Open Faced Sandwiches (Czech Obložené Chlebíčky)

Open Faced Sandwiches, or Obložené Chlebíčky, from the Czech Republic are a popular appetizer. They are piled high with delicious and filling ingredients and are perfect for a 10 minute appetizer or a summer lunch. 

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When I visited Prague, Czech Republic, I discovered one of my favorite parts of the cuisine: Open Faced Sandwiches, also known as Obložené Chlebíčky. 

I read so much about these sandwiches before I arrived in the country, and once my plane landed, Czech Republic did not disappoint. The sandwiches were everywhere, and were always an option for a quick, tasty, and filling snack! 

This recipe was so fun to experiment with because I could try whatever I wanted! With many of my recipes, like my Cuban Picadillo for example, there’s not much room for experimentation. I want to make sure I’m representing a culture correctly, which means that I need to use the exact ingredients that are in the authentic version of the country’s recipe. 

With Obložené Chlebíčky, my experience was a little different. I still needed to use traditionally Czech ingredients, but I had a little more leeway in what I chose to use and how I combined them. 

I had so much fun making these sandwiches for you, and I hope that you have fun eating them! 

What are Obložené Chlebíčky?

Obložené Chlebíčky is a very popular food that exists in Czech cuisines (as well as Polish and Slovak). They are a type of Open Faced Sandwich that are very common for appetizers or snacks in Czech Republic. 

It’s very common to see Czech restaurants such as cafes or coffee shops serving Obložené Chlebíčky in their glass cases. They can be topped with anything that the cook desires, and each restaurant is known for their specialty flavor combinations. 

Very often, Czechs top Obložené Chlebíčky with foods that fit in the traditional Czech palette, including horseradish, mustard, pickles, herbs, and cold cuts. 

What is It Called an Open Faced Sandwich? 

The name Open Faced Sandwich comes, quite frankly, from the fact that the sandwiches are”open”. 

In the case of this recipe, Czechs build each “sandwich” on one piece of bread. Instead of placing another piece of bread on top of the fillings to create a sandwich, you leave the bread off so that you can see the fillings inside. 

Very often these delicious ingredients and toppings balance precariously, piled high, on these Open Faced Sandwiches.

What Ingredients Can I Use for Obložené Chlebíčky?

Are you going to make this recipe at home? You’re in luck, because I’ve made four different versions of these Open Faced Sandwiches and will tell you exactly what is in each one!

Version 1 

• Horseradish Gouda Cheese
• Tomato 
• Mustard

Version 2

• Salami 
• Olive Tapenade 
• Mint leaves

Version 3

• Dijon Mustard
• Pickles 
• Prosciutto 

Version 4

• Salami 
• Red Peppers
• Horseradish 

How to Make Obložené Chlebíčky

Making your Open Faced Sandwiches are easy! Ready? Just pile the ingredients onto the bread…. Done. 

What Other Ingredients Can I Use in My Open Faced Sandwiches? 

The world is pretty much your oyster when making your Obložené Chlebíčky. I tried to stick to traditionally Czech flavors, which includes a lot of acidic and pickled flavors. 

If you want to try other ingredients that aren’t in my sandwiches, here are some other ideas of great ingredients to try out: 

• Hard boiled eggs
• Cucumbers
• Red onion 
• Olives
• Chives
• Cream cheese 
• Salmon
• Or anything else that sounds good to you! 

How Do You Pack an Open Faced Sandwich? 

Will you be making your Open Faced Sandwiches as part of a picnic basket or appetizer? If so, you may need to pack up the Obložené Chlebíčky and transport them to another location. 

If you can, the easiest option may be to transport all of the ingredients to your desired location, then assemble the Open Faced Sandwiches once you have arrived. 

This may include many ingredients, however, and could be difficult to transport. If this is the case, assemble your Open Faced Sandwiches at home. 

Then, place them in a shallow but long tupperware container in a single layer. This will ensure that each ingredient stays fresh and delicious, but still protects the presentation of the sandwich is protected during transportation.

Did you like this recipe for Open Faced Sandwiches from Czech (Obložené Chlebíčky)? If so, share a photo on Facebook or Instagram and tag @TheForeignFork and hashtag #TheForeignFork. 

If you want more recipes like this one, make sure to check out some of the recipes that I picked out just for you: 

• Churrasco Steak Sandwich 
• Cuban Medianoche Sandwich 
• Panzanella Sandwich
• Peameal Bacon Sandwich
• Roasted Red Pepper Dip
• Horseradish Mashed Potatoes