Hungarian layered potato casserole

Hungarian Layered Potato Casserole (Rakott Krumpli) 🇭🇺

This hearty, comforting dish—layered with potatoes, sausage, eggs, and sour cream—is a staple of Hungarian home cooking. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s pure comfort food!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (1 kg) potatoes (waxy type, like Yukon Gold), peeled & sliced ¼-inch thick

• 4 eggs, hard-boiled & sliced

• 10 oz (300g) smoked sausage (Hungarian kolbász or kielbasa), sliced

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp butter or lard

• 1 ½ cups (350ml) sour cream

• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (Traditionally Trappista or Edam, but cheddar works)

• 1 tsp sweet paprika (Hungarian, if possible)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup (120ml) milk (optional, for extra creaminess)

(Serves 6–8)

Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes

1. Boil potato slices in salted water for 5–6 minutes until just tender (not mushy). Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté onions in butter until golden. Stir in paprika and remove from heat.

2. Layer the Casserole

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Layer in this order (repeat 2–3 times):

   • Potatoes (slightly overlapping)

   • Sausage slices

   • Hard-boiled eggs

   • Sautéed onions

   • Sour cream (dolloped and spread lightly)

   • Salt & pepper

5. Pour milk over the top (if using) for extra moisture.

6. Finish with a thick layer of sour cream and sprinkle cheese on top.

3. Bake & Serve

7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

8. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until golden and bubbly.

9. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Hungarian kolbász gives the best taste, but smoked kielbasa or even hot dogs work in a pinch.

• Substitute layers: Some add sliced pickles or sliced tomatoes between layers.

• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate (add 10 mins to bake time).

Why It’s Special

This dish (called Rakott Krumpli in Hungary) is a peasant classic—simple, filling, and deeply flavorful. It’s often served with pickled vegetables or a crisp salad.

Would you like a vegetarian version (swap sausage for mushrooms)? Or a spicier twist with extra paprika? Let me know! 🇭🇺🥔🔥