Building a Rosti: 7 Pairings and Condiments That Go Incredibly Well with the Swiss Potato Dish

Rosti, a dish deeply rooted in Swiss tradition, began as a simple farmers' breakfast in the rural cantons of Switzerland. Originally made from coarsely grated potato, rosti is pan-fried until golden and crispy, evolving from a humble meal into a beloved national dish. Its charm lies in its versatility — with the right pairings and condiments, rosti can transform from a basic potato pancake into a gourmet experience, adaptable to any taste or occasion.

1. Balsamic Tomatoes: A Flavourful Complement

To elevate your rosti with a touch of Italian flair, try topping it with balsamic tomatoes. Start by selecting a mix of fresh cherry or heirloom tomatoes for their vibrant flavours and colours. Halve the cherry tomatoes or slice the heirlooms, then toss them gently in a balsamic reduction. This can be easily prepared by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens into a lush syrup, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

For serving, layer these glossy, balsamic-kissed tomatoes atop your crispy rosti, or arrange them around the sides for guests to add. The acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the rosti’s savoury crispness. For an additional gourmet twist, sprinkle over some fresh basil leaves and torn mozzarella cheese, creating a Caprese-style ensemble that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

2. Ham: A Savoury Pairing

Choosing the correct type of ham can significantly influence your rosti dish. Whether it’s the smoky depth of Black Forest ham or the sweet notes of honey-glazed ham, each variety brings its unique taste that can complement the neutral potato base. Slice the ham thin to integrate seamlessly with the rosti by layering it within the potato mixture before frying or serving it as a decadent side.

The combination of ham and rosti not only merges textures — from creamy to crispy — but also flavours, with the salty-sweetness of the ham enhancing the earthy notes of the potato. For a harmonious dish, consider additional pairings such as a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives, which mesh well with the ham’s richness and the rosti’s crisp texture.

3. Hollandaise Sauce: Elevating Rosti to New Heights

Hollandaise sauce, with a rich buttery flavour and creamy texture, is a classic French condiment that pairs beautifully with rosti's crispy, savoury profile. To prepare a basic hollandaise sauce, you'll need egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and, if desired, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until the mixture is thick, then slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking vigorously until the sauce thickens and doubles in volume. Season with salt and a pinch of cayenne for that perfect zing.

Pour this luxurious sauce over a freshly cooked rosti to transform it into a decadent dish. The hollandaise's creaminess complements the rosti's crunch, making for an intriguing blend of textures. Top the hollandaise-laden rosti with slices of smoked salmon or tender steamed asparagus for those looking to add more complexity. These combinations enhance flavours and introduce delightful contrasts in texture, making each bite a culinary delight.

4. Sour Cream: A Versatile and Flavourful Addition

Sour cream is celebrated for its ability to add a remarkable, tangy contrast to dishes like rosti. Its rich texture softens the crispness of the rosti, balancing the potato’s earthiness with a subtle acidity. Try mixing in fresh chives or a dash of paprika to elevate ordinary sour cream. These simple additions infuse the sour cream with flavour and colour, enhancing the overall dish without overpowering the primary ingredients.

When choosing which rosti to pair with sour cream, consider variations that include plain or onion-flavoured rostis. The mildness of a plain rosti lets the enhanced sour cream take centre stage. In contrast, an onion rosti offers a delightful interplay of flavours, with the onions’ sharpness complementing the cool creaminess of the sour cream. This pairing is particularly effective, bringing out the best in both components.

5. Chicken Sausage: A Hearty Companion

When selecting chicken sausage to pair with rosti, look for sausages with flavours that can match the crispy potato. Varieties infused with herbs like sage or thyme work wonderfully, adding a subtle fragrant, earthy undertone to the dish. You can incorporate the sausage by slicing it and mixing it into the rosti before cooking or by cooking it separately and serving it alongside.

Consider your dish's overall flavour profile and richness to create a balanced meal. Chicken sausage can be filling, so pairing it with a lighter side, such as a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, can keep the meal from feeling too heavy. This combination ensures that each element of the dish is appreciated, with the sausages providing a satisfying heartiness to the crispy, golden rosti.

6. Eggs: A Perfect Match for Rosti

Topping rosti with eggs is a classic and versatile choice that can be served in any breakfast or brunch setting. Eggs can be prepared in various ways to suit personal tastes: fried for a crispy edge with a runny yolk, poached for a delicate, soft texture, or scrambled for a light and fluffy option. Each style offers a different experience but equally complements the crispiness of a well-cooked rosti.

Eggs add a protein boost to the dish and bind the flavours together, making for a more satisfying meal. When cooking eggs to pair with rosti, consider seasoning them lightly with salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of herbs like chives or parsley to enhance the natural flavours without overpowering the dish.

7. Purple Cabbage Slaw: Adding Colour and Crunch

A simple purple cabbage slaw can be the vibrant counterpart to the golden tones of rosti. To make this slaw, thinly slice purple cabbage and perhaps some carrots for additional colour and texture. Toss these vegetables in a tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, and olive oil. This slaw adds a crunchy texture and a zesty flavour that cuts through the richness of the rosti, balancing the dish beautifully.

For further customising the slaw, consider adding other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or radishes. These ingredients introduce more colours and textures, complementing the overall flavour profile with fresh, crisp notes.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Versatility of Rosti

Rosti is a dish celebrated for its simplicity and adaptability. As we've explored, from rich, creamy hollandaise to tangy purple cabbage slaw, the possibilities for pairing this Swiss classic are endless. Each condiment and pairing brings out a different facet of rosti, turning it into a canvas for culinary creativity.

Visit Daily Ground cafe and bakery to try our Ultimate Rosti, and don’t hesitate to share with us your favourite rosti pairings. If you’re up to experiment, we even encourage you to come build your own, starting with a base of plain rosti or one drizzled with truffle oil. Let’s celebrate the diverse and delicious ways rosti can be enjoyed together!