Rákóczi Túrós (Hungarian Baked Sweet Noodles with Cheese)

“Hungarian Baked Dessert Noodles” almost certainly refers to the classic and beloved comfort food known as Rákóczi Túrós or Túrós Csusza.

This is not a noodle dish in the savory sense; it’s a rich, sweet, and creamy baked pasta dessert or main course, featuring sweetened cottage cheese (túró), sour cream, and often a crispy breadcrumb or streusel topping.

Here is a traditional recipe for this delicious Hungarian treat.

Rákóczi Túrós (Hungarian Baked Sweet Noodles with Cheese)

This dish is a quintessential Hungarian comfort food, perfect for breakfast, a hearty dessert, or even a light dinner.

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Noodles & Cheese Layer:

• 1 lb (450 g) wide egg noodles or “csusza” noodles (fettuccine works well)

• 2 cups (500 g) Hungarian-style túró (farmer’s cheese or dry-curd cottage cheese)

• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, or to taste

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of half a lemon (optional)

• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter

• ¾ cup (90 g) plain breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (Optional):

• Extra sour cream

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Fresh fruit or fruit compote

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and return to the pot.

3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the noodles are cooking, in a large bowl, combine the túró (farmer’s cheese), sour cream, ½ cup sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Noodles and Cheese: Add the drained, hot noodles to the cheese mixture. Gently toss until the noodles are evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. Make the Topping:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until the crumbs are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

   • Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of sugar and teaspoon of vanilla.

6. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping evenly over the noodle and cheese mixture.

7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is a deep golden brown.

8. Serve: Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar and offer a dollop of sour cream on the side if desired.

Key Tips for Authentic Flavor:

• The Cheese is Key: The traditional cheese is túró, a Hungarian farmer’s cheese. The best substitutes are farmer’s cheese or dry-curd cottage cheese. Avoid wet, creamy cottage cheese as it will make the dish soggy. If you can only find large-curd cottage cheese, you can rinse it and drain it very well.

• Noodle Choice: Wide, flat egg noodles are essential for absorbing the creamy cheese mixture. Don’t use thin noodles like spaghetti.

• Sour Cream: Use full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.

• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste. Some recipes are less sweet, allowing the sour cream and cheese to provide a tangy contrast.

• The Topping: The buttery, crispy breadcrumb topping (margarinmorzsa) is non-negotiable! It provides a crucial textural contrast to the soft, creamy noodles underneath.

This dish is a beautiful combination of creamy, sweet, and crispy textures. It’s a true taste of a Hungarian grandmother’s kitchen! Enjoy.