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Open-faced sandwiches are an inseparable part of Czech cuisine – small, richly topped pieces of bread that are served at celebrations, family gatherings and corporate events. They are a symbol of hospitality, creativity and honest home cooking. Whether you prefer classic combinations or want to impress with a modern approach, topped open-faced sandwiches never disappoint.
Below you’ll find several great ideas and recipes for original open-faced sandwiches that will delight every guest – from traditional to fresh and light variants. From a few common ingredients you can create masterful bites that will not only taste great but also look fantastic.
Classic open-faced sandwiches
Classic Czech open-faced sandwiches have their charm. A soft slice of a loaf, butter, Czech-style potato salad, ham, cheese and a piece of cucumber or egg – that’s the flavor that comes to mind at every celebration. Emphasize high-quality ingredients and careful layering.
Ingredients
- 1 veka or baguette (sliced diagonally)
- 100 g butter
- 200 g Czech-style potato salad
- 100 g quality ham
- 100 g Edam or Gouda
- 2 boiled eggs
- 1 pickled cucumber
- parsley or chives for garnish
Method
- Spread a thin layer of butter on the slices of loaf.
- Spread a little Czech-style potato salad, add a slice of ham and cheese.
- Garnish with a slice of boiled egg, a piece of cucumber and an herb.
- For a festive look add a drop of mayonnaise or a slice of red bell pepper.
Open-faced sandwiches with avocado and smoked salmon
A fresh, modern variant. Avocado gives a creamy texture, salmon a delicate saltiness and the color combination looks elegant – ideal for brunch or an evening reception.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of whole-grain bread or baguette (lightly toasted)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt, pepper
- 100 g smoked salmon
- fresh parsley or dill
Method
- Mash the avocado, add lemon, salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on the toasted slices of bread.
- Place slices of salmon on top and garnish with an herb.
- Finish with a few drops of olive oil or a thin slice of lemon if desired.
Open-faced sandwiches with herring, onion and apple
A Nordic-style combination: the saltiness of the fish, the freshness of the apple and the creaminess of sour cream. Great for gourmets who like to discover new flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of rye or dark bread (lightly toasted)
- 2 fillets of pickled herring
- 1 small onion (into thin rings)
- 1/2 apple (into thin slices)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- freshly ground pepper
Method
- Spread sour cream on the slices of bread.
- Place a piece of herring on each sandwich.
- Add onion rings and thin slices of apple, pepper to taste.
- Serve well chilled.
Vegetarian open-faced sandwiches with hummus and vegetables
Light, colorful and full of plant protein. They look great and taste even better – a safe choice for a lighter reception.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of multigrain bread (lightly toasted)
- 150 g hummus (classic or flavored)
- 1 tomato
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or microgreens for garnish
Method
- Spread a layer of hummus on the toasted bread.
- Slice the vegetables thinly and arrange on top.
- Sprinkle with seeds or sprouts, or chopped parsley.
- Tip: try hummus with roasted pepper or garlic for a more pronounced flavor.
Open-faced sandwiches with egg spread and radishes
A simple classic that never disappoints. The creamy spread and crunchy radish create a perfect contrast of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread or loaf
- 4 boiled eggs
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon full-fat mustard
- salt, pepper
- 4 radishes (sliced)
- chives for garnish
Method
- Chop the eggs finely, mix with mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on the bread.
- Add slices of radish and sprinkle with chives.
- For freshness, drizzle a little lemon juice.
Festive open-faced sandwiches with cream cheese, honey and grapes
Unconventional, elegant and great with wine. Cream cheese, honey, nuts and fruit create a delicate sweet-and-salty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of toast bread (you can lightly toast them)
- 100 g cream cheese (e.g. Philadelphia)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- a handful of walnuts (chopped)
- grapes (halved)
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with honey and spread on the bread.
- Garnish with halved grapes.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts and serve chilled.
Tips for preparing perfect open-faced sandwiches
- Freshness first: quality bread, ham, cheese and vegetables make the difference.
- Contrasts of flavors and textures: combine salty with sweet, creamy with crunchy.
- Aesthetics are key: work with colors, layer height and small details.
- Prepare just before serving: the bread will stay crisp and fresh.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: different types of bread, spreads and garnishes will surprise you.
Conclusion
Topped open-faced sandwiches are a versatile dish that anyone can make and can be prepared in countless ways. Whether you’re organizing a family celebration, a get-together with friends or just want to treat yourself, homemade open-faced sandwiches will always hit the mark.
