Famous Turkish Stuffed Baked Potato (Kumpir)

Name: Famous Turkish Stuffed Baked Potato (Kumpir)
Yield: 4 portions
Ingredients: 4 very large baking potatoes (russet or similar starchy potatoes); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups grated Turkish Kasar cheese (or mild cheddar/mozzarella); Salt to taste; 1 cup canned sweet corn; 1 cup green or black pitted olives, sliced; 1 cup Russian salad (mayonnaise-based diced potatoes, carrots, and peas); 1 cup pickled cucumbers (gherkins), diced; 1 cup sliced Turkish sausage (sucuk) or hot dogs (optional); Ketchup and mayonnaise for drizzling on top

Turco Table

4 days ago

2 min read

Famous Turkish Stuffed Baked Potato (Kumpir)

Large potatoes - Butter - Kasar cheese - Sweet corn - Russian salad - Black olives - Ketchup - Mayonnaise

Ingredients

• 4 very large baking potatoes (russet or similar starchy potatoes)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cups grated Turkish Kasar cheese (or mild cheddar/mozzarella)

• Salt to taste

Popular Toppings & Fillings:

• 1 cup canned sweet corn

• 1 cup green or black pitted olives, sliced

• 1 cup Russian salad (mayonnaise-based diced potatoes, carrots, and peas)

• 1 cup pickled cucumbers (gherkins), diced

• 1 cup sliced Turkish sausage (sucuk) or hot dogs (optional)

• Ketchup and mayonnaise for drizzling on top

Recipe Details & Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 4 portions

• Cost Level: Budget-Friendly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash the large potatoes thoroughly, dry them with a towel, and wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil.

Step 2: Bake the wrapped potatoes in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until they are completely tender all the way to the center when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Remove the potatoes from the oven and unwrap the top half of the foil. Carefully make a deep lengthwise slit down the middle of each hot potato, taking care not to cut all the way through to the bottom.

Step 4: Using a fork or small spoon, mash the steaming potato flesh right inside its skin, adding a tablespoon of butter and a generous handful of grated Kasar cheese to each potato. Mix vigorously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy, and stretchy puree.

Step 5: Layer your choice of popular toppings over the creamy potato bed—start with Russian salad, followed by sweet corn, sliced olives, pickles, and diced cooked sucuk.

Step 6: Finish by drizzling ketchup and mayonnaise generously over the loaded toppings. Serve hot straight from the foil boat with a spoon.

Chef's Closing Tip

The secret to an authentic street-style kumpir is mixing the steaming potato thoroughly with butter and plenty of cheese first so the base is ultra-creamy before adding the cold toppings on top. Enjoy your meal!

The Story of Turkish Kumpir

Kumpir is one of Turkey’s most iconic and beloved street foods, made world-famous along the shores of Istanbul's Ortaköy district. Originally inspired by a Balkan potato dish, it evolved into a massive, customizable culinary masterpiece where endless toppings meet a buttery, cheesy potato base.