Poland

Dino-Zapiekanka Pizza

The story of Zapiekanka in Poland is that it began in the 1970’s when french and belgium baguette breads were made in Poland. This bread was combined with local mushrooms and local cheeses to make a Polish Pizza. It was finished with a squeeze of ketchup on top for the added flavor like a tomato sauce. The name comes from the Polish verb, ‘zapekac’ which means “to bake” until bubbling. It is now served as a retro-chic street food icon, with many creative variations. When I made this recipe, my dad was visiting. He is pictured below with his approval, and he asked for more : )

Special shout out to our family friends:

The Kellogg Family - We are grateful for the many years of us cooking, baking and BBQs together, including your annual Family Polish Picnic. Our kids think we are Polish too : )

TheTrela Family - We are grateful for the years of watching the kids play soccer, sharing birthday celebrations, and meals together. It holds a special place in our hearts.

Szczesc Boze!

Poland

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 - 20 min Total: 25 - 30 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread or baguette

Ham of choice- cooked; thinly sliced to cover the length of the bread

2 Tbs butter - for the pan, to cook the mushrooms in

16 oz Mushrooms - sliced, your family favorite (we used portobello mushrooms)

3 cups cheese - grated or sliced thin (Oscypek, Cheddar, or Mozzarella - your choice of one)

Ketchup - enough to drizzle a small zigzag line on top, after the pizza is cooked

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F
Slice the baguette length-wise, and again crosswise to make 4 servings
Use a cooking spray, or a olive oil lightly on a baking tray (or use parchment paper)
Add the cut baguettes to the pan, flat side upward
Add a thin layer of ham on top of the open baguette slice, set aside
In a medium sized fry pan, place butter and sliced mushrooms and cook on medium heat until lightly browned, cooked through
Spread mushroom mixture on top of the cooked ham baguette slices
Sprinkle the grated or thin slice of cheese on top of the mushroom mixture
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crusts are lightly golden brown
Take the pizzas out of the oven, and allow them to cool for 2 minutes. Top them with a zigzag drizzle of ketchup
Serve immediately
Enjoy your Dino-rific pizza!