Zapiekanka Recipe

Zapiekanka is a popular street food in Poland. It is a very simple recipe to make and is cheesy and delicious. This Polish open face sandwich is topped with mushroom, cheese and baked until golden crispy.

A generous drizzle of ketchup just before serving makes this simple sandwich extra special. Perfect kid friendly dish on a busy day.

About the recipe

I love making street food recipes right at home. It is not only convenient but also I know exactly what is in my dish. Some of my favorite are these mofo gasy, Korean tofu tacos and this amazing Burmese samosa thouk.

Here I have a popular street food from Poland. Zapiekanka is a Polish open face sandwich is easy to make at home. It needs just a few simple ingredients and is quite hearty.

Zapiekac means 'to bake' in Polish and is a culinary term for casserole. This dish has quite a few names, zapiekanke, zapienka, zapekanka and so on. Basically, this is a baked sandwich with toppings.

Traditionally this is made with French bread and is stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and cheese. A generous drizzle of ketchup finishes this delicious Polish sandwich.

But there are some new flavors like Hawaiian-style with pineapple, Greek-style with olives and feta cheese, Italian-style and many more. But here I am sharing a simple and traditional version with mushrooms and optional onions.

I f you are feeling adventurous, then add some roasted vegetables or sautéed veggies to the filling to make it even more substantial. All in all, this is a simple and filling sandwich that all mushroom lovers will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients you need to make this Polish zapiekanka sandwich:

• French bread ~ you can also use any soft baguette.
• Mushrooms ~ use either brown or white mushrooms.
• Onions, garlic and green pepper ~ optional ingredients but I highly recommend adding them.
• Grated cheese ~ choose your favorite melting cheese. I use either cheddar or monterey jack or mozzarella cheese.
• Salt and pepper.

Instructions

For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

Here is how to make zapienka recipe:

Heat oil in a medium size pan on medium heat. Add garlic, onions and peppers (if using) and cook till onions turn translucent.

Next add the mushroom and cook till both the veggies are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and keep ready.

Slice the French bread in half crosswise. Scoop out some of the crumbs from inside. Place the mushroom mixture on the bread and top with grated cheese. Place it on the baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven and drizzle with ketchup and sprinkle with the chives and tomatoes. Serve and enjoy!!

Expert Tips

• You can use any soft baguette for this zapiekanka recipe. I love using mini French or Italian bread. Whole wheat bread will also work here.
• Feel free to use either brown or white mushrooms.
• Choose your favorite melting cheese. I use either cheddar or monterey jack or mozzarella cheese.
• Zapekanka is best eaten hot, right out of the oven. But you can make the filling up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container.

You might also like

Here are a few more sandwich recipes you might like:

I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

Recipe Card