconut sugar on top for a caramelized finish
Try baking in individual ramekins for single-serve portions
Let the kugel cool for a few minutes before digging in to avoid it breaking apart
Variations and Customizations
Feeling creative? Try swapping pears for apples or even peaches for a slightly different twist. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries if you like a touch of tartness. Want to make it healthier? Whole-grain or protein-packed pasta works wonderfully. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking. You could also experiment with plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) for added creaminess, even though this recipe doesn’t rely on it.
Nutritional Information
This kugel pear dairy-free recipe offers a delightful balance of nutrients. Each serving comes in at about 250-300 calories, making it a light yet filling addition to your meal. You’ll get natural sweetness from the pears while staying low on added sugar. It’s also a great source of carbs (perfect for keeping energy up) while being low in fat. Depending on the pasta and egg substitutes you choose, the protein content can vary—keep that in mind if you’re looking to tweak it for dietary needs.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover kugel? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For faster reheating, a microwave works too, though the texture might not stay quite as crisp.
Recipe Card of Kugel pear dairy free recipe
Ingredients list
- 4 ripe pears Bosc or Bartlett
- 12 oz wide egg-free noodles or a noodle substitute
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or dairy-free butter
- 3 large eggs or flax eggs for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup maple syrup honey works too!
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by boiling the noodles in a large pot of water. Follow the package instructions closely, stirring occasionally until they reach a tender consistency. Drain once cooked and set them aside to cool.
- While waiting on the noodles, carefully peel the pears using a sharp knife, eliminating all skin and any undesirable bits. Slice them thinly and uniformly to perfectly integrate into the kugel.
- In a sizable mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs (or flax eggs as a vegan choice), maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, plus a pinch of salt. This mixture will form a creamy base for the kugel.
- Carefully and gradually, fold the cooled noodles into the custard mixture, followed by the sliced pears. Stir gently to ensure even distribution. Add optional nuts or raisins now if desired, for extra crunch.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the kugel mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and drizzle some melted coconut oil over the top. Let it bake for about 45 minutes, until you see a golden, slightly crispy top.
- When finished baking, remove from the oven and let it stand briefly before slicing. This lets the flavors blend delightfully. Serve and savor every comforting bite!
Recipe Video
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this kugel ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day for the best results.
Can I freeze kugel?
Yes, kugel freezes really well. Just cool it completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Is this kugel sweet or savory?
This particular recipe leans sweet thanks to the pears and sugar, but you could easily tweak it to make a more savory dish by skipping the sweeteners and adding herbs instead.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free noodles work perfectly in this dish and taste just as good.
What should I serve kugel with?
You can enjoy it alone for a light dessert or pair it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.