Princessa Recipe

Princessa (Принцеса) is a famous Bulgarian meat sandwich recipe made from crusty bread, minced meat, eggs, cheese, and various spices. It can be easily prepared at home for breakfast or a quick snack, though you can find it at restaurants and cafes, too.

Princessa is literally “princess” in Bulgarian, so other popular names for the dish include Princess sandwich or Princesses. In contrast to the lofty name, this dish has a very humble beginning, which I will tell you in detail.

But that isn’t the only thing that this post delivers. You will also learn about what makes Princessa special, what tools and ingredients are necessary to make it at home, how to make it from scratch, and tips for preparing it, as well as serving suggestions.

What Are the Highlights of Princessa?

Princessa is a wonderful Bulgarian sandwich recipe in many ways, not just in its exquisite name. It first appeared in the mid-1960s, when meat was usually an expensive foodstuff. Princessa was a clever idea to use a minimal amount of meat for maximum enjoyment.

Since then, the sandwich has been a classic breakfast and brunch staple for Bulgarians. It is also a popular snack and fast food in the country.

This dish consists of slices of grilled bread topped with a spiced mixture of minced meat, eggs, and cheese. Some recipes include vegetables, such as tomatoes (like mine), cucumbers, or bell peppers, but Princessa is highly delicious on its own. Its name has an intriguing story, too.

Where Did the Name Princessa Come From?

There is no definitive answer to how a sandwich came to be called a “princess.” But there is a possible theory. When Princessa was created, it was an established custom in Bulgaria to name a new dish or food product after a significant location or event.

And at that time, the excavation of the Mogilan burial mound in Vratsa province, northwestern Bulgaria, generated enough buzz to fit the criterion. The place was the burial site of a Thracian princess, so before long, the sandwich recipe became known as Princessa.

Read on to see what tools you need to make Princessa from scratch.

What Tools Should I Use to Prepare Princessa at Home?

Like all the convenient breakfast recipes, Princessa doesn’t require any fancy cooking tool. You can easily find the needed tools in your kitchen. As for the grilling equipment, you can use an oven, an electric grill, or a traditional grill.

What Are the Main Ingredients of Princessa?

You’re going to need minced meat, bread, cheese, eggs, and spices to make Princessa from scratch. Some ingredients are easier to find in Bulgaria than in other countries, so I will give you a few substitution ideas as well.

What Are the Instructions for Creating a Homemade Princessa?

To prepare Princessa for breakfast, you only need to slice the bread, prepare the meat mixture, and grill the bread slices after spreading them with the meat mixture. Here are detailed instructions on how to get them right.

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Cut the bread into thin slices of equal thickness (about 0.4 – 0.5 inch). Set them aside.

Step 2: Create the Meat Mixture

Grate the cheese on the kitchen grater.

In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, grated cheese, eggs, and spices.

Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Grill the Bread

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

For each slice of bread, spread a generous amount of the meat mixture on the entire surface of the top side.

Repeat with the remaining slices of bread until you have used up the mince mixture.

Cook the sandwiches on the grill in the oven until the top side is golden. This usually takes 10 minutes.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the minced meat layer and the heat level. Make sure the minced meat is thoroughly cooked before you take them out.

Remove the sandwiches from the grill and place them on a serving plate. You can garnish the sandwiches with fresh herbs and tomato slices.

What Tips Can I Use to Make Princessa?

My favorite tricks with Princessa are using more spices but no butter and spreading the minced mixture evenly, even the edge of the bread slices. Let me break them down for you!

In this section, I will also introduce suitable dishes for pairing with Princessa, how to store and reheat them at home, and suggestions for more Bulgarian dishes.

What Dishes Can I Pair With Princessa?

There are several Bulgarian side dishes to accompany Princessa, such as Shopska salad (Bulgarian cold salad) and Tarator (Bulgarian cold yogurt-based soup). If you don’t need to enjoy Princessa like a local, feel free to pair it with onion rings, potato chips, or other types of salads.

What Are the Best Ways to Store and Reheat Princessa?

Princessa can stay good for several days if you wrap it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. For a longer storage time, like two to three months, you should put the sandwiches in a freezer-friendly bag, arrange them in a single layer, and transfer them to the freezer.

Reheating Princessa can be easily done with a microwave or a skillet. It is a terrific make-ahead recipe: you can prepare a big batch, store them in the fridge, and reheat a few sandwiches each morning.

How About Making Your Breakfast Great Again With Princessa?

Is it weird that having Princessa every morning makes me feel like royalty? I hope it isn’t! Though simple and convenient to make, Princessa is full of exquisite flavors that will help you start your day on a high note. The sandwich is royally addictive!

To give your friends the joy of a wonderful breakfast, don’t forget to share this Princessa recipe with them! Let me know what you think in the comment section. Do you have more ideas for a wonderful breakfast? I’m all ears!