Rakott Krumpli (Hungarian Layered Potatoes)
A hearty and comforting Hungarian classic, Rakott Krumpli features thinly sliced potatoes layered with hard-boiled eggs and flavorful Hungarian sausage, all bound together with a creamy sour cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes
- 6 Large eggs
- 300 g Hungarian smoked sausage (e.g., Csabai kolbász or Gyulai kolbász)
- 400 ml Full-fat sour cream
- 50 g Unsalted butter
- 50 g Plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are just tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart. Drain, let cool slightly until they can be handled, then peel and slice them into uniform rounds, about 3-4mm thick.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Prepare other ingredients: Peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice them into rounds, similar in thickness to the potatoes. Slice the Hungarian sausage into rounds, about 5mm thick. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 20x30 cm or 8x12 inches) with about half of the butter. Sprinkle the bottom of the greased dish with half of the breadcrumbs.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Assemble the layers: Arrange a single layer of potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Next, add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs, followed by a layer of sliced sausage. Dollop about one-third of the sour cream over the sausage and spread it gently. Repeat the layering process: potatoes, salt, pepper, eggs, sausage, another third of the sour cream. Finish with a final layer of potato slices.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Top and bake: Spread the remaining sour cream evenly over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Dot the remaining butter, cut into small pieces, over the sour cream. Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced through the layers.
⏱️ 45-55 minutes - 5
Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the Rakott Krumpli from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, use waxy potatoes that hold their shape when sliced.
- ✓Don't overcook the potatoes in the initial boiling stage; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference, especially considering the saltiness of the sausage.
- ✓This dish is excellent served as a main course or as a hearty side dish.
- ✓Traditionally served with a side of pickled cucumbers or a fresh cucumber salad.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and consider adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of sweet or smoked paprika to the sour cream mixture for a subtle flavor and color enhancement.
- For a richer topping, mix a little grated cheese (like Gruyere or Emmental) with the breadcrumbs.