Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe

This Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe is a creamy and textural recipe, which features crème fraîche and a crunchy fried noodle topping. It’s a sophisticated side dish, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe Ingredients

The Crunchy Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup dry egg noodles, crushed
• Salt and black pepper

The Creamy Noodles

• 1 pound egg noodles (wide or extra wide)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup crème fraîche
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Reserved pasta cooking water

How To Make Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe

1. Make the crunchy topping: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Take 1 cup of dry egg noodles and crush them into smaller pieces with your hands. Add them to the hot butter. Cook, stirring frequently, until they are browned and toasted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the remaining 1 pound of egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until tender (al dente).
3. Reserve water: Before draining, carefully scoop out 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the noodles well.
4. Create the sauce: Return the drained noodles to the pot (off the heat). Immediately add the 4 tablespoons of butter, crème fraîche, chopped chives, poppy seeds, and nutmeg. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water.
5. Combine and serve: Stir the mixture vigorously until the butter melts and emulsifies with the crème fraîche and water to create a creamy, coating sauce. If it looks too thick or dry, add more of the reserved cooking water a splash at a time. Taste and season with salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the crispy fried noodles.

Recipe Tips

• The Fried Noodle Topping: This unique step adds an incredible crunch that contrasts with the soft boiled noodles. Don’t skip it! Watch them closely in the skillet as they can go from browned to burnt quickly.
• Why Crème Fraîche?: Crème fraîche has a higher fat content and lower acidity than sour cream. This means it can be melted into a hot sauce without curdling, creating a velvety finish that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Fresh Nutmeg: If possible, grate your own nutmeg. The floral, spicy aroma of fresh nutmeg pairs classically with dairy-based sauces and elevates the dish significantly compared to pre-ground nutmeg.
• Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is the glue that binds the fat (butter/cream) to the noodles. Without it, the sauce would be greasy rather than creamy.
• Poppy Seeds: These add a subtle nuttiness and a beautiful visual speckle. You can toast them briefly in a dry pan before adding to the pasta for an even deeper flavor.

What To Serve With Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe

This dish is rich enough to stand alone but serves as the perfect bed for savory meats.

• Beef Stroganoff: The ultimate pairing.
• Swedish Meatballs: A classic combination.
• Paprikash: Chicken or pork paprikash.
• Roast Chicken: Simple herb-roasted poultry.

How To Store Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fried topping will lose its crunch once mixed in or stored.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, as the noodles will absorb the moisture overnight.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dish. Cream-based pasta sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.

Poppy Seed Egg Noodles Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 9g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 6 servings).

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