Turkish Stuffed Baked Potato (Kumpir)
Description
Kumpir is a famous street food from Istanbul, especially loved in the Ortaköy district. It features a large baked potato with a fluffy, buttery interior mixed with cheese, then stuffed with a wide variety of toppings like olives, vegetables, sauces, and proteins. It’s customizable, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Potatoes:
2 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup grated mozzarella or kasar cheese
Salt to taste
Classic Toppings (mix & match):
½ cup corn (boiled)
½ cup green olives (sliced)
½ cup pickles (chopped)
½ cup Russian salad (potato + mayo salad)
½ cup sautéed mushrooms
½ cup cooked chicken or sausage (optional)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yogurt or garlic sauce
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
Pierce each potato with a fork a few times.
Bake for 60–75 minutes until soft inside.
Tip: For extra crispy skin, rub with a little oil and salt before baking.
2. Prepare the Filling
Once baked, slice each potato lengthwise (don’t cut fully).
Open gently and scoop the inside slightly with a fork.
Add butter, cheese, and salt.
Mash and mix inside the potato until creamy and smooth.
3. Add Toppings
Stuff generously with your chosen toppings:
Corn, olives, pickles
Russian salad
Mushrooms or chicken
Drizzle mayonnaise, ketchup, and yogurt sauce on top.
Sprinkle fresh parsley.
4. Serve
Serve hot immediately while the cheese is melted and the potato is fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Kumpir different from regular baked potatoes?
The inside is whipped with butter and cheese until creamy before adding toppings—this is the signature Turkish style.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip meat and load up on veggies, olives, and salads.
3. What cheese is traditionally used?
Turkish kaşar cheese is typical, but mozzarella works well.
4. Can I use an air fryer?
Yes—cook at 200°C for about 40–50 minutes depending on size.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 450–600 kcal (depending on toppings)
Protein: 12–20g
Carbohydrates: 60–70g
Fat: 18–30g