Cast Iron Potato Kugel with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 70 min Serves 8 Jewish cuisine 230 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

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.

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes