Bavarian Baked Potatoes (Patate al Cartoccio Bavaresi)
A delicious and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion, these Bavarian baked potatoes are packed with flavor, thanks to the creamy tang of sour cream and fresh chives. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or when you’re entertaining guests. The potatoes are baked to tender perfection and topped with a luscious sour cream and chive mixture. Here’s how to make these mouthwatering Bavarian baked potatoes:
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sour cream | 200g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Potatoes | 4 medium-sized |
| Chives (fresh) | 2 sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (around 400°F), ensuring it’s fully heated before you place the potatoes inside. -
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel to ensure there’s no moisture left on the skins. It’s important to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. -
Wrap the Potatoes
Take each potato and wrap it individually in aluminum foil. Be careful not to close the foil too tightly around the potatoes—just enough to hold them in place. This will allow them to cook evenly while maintaining a soft texture inside. -
Bake the Potatoes
Arrange the wrapped potatoes on a baking tray and place them in the preheated oven. Bake them for about 50-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. If you have larger potatoes, you may need to bake them a bit longer. -
Prepare the Topping
While the potatoes are baking, chop the fresh chives finely. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the chopped chives. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker topping, you can mix in half sour cream and half cream cheese (such as Philadelphia) for a richer, creamier texture. -
Finish and Serve
Once the potatoes are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Cut a slit down the center of each foil packet and gently open it. Cut a lengthwise incision in each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fluff the inside of the potato slightly with a fork to create space for the creamy topping. -
Top and Enjoy
Spoon the prepared sour cream and chive mixture generously over the baked potatoes. Serve immediately while still warm.
Tips:
- Alternative Topping: If you find that sour cream is too runny for your liking, mix equal parts of sour cream and cream cheese (such as Philadelphia) for a thicker, richer topping.
- Make It Creamier: For an even richer experience, feel free to add a dollop of butter to the potato before serving.
- Adding Protein: To make this dish a more filling main course, consider adding cooked bacon bits or shredded cheese on top of the sour cream mixture for extra flavor.
This Bavarian-style baked potato recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance, making it a delightful side dish to complement any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty roast or enjoying it on its own, these baked potatoes are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
