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What to Serve With Kugel: 15 Best Side Dishes

When serving kugel, complement it with dishes that enhance its delightful flavors. Succulent brisket pairs beautifully, creating a hearty meal. Light and invigorating roast chicken is another excellent choice. Sweet and savory tzimmes, featuring carrots and sweet potatoes, adds a homestyle touch. Traditional matzo ball soup provides a cozy contrast. For a revitalizing side, try a vibrant beet salad with tangy vinaigrette. Other great options include crispy latkes, sautéed spinach, and a simple cucumber salad. Don't forget the soft, warm challah bread. Embrace these pairings for a well-rounded, delicious meal, and discover even more delightful combinations!

Brisket

delicious smoked barbecue meat

One of the most traditional and complementary pairings with kugel is a well-prepared brisket. Utilizing slow-cooking techniques enhances the meat's tenderness and flavor, making it an ideal companion.

For an added touch of sophistication, consider a thoughtful wine pairing to elevate the dining experience. Rich red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, often harmonize beautifully with the robust flavors of a savory brisket.

Roast Chicken

family dinner on sunday

For those seeking an alternative to brisket, roast chicken provides a lighter yet equally flavorful complement to kugel.

With the right herb seasoning, such as rosemary or thyme, and simple cooking techniques like roasting, the chicken becomes a delightful pairing.

The savory notes of the chicken enhance the comforting flavors of the kugel, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Tzimmes

sweet carrot and fruit stew

Combining sweet and savory elements, tzimmes offers a rich and flavorful accompaniment to kugel. Its flavor profile, featuring carrots, sweet potatoes, and dried fruits, complements kugel's texture wonderfully.

For preparation tips, simmer the ingredients slowly to meld the flavors, adding a touch of honey for sweetness. This dish not only enhances the meal but also brings a comforting, homestyle touch to your table.

Matzo Ball Soup

warm and comforting dish

Matzo Ball Soup, a traditional Jewish comfort food, pairs excellently with kugel, providing a warm and savory contrast.

This delightful soup, made with flavorful chicken broth, is perfect for a cozy meal. The light, fluffy matzo balls float in the broth, and a dill garnish adds a touch of freshness.

Together, they create a harmonious and comforting dining experience.

Beet Salad

fresh and tangy salad

A vibrant beet salad, with its earthy sweetness and tangy vinaigrette, complements kugel beautifully, adding a revitalizing and colorful element to the meal.

Various vinaigrette options, such as balsamic or citrus-based, enhance the flavor combinations, bringing a delightful balance.

The beets' natural sweetness pairs well with the savory notes of kugel, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.

Green Beans

cooked with garlic butter

When paired with kugel, green beans offer a crisp and fresh counterbalance to the dish's rich and hearty flavors.

A green bean casserole, with its creamy texture and crunchy topping, adds comfort and depth.

Alternatively, garlic green beans, sautéed to perfection, bring a vibrant and aromatic touch.

Both options enhance the meal, making it well-rounded and satisfying.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy and delicious dinner

Roasted vegetables, with their caramelized edges and robust flavors, complement kugel by adding a rich, earthy depth to the meal.

Embracing seasonal variety guarantees fresh, vibrant produce, enhancing the dish's appeal.

Simple cooking techniques like tossing vegetables in olive oil and herbs before roasting bring out their natural sweetness and complexity.

This pairing creates a perfect balance, delighting the palate with every bite.

Coleslaw

crunchy cabbage and carrots

Coleslaw provides an invigorating, crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of kugel. The tangy dressing adds a revitalizing zest that complements the richness of the kugel, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

The crisp cabbage and carrots in coleslaw offer a delightful bite, ensuring that each mouthful is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.

Applesauce

pureed apple sauce recipe

The tangy crispness of coleslaw pairs beautifully with the sweet, smooth texture of applesauce, making it another excellent accompaniment to kugel.

Opt for a homemade variety to enhance the traditional pairing, as its fresh flavors and natural sweetness perfectly balance the rich, savory notes of kugel.

This classic combination guarantees a delightful contrast, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal experience.

Gefilte Fish

jewish passover delicacy dish

Gefilte fish, a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, serves as a savory and complementary starter to kugel. Preparation methods typically involve poaching fish patties made from ground fish, eggs, and seasonings.

For serving suggestions, gefilte fish is often paired with a slice of carrot on top and a side of horseradish. This flavorful dish enhances the dining experience, seamlessly blending with the comforting taste of kugel.

Chopped Liver

misunderstood as unimportant

Chopped liver, a rich and savory spread, complements kugel by adding depth and complexity to the meal. This traditional appetizer offers a delightful texture contrast to the smooth and creamy kugel.

Whether served on crackers or bread, chopped liver enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect side dish. Its hearty flavors and classic preparation resonate with those who appreciate traditional Jewish cuisine.

Latkes

crispy potato pancake delight

Crispy and golden-brown latkes offer a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of kugel, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

These potato pancakes, with their crispy texture, add a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether enjoyed plain or with a dollop of sour cream, latkes complement kugel's comforting essence, making your dining experience both varied and harmonious.

Sautéed Spinach

healthy side dish option

Sautéed spinach provides a nutritious and vibrant side dish that enhances the overall dining experience when served with kugel. This leafy green offers significant health benefits, including vitamins and minerals that boost well-being.

Its simple preparation—requiring only garlic, olive oil, and a quick toss in a hot pan—makes it an easy yet flavorful addition to your meal, adding both color and nutrients.

Cucumber Salad

cool and refreshing dish

An energizing cucumber salad offers a crisp and hydrating counterpoint to the rich and hearty flavors of kugel. Using simple pickling techniques can add a tangy twist, enhancing the overall meal.

Salad variations include adding dill, red onion, or a splash of vinegar for extra zest. This revitalizing side is easy to prepare and brings a balanced, invigorating element to your table.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Kugel Similar to the Best Side Dishes for Brussels Sprouts?

When considering the best side dishes for kugel, it is important to note that they may not be similar to the best side dishes for Brussels sprouts. While kugel pairs well with savory or sweet options, the best side dishes for Brussels sprouts often involve flavors like bacon, garlic, and parmesan.

Challah Bread

traditional jewish braided bread

Pairing kugel with freshly baked challah bread creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The rich, slightly sweet flavor profile of challah complements the savory and creamy notes of kugel.

For serving suggestions, consider slicing the challah for dipping or toasting it lightly for added crunch.

This combination guarantees a delightful and satisfying meal for all.