Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2

For kugel cups, use two 6-cup, nonstick jumbo muffin tins (3-inch cups) or cook in batches. For one large kugel use a casserole dish (11×9 inch or 12×6 inch).

Step 3

If you’re using muffin tins, line each tin with two 1 inch-wide strips of parchment crisscrossed over each other, to easily remove the kugel once cooked (do not use muffin tin liners or a crust won’t form). Grease the cups with cooking spray. If you’re using a casserole dish, grease with cooking spray or oil, making sure to hit all the corners and sides. While you prepare the filling, place the empty muffin tin or casserole dish in the oven so it is hot when you fill it; this helps form a crispy crust on the kugel.

Step 4

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, salt and pepper. Reserve.

Step 5

Before shredding the potatoes, heat the oil in a small pot or microwave until hot. Turn off and reserve.

Step 6

Shred the onion and peeled potatoes using the shredding attachment on a food processor or the medium hole on a box grater. Transfer the potatoes and onion to the bowl with the egg mixture. If using mushrooms and/or spinach, mix the add-ins into the batter. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix the batter together until well combined.

Step 7

Pour the hot oil over the potato mixture and mix together very well. Transfer the kugel mixture into the preheated muffin tins or baking dish, and carefully pat down the mixture to make it even on the top and compact.

Step 8

If serving immediately, bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9

To make in advance: Bake for 30 minutes until partially done and starting to turn golden brown on top and on the sides. Remove the kugel from the oven and allow it to fully cool. Freeze or refrigerate the kugel until ready to reheat. Thirty minutes prior to serving, preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat the kugel for 15-25 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. If it is browning too much before the insides are hot, loosely cover the kugel with foil.

Step 10

To add an egg to a kugel cup: Partially cook your kugel cups, remove from the oven, and top each cup with an egg. Bake until the egg is set, 15-20 minutes.