Zapiekanka (Polish Baguette with Mushrooms and Melted Cheese)
In short: A long toasted baguette half topped with sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese and ketchup, the Polish street snack found at kiosks and late-night windows. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 590 kcal
A zapiekanka is what many Poles reach for after a night out: a long baguette halved lengthwise and piled with sautéed mushrooms and cheese, grilled until the cheese bubbles, then finished with a zigzag of ketchup and chives. Small windows and street stalls sell them all over Poland. It is cheap, messy and filling, and a home oven does the job of the street-side grill very well.
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes, until soft. Add the mushrooms and the salt and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until their liquid has evaporated and they turn golden. Stir in the pepper and oregano, and cool slightly.
- Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Cut each baguette crosswise in half, then split each piece lengthwise, to make 8 halves. Set them cut side up on a baking tray.
- Toast the bread in the oven for 3 minutes, until the cut sides are lightly crisp.
- Spread each half with 1 tbsp of ketchup. Pile the mushrooms on top, then cover generously with the shredded cheese.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbling with golden spots.
- Zigzag a little more ketchup over the top, scatter with chives and serve right away, while very hot. Garlic sauce is a common extra.
Tips
- Cook the mushrooms until their liquid has fully evaporated, because wet mushrooms make the bread soggy. The thin layer of ketchup under the topping also helps seal the crumb.
- Use a baguette with a sturdy crust, and toast the cut sides first so the bread stays crisp under the toppings.
Questions and answers
Is ketchup traditional on zapiekanka?
Yes. A zigzag of ketchup is the classic finish, often with garlic sauce and chives. Some stalls add peppers or other vegetables.
Can I use other toppings?
Yes. Bell pepper, corn, olives and sliced tomato are popular. Add them with the mushrooms and keep the cheese on top.
Can I make them for a party?
Yes. Assemble them on trays up to 2 hours ahead, covered, then bake just before serving. Baked ones do not reheat well, because the bread turns chewy.
How long does it take to make Zapiekanka (Polish Baguette with Mushrooms and Melted Cheese)?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Zapiekanka (Polish Baguette with Mushrooms and Melted Cheese)?
About 590 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 82 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 590 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 82 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 1600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
