Zapiekanki
Ingredients
- 2 Baguette
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 chopped Onion
- 300g Mushrooms
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 50g Cheddar Cheese
- 75g Ham
- 75g Polish Kabanos
- 50g Mozzarella
- 2 Dill
- 1 tablespoon Chives
- Drizzle Tomato Ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Place the baguettes on a baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly crisp. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly.
- To make the mushroom topping, melt part of the butter with some of the vegetable oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms, increase the heat to medium and cook for 5–10 minutes until tender and any liquid has evaporated. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Season to taste, then stir in the mayonnaise and remove from the heat.
- Slice the baguettes in half lengthways and return them to the baking tray, cut-side up. Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the bread, then scatter over the cheddar, ham, kabanos and mozzarella.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and fry for about 5 minutes until soft and golden, then remove from the heat.
- Once the zapiekanki are baked, top them with the fried onions, chopped dill pickles if using, chives and a zigzag drizzle of ketchup. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Sauté the mushrooms and onions until all the liquid has evaporated to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Use a long, soft baguette (Polish-style if possible) and slice it lengthwise into two large open faces.
- Always finish with the ‘criss-cross’ drizzle of slightly sweet Polish ketchup after the cheese has melted.
Variations
- Meat Lover’s: Add slices of spicy kielbasa or ham under the cheese.
- Hawaiian Zapiekanka: Add pineapple and ham for a controversial but popular sweet-and-savory version.
Storage
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a classic Polish street-food snack with a side of extra ketchup or garlic sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a bit of color and bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zapiekanka?
What cheese should I use?
Can I bake them in a toaster oven?
instructions_source: editorial-classic