Kumpir (Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe – Turkey Special

Indulge in this must-try Turkish kumpir recipe! Kumpir is a beloved street food featuring creamy baked potatoes topped with a delightful array of flavors. This recipe mirrors the authentic experience found on the bustling streets of Istanbul, and you can easily recreate it at home with my straightforward instructions.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time1 hr
  • Total Time1 hr 20 min

Kumpir (Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes) Ingredients :

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup canned corn
  • 1 ½ cups Kisir (Turkish bulgur salad)
  • 2 hotdogs, sliced and seared in a bit of olive oil
  • ⅔ cup green olives or black olives or a mix
  • 1 cup Russian salad (Olivier salad)
  • ⅔ cup pickled red cabbage
  • 4 tbsp ezme (Turkish spicy tomato and pepper relish)
  • ½ cup dill pickles, diced

How to Make Kumpir (Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes)

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare Potatoes:

2

Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.

Poke each potato several times with a fork.

If using, rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are tender and easily pierced with a knife. The internal temperature should reach about 210°F (99°C).

Cool and Prepare Potatoes:

3

Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Unwrap each potato and carefully slice them open lengthwise with a knife, ensuring they remain intact on one side.

Use a fork to fluff the insides of each potato.

Add Butter and Cheese:

4

Divide the butter evenly among the potatoes, placing a pat of butter inside each one.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the buttered potatoes.

Use the fork to mix and fluff the butter and cheese into the potato flesh until smooth and creamy.

Add Toppings:

5

Top each potato with your favorite toppings, such as Kisir (Turkish bulgur salad), sliced and seared hotdogs, green or black olives, Russian salad (Olivier salad), pickled red cabbage, ezme (Turkish spicy tomato and pepper relish), and diced dill pickles.

Serve:

6

Finish with ketchup and mayonnaise, if desired, and serve immediately while the potatoes are warm and toppings are fresh.

Enjoy your homemade Turkish kumpir, a delightful and customizable dish perfect for any occasion!