There is something wonderfully comforting about a plain baking dish turned into supper with just a handful of pantry and refrigerator staples, and this Amish-style savory herb noodle bake is a fine example of that old practical wisdom. Dishes like this have long been treasured across Midwestern kitchens, where egg noodles, cream cheese, broth, and butter could be counted on to make a filling meal without much fuss. By spooning the ingredients right over the uncooked noodles, the oven does nearly all the work, and you end up with tender noodles wrapped in a creamy, herb-kissed sauce that feels like the kind of supper folks remember and ask for again.
Serve these baked savory herb noodles alongside roasted chicken, sliced ham, pork chops, or a simple plate of green beans for a true country-style meal. They also fit nicely with buttered peas, a crisp cucumber salad, or stewed carrots if you want a lighter balance beside the rich noodles. A basket of warm dinner rolls is never out of place, especially if you want to catch every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Savory Herb Noodles
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces uncooked egg noodles
8 ounces savory herb cream cheese, spooned in small dollops
2 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter, sliced into small pieces
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the uncooked egg noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spoon the savory herb cream cheese in small dollops all over the noodles, then scatter the sliced butter across the top.
4. Pour the chicken broth evenly over everything, making sure the noodles are well moistened.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir gently to help the cream cheese melt into the broth, then return to the oven uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the top looks creamy and lightly golden.
6. Let the noodles rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle and cling to the noodles.
Variations & Tips
Add a little more richness: If you want the casserole even creamier, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream after the covered baking time and before the final uncovered bake. It gives the noodles a fuller, tangier finish that pairs especially well with roast chicken.
Make it a fuller meal: Fold in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or diced ham before baking if you would like this dish to stand on its own as supper. You may need an extra splash of broth so the noodles still have enough moisture to soften properly.
Watch the liquid level: Different brands of egg noodles can soak up broth a little differently. If the dish looks dry before the noodles are tender, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot broth, cover again, and bake a bit longer.
Season with care: Savory herb cream cheese and broth both carry salt, so it is best to taste the finished noodles before adding any extra seasoning. A crack of black pepper or a little chopped parsley at the end is often all it needs.