Kugelis Lithuanian Potato Casserole

by chefmonica

1.4K100

Intro: Kugelis Lithuanian Potato Casserole

Kugelis is the most amazing Lithuanian potato casserole ever! I am 72 and I was less than 12 when I first cooked this--60+ years in this recipe. I used to grate the potatoes by hand, you should use a food processor. I have basically made this the same way for the last 40 years. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think. It is 3 hours for prep and cooking, so if you want to eat at 6, you'd better be in the kitchen by 3.

STEP 1: Peel Chop and Dice Potatoes, Onions, and Bacon

Chop Potatoes into large 1"-2" cubes. Dice Onion finely and Cut Bacon into small pieces.

STEP 2: Sautee Bacon and Onions

  • Add Bacon to Skillet on medium heat
  • Cook about 10 minutes until just about finished
  • Drain excess bacon fat
  • Add Onions and Stir
  • Cook until Onions are Translucent, about 10 minutes
  • Add Butter and Remove from heat
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

STEP 3: Grate Potatoes

Grate small batches of potatoes in food processor. See 2nd picture. Should have consistency of being grated or shredded.

STEP 4: Combine Ingredients

  • Beat the Eggs for 15-20 seconds in food processor
  • Add Bacon, Onion, Butter mixture to potatoes
  • Stir thoroughly
  • Add Eggs, Milk, Salt and Pepper
  • Stir thoroughly until Completely combined

STEP 5: Ready for Oven

It will look very wet. Don't worry.

  • Put into 400 degree oven for 15 minutes
  • Lower temperature to 350 degrees F for an additional 90 minutes or so

STEP 6: It's Done

It's done when it is Golden Brown on top and the potatoes are cooked through. This is the first time I've ever put a thermometer into Kugelis in my life. 60 years--No thermometer. We found out its hot! Stick a fork in the middle to make sure the potato is cooked nice and soft and smooth.

STEP 7: Serve and Eat

Cut a piece and serve with sour cream and apple sauce.

STEP 8: Leftovers

  • Cool the remainder overnight
  • Slice cold and put into medium-hot skillet with a little oil or butter
  • Done when warmed through and crispy
  • Leftovers are a great side dish or a meal on their own! More sour cream and apple sauce if you'd like