Paprika Potato Casserole, or Rakott Paprikás Krumpli, is a classic Hungarian potato dish layered with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and sweet Hungarian paprika.
Baked until tender and creamy, this rustic casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that showcases the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine.
Perfect for a cozy dinner, this traditional recipe makes a hearty vegetarian main or a satisfying side dish for roasted meats.
⦁ 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) unpeeled potatoes
⦁ 1 heaped tbsp sweet paprika
⦁ 2 green bell peppers, sliced
⦁ 1 tomato, diced
⦁ 300 ml (10 fl. oz) sour cream
⦁ 4 tbsp oil
⦁ 1 large onion, sliced
⦁ 1 tsp salt
1. Soak potatoes in a casserole dish filled with cold water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, peel and quarter potatoes. Wash, core, and slice green peppers; chop tomato; peel and slice onion.
2. Drain potatoes and arrange evenly in the base of a greased casserole dish.
3. Season potatoes with salt. Layer sliced onions, peppers, and tomato on top.
4. Mix sour cream with paprika and pour evenly over the vegetables.
5. Drizzle oil over the top.
6. Cover casserole with a lid or foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
7. Remove lid, raise heat to medium heat (180–190°C (350–375°F), and bake another 1¼ hours until browned and tender.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Potatoes – Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold; they hold their shape and turn creamy when baked
✔ Paprika – Opt for authentic sweet Hungarian paprika for rich color and traditional flavor
✔ Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream gives a luxurious texture; can swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
✔ Vegetables – Fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp bell peppers add moisture and depth
👩🍳 Preparation Tips
✔ Soaking Potatoes – Soak peeled potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, helping layers bake evenly
✔ Uniform Slices – Slice potatoes into 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick pieces for even cooking
✔ Layer Tightly – Pack potatoes and vegetables closely together in the dish so flavors meld and the casserole holds together
🔥 Baking Techniques & Temperatures
✔ Preheat Oven – Always preheat to 180°C (350°F) for consistent cooking
✔ Initial Bake – Cover with lid or foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes to steam and start softening the potatoes
✔ Final Bake – Uncover and continue baking at 180–190°C (350–375°F) for 75 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is lightly browned
✔ Check Doneness – Insert a knife or fork into the center; potatoes should be soft and offer no resistance
🍽 Serving & Storage
✔ Serve Hot – Best served warm as a vegetarian main or side for roasted meats
✔ Garnish – Sprinkle with extra sweet paprika or fresh parsley before serving for color and flavor
✔ Make Ahead – Assemble casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready
✔ Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 180°C (350°F) until hot