Vlašský Salát / Italian Salad (enough for 20 to 24 sandwiches):
285grams(10 ounces) waxy potatoes,unpeeled but well-scrubbed and washed (about 2 small potatoes)
100grams(3 ½ ounces / ¾ cup) frozen peas,thawed
100grams(3 ½ ounces) sliced ham
½cupmayonnaise
1tablespoonpickle brine
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Version 1 (Vlašský Salát / Italian Salad):
8slicesbaguette (½-inch thick, sliced on the bias)
1 to 1 ½cupsvlašský salát(see above)
2hard-boiled eggs,quartered
2small dill pickles or cornichons,sliced thinly lengthwise
Version 2 (Chlebíček Salámový / Salami Sandwich):
8slicesbaguette,½-inch thick, sliced on the bias
1tablespoonsoft butter or mayonnaise,or more as needed
4slicessalami,cut in half
2slicesEdam, Gouda, or Emmental cheese,cut into quarters
2hard-boiled eggs,sliced
8slicescucumber
Version 3 (Chlebíček Šunkový / Ham Sandwich):
8slicesbaguette,½-inch thick, sliced on the bias
1tablespoonsoft butter or mayonnaise,or more as needed
2slicesham,cut into quarters
½cupgrated hard-boiled egg
8cherry tomatoes,halved lengthwise
1small dill pickle or cornichon,sliced thinly crosswise
Version 4 (Chlebíček Uzený Losos / Smoked Salmon Sandwich):
8slicesbaguette,½-inch thick, sliced on the bias
3tablespoonssoft cream cheese,or as needed
3 to 4ouncessliced smoked salmon,cut into 8 smaller pieces
16slicescucumber
2teaspoonsdrained capers
1teaspoonchopped chive
8thin half-moon slices of lemon
Instructions
Vlašský Salát / Italian Salad (enough for 20 to 24 sandwiches):
Add the potatoes to a small/medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork (15 to 25 minutes or longer if needed). Remove potatoes from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool.
Add the peas to the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
When the potatoes have cooled, peel the skin and dice into small cubes. Chop the ham and add it along with the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the peas, mayonnaise, pickle brine, and seasonings, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Version 1 (Vlašský Salát / Italian Salad):
Spread each slice of bread with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of vlašský salát and garnish with sliced pickle and 1 hard-boiled egg quarter. Serve open-faced. Makes 8 sandwiches plus yields leftover vlašský salát (make more sandwiches or enjoy on its own).
Version 2 (Chlebíček Salámový / Salami Sandwich):
Spread each slice of baguette with butter or mayonnaise and top with ½ slice salami, ¼ slice cheese, 1 slice of hard-boiled egg, and 1 slice of cucumber. Serve open-faced. Makes 8 sandwiches.
Version 3 (Chlebíček Šunkový / Ham Sandwich):
Spread each slice of baguette with butter or mayonnaise and top with ¼ slice ham, 1 tablespoon grated hard-boiled egg, 1 halved cherry tomato, and 2 slices pickle. Serve open-faced. Makes 8 sandwiches.
Version 4 (Chlebíček Uzený Losos / Smoked Salmon Sandwich):
Spread each slice of baguette with cream cheese and top with a piece of smoked salmon, 2 slices cucumber, ¼ teaspoon capers, a pinch of chopped chives, and a slice of lemon. Serve open-faced. Makes 8 sandwiches.
Notes
The prep time for this recipe will completely depend on how many varieties of these chlebíčky sandwiches you make. One variety won't take long, but making all 4 kinds (a total of 32 sandwiches or more) will take longer. The times suggested in this recipe are roughly based on the vlašský salát version which is the most time consuming.
The nutritional information is based on 1 vlašský salát chlebíček sandwich. The other varieties will vary, but this will give you a general idea.
A baguette will yield about 20 to 30 slices depending on its length, the exact thickness of your slices, and the angle at which you slice it.
Classic vlašský salát uses drained canned peas instead of frozen ones, but the frozen ones simply taste better so I recommend using them here even though it’s not traditional.
For the ham for the vlašský salát, I recommend having the deli slice it about ⅛-inch thick so it’s more substantial when you chop it up. Two slices of polish ham at that thickness was perfect for mine.
Arrange the chlebíčky on a tray or platter for serving. If preparing them in advance, wrap the platter with plastic wrap or foil so they don‘t dry out and remove right before serving.