Creamy Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream & Horseradish (Optional Nutmeg)

Simple and comforting — just potatoes, rich sour cream, and classic seasonings. Optional horseradish and nutmeg add a gentle zing, but you can customize with herbs like rosemary or thyme for your favorite roast or grill.

⏰ Prep & Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min

🍽️ Servings: 4-5

Ingredients

6 starchy potatoes (~1 kg)
500 ml heavy cooking sour cream (32% fat) — important: use full-fat for creaminess
2 heaping tsp prepared horseradish (optional)
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Warm the sour cream:
Gently heat sour cream over low heat until slightly liquefied for easy pouring. Stir in horseradish, nutmeg, and salt to taste. Taste for seasoning since sour cream can be mild. If using herbs or garlic instead of horseradish:
Warm sour cream with herbs/garlic, cover, and let infuse for 10 minutes. Strain before using.
Slice potatoes:
Cut potatoes into thin slices, like chips (a mandoline or sharp slicer works great).
Prepare baking dish:
Pour a thin layer of sour cream to cover the bottom of a 23 x 15 cm ovenproof dish.
Layer potatoes:
Arrange sliced potatoes in layers, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper. After half the potatoes are layered, pour half the sour cream mixture over them (make sure to include horseradish from the bottom of the pot as it tends to settle).
Finish layering:
Continue layering the rest of the potatoes, seasoning as before. Pour remaining sour cream on top, shaking the dish gently to let cream seep between layers. The cream should cover potatoes fully.
Bake:
Bake uncovered at 160°C (320°F) for 1 hour 20 minutes until potatoes are tender (check by piercing with a knife) and the cream is lightly browned on top.
Rest and serve:
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Delicious served warm, cold, or reheated gently.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Perfect as a creamy side for roast lamb, pork, or grilled meats. Also pairs wonderfully with fresh greens or a light salad to balance richness.

📝 Final Thoughts

This humble recipe shines because of quality sour cream and perfectly cooked potatoes. The horseradish and nutmeg add subtle layers of flavor, but the dish’s beauty lies in its simplicity and comforting texture. It’s ideal for festive dinners or easy weeknight meals, and leftovers taste just as good reheated or cold.