Rakott krumpli: Hungary’s beloved layered potato casserole that defines comfort food – video

Few dishes capture the comforting, home-style spirit of Hungary like rakott krumpli (layered potatoes). It’s a rustic, oven-baked casserole made of layered potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, smoked sausage, and sour cream. Simple ingredients, deeply satisfying flavour: this is classic Central European comfort food.

In Hungary, rakott krumpli is a staple of family lunches, especially on weekends. Every household has a slightly different version, but the heart of the dish remains the same: creamy and smoky.

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) waxy potatoes
• 8 large eggs
• 250–300 g (9–10 oz) Hungarian smoked sausage (preferably Csabai kolbász or Gyulai kolbász)
• 400 g (14 oz) full-fat sour cream
• salt

Optional (modern additions, not strictly traditional):

• A splash of milk or cream mixed into the sour cream
• A few tablespoons of breadcrumbs for the top

Preparation

1. Prepare the base ingredients

1. Boil the potatoes in their skins until just tender (about 20–25 minutes). Let them cool, peel, and slice into ½ cm (¼ inch) rounds.
2. Hard-boil the eggs (about 9–10 minutes), cool, peel, and slice.
3. Slice the sausage into thin rounds.

2. Layer the casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom. Season lightly with salt.
3. Add a layer of sliced eggs.
4. Add a layer of sausage.
5. Spread a few spoonfuls of sour cream on top.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with potatoes and a generous layer of sour cream on top.