Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This potato kugel features shredded potatoes and sweet caramelized onions, baked in a cast iron skillet for a golden crust and soft interior. This jewish-inspired hanukkah ready in about 95 minutes pairs large, thinly sliced yellow onion, large eggs, matzo meal for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 70 min Serves 8 Jewish cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until deep golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 large peeled and shredded russet potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture until potatoes are dry.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup matzo meal, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  4. Step 4: Add the dried shredded potatoes and caramelized onions to the egg mixture and stir until evenly combined.
  5. Step 5: Add the potato mixture to the cast iron skillet and spread evenly. Drizzle 2 tbsp vegetable oil over the top.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown and the center is set.
  7. Step 7: Let kugel cool for 10 minutes before slicing into wedges to serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (25 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large eggs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions?

Jewish hanukkah like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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