These sardines on toast are zesty, healthy and delicious, perfect as a light lunch or snack and ready in under 15 minutes. You will love the tangy, crunchy topping mixture they come with made using radishes and gherkins, which are a staple in Polish cuisine.

You might also like tuna pate and salmon spread.

2 slices of toast with sardines and chopped vegetables on top, and lemon wedges in background.

This version of traditional Polish sardines on toast consists of smashed sardines topped with a crunchy mixture (relish of sorts) of zesty, tangy ingredients, so there is plenty of flavour as well as texture in this recipe.

Poles love all manner of canned fish including mackerel, sprats and sardines. They also love all manner of sandwiches and have them for breakfast as well as supper. Sardines on toast in Poland would typically be served for supper (the main meal happens between 2-3 pm) or snack between meals.

Traditional Polish sardines with toast would usually be served in a form of a spread where the sardines would be mashed up along with other ingredients. These ingredients might include radishes, onion, gherkins or sour cream and sometimes Polish cottage cheese (‘twarog’).

Are sardines good for you

Yes, they are! They are an excellent source of nutrients including Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins B12, calcium, protein and minerals so make a great addition to a healthy diet. Because sardines are very small and come with tiny little bones they are not very often cooked from fresh. Nor are fresh sardines easily available but, fortunately, all supermarkets are well stocked in canned sardines. Which is what I used in this recipe.

Both fresh as well as canned sardines are nutritious!

How to prepare the sardines

There is really not much you'll need to do!

Canned sardines are a super convenient ingredient, delicious and ready to eat. They do not require peeling or removing bones and can be eaten straight from a can. If using sardines in brine or oil drain the liquid before making the recipe.

Sardines on toast ingredients

Ingredients for sardines on toast in individual dishes.

I used sardines in brine but you can use sardines in oil (these will typically have more calories), tomato sauce or mustard or any other type you prefer.
I also used pickled gherkins (cucumbers in vinegar) but you can use dill pickles if you prefer (these are pickled in brine, without the vinegar).
Another ingredient I added into the topping mixture are shallots for their mild, sweet flavour, but red onion, green onions or even ordinary onion would all be good alternatives.
Radish and parsley are extremely popular ingredients in Polish dishes and I have included them also in this sardines recipe.
The ketchup and mayonnaise keep all the topping ingredients together and add even more flavour and savouriness. Season to taste and serve with smashed sardines on toast!

What bread to use

This recipe works with any bread though I recommend a dark, rustic, sourdough bread to match the topping (sourdough or light rye bread are also commonly used in Poland).

How to assemble the recipe

1. In a mixing bowl combine all the topping ingredients.

Chopped gherkins, shallots, radish, parsley and dollop of ketchup and mayonnaise in mixing bowl.

2. Stir thoroughly and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Chopped up vegetables in mixing bowl with spoon.

3. Prepare the toast, butter it (optional), place 2-3 sardines on top and smash using a fork. Drizzle over a little lemon juice.

2 slices of bread with smashed sardines on top and lemon wedges in background.

4. Top with a desired amount of the crunchy vegetable mixture and serve!

Toast with sardines and chunky topping mixture on top and in white dish.

Top tips and FAQs

Use any type of canned sardines you like: in brine or oil (drain well first), tomato sauce, mustard, etc.
I did not combine the sardines with the topping mixture but you can if you prefer. Don’t forget to add a little drizzle of lemon juice into the mixture.
Serve with bread of your choice. Delicious especially with sourdough, rye or pumpernickel. Butter the toast lightly if you like before assembling the recipe.
Best served immediately. Once opened sardines can be refrigerated for up to 3 days but the topping should be used on the day it’s made (refrigerate it for up to a few hours).
Not suitable for freezing.

Other ingredients you might like to use

This sardines on toast recipe is delicious as it is but as it's very adaptable you can modify it every time you make it. For example you could spread a thin layer of mustard over your toast instead of the butter (if using). Or you could add finely chopped hard boiled egg into the topping mixture. You might also like to add a bit of freshly chopped dill (not recommended if using dill pickles) or a handful of capers into the topping. Or spice it up by adding finely chopped, deseeded, chilli pepper.

Side view of smashed sardines on toast with chunky vegetable topping on top and in white dish.

Serving suggestions

Toast with sardines can be served as it is or with a simple salad. If you omit the topping mixture you can serve it with Polish cucumber salad as well as sauerkraut salad. Sardines on toast also pair well with cold cucumber soup as a delicious summer meal idea.

You can easily turn this recipe into an appetizer by serving the sardines and topping mixture on crackers.

Keep in touch!

Do you have a favourite way of serving sardines on toast? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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Sardines on Toast Polish Style