Potato and Sausage Bake, or Rakott Krumpli Kolbásszal, is a classic Hungarian layered potato casserole featuring boiled potatoes, smoky Hungarian sausage (kolbász), hard-boiled eggs, and creamy sour cream.
Baked until golden and bubbling, this rustic dish is beloved across Hungary for its hearty, comforting flavors — perfect for Sunday family meals or satisfying weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re exploring authentic Hungarian recipes or craving a cozy casserole, this dish offers rich, savory layers with every bite.
⦁ 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) potatoes, cooked and peeled
⦁ 300 g (10½ oz) Hungarian smoked sausage (kolbász), sliced
⦁ 4 eggs, hard-boiled and sliced
⦁ 300 ml (10 fl. oz) sour cream
⦁ 50 g (1¾ oz) butter, cut into small pieces
⦁ ½ tsp salt
⦁ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1. Boil potatoes in salted water at 95–100°C (203–212°F) until tender, then peel and slice into rounds.
2. Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potato slices.
3. Top with half of the sliced sausage and eggs, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Repeat with remaining potatoes, sausage, and eggs.
5. Pour sour cream evenly over the layers. Dot with butter pieces on top.
6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Potatoes – Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes (e.g., Yukon Gold) that hold their shape after boiling
✔ Hungarian Sausage (Kolbász) – Authentic smoked kolbász gives classic flavor; if unavailable, substitute with smoked kielbasa or chorizo
✔ Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream ensures creamy, rich layers; avoid low-fat versions which can separate during baking
✔ Butter – Adds browning and flavor; dot evenly on top for best results
👩🍳 Preparation Tips
✔ Cook Potatoes Just Right – Boil in salted water at 95–100°C (203–212°F) until fork-tender but not mushy (about 15–20 minutes)
✔ Uniform Slices – Cut potatoes into even 1 cm (½ inch) rounds for consistent layering and cooking
✔ Slice Eggs Cleanly – Use a sharp knife or egg slicer to avoid crumbling and keep neat layers
✔ Layer Evenly – Spread ingredients in consistent layers so flavors meld perfectly during baking
🔥 Baking Techniques & Temperatures
✔ Preheat Oven – Fully preheat to 180°C (350°F) for even baking
✔ Bake Time – 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and lightly browned
✔ Check Doneness – Insert a knife; potatoes should be soft and sausage hot all the way through
✔ Optional Broil – For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning
🍽 Serving & Storage
✔ Serve Hot – Best enjoyed warm with fresh salad or pickles for a classic Hungarian meal
✔ Add Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill before serving for freshness
✔ Make Ahead – Assemble casserole up to 1 day in advance; cover and refrigerate, 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 heated through