Bold, garlicky flavor with warm spices Simple ingredients with big taste Perfect for grilling season Quick to prepare and cook Great for parties or casual meals Customizable with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef garlic, minced baking soda beef broth salt black pepper paprika dried thyme fresh parsley, finely chopped neutral oil (for shaping) fresh crusty bread or rolls mustard (for serving)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef
Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, parsley, and baking soda.
Gradually mix in beef broth a little at a time until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into small sausage-like rolls about 3–4 inches long.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the mici for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Warm the bread slightly on the grill if desired.
Place the grilled mici inside the bread and serve with mustard.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time) Cook time: 8–10 minutes Total time: Approximately 25 minutes (excluding chilling)
Variations
Add a pinch of ground cumin for deeper spice. Use all beef instead of a beef Serve with pickled vegetables for extra tang. Add sliced onions and ajvar for a Balkan twist. Use flatbread instead of crusty rolls. Make mini versions for party appetizers.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked mici in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.
Uncooked shaped patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
FAQs
What are mici?
Mici, also known as mititei, are small, skinless sausages popular in Balkan cuisine.
Why is baking soda added?
Baking soda helps create a tender, juicy texture.
Can I cook them without a grill?
Yes, they can be cooked in a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerating overnight actually improves the flavor.
What bread works best?
Crusty rolls or rustic bread hold up well to the juicy patties.
Can I make them spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne or hot paprika for heat.
Can I bake them instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
What sides pair well with mici?
Serve with fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
Mici Patties on Bread bring bold, savory flavor in a simple, satisfying form. Juicy grilled meat tucked into warm bread with mustard creates a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any casual gathering.
These Mici Patties on Bread, also known as Romanian mititei, are juicy, garlicky, skinless sausages packed with warm spices and grilled to perfection. Served inside fresh crusty bread with mustard, this Balkan favorite is bold, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season, parties, or casual family meals.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup beef broth (more as needed)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Neutral oil (for shaping)
Fresh crusty bread or rolls
Mustard, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, parsley, and baking soda.
Gradually mix in beef broth a little at a time until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into small sausage-like rolls about 3–4 inches long.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the mici for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).
Warm the bread slightly on the grill if desired.
Place grilled mici inside the bread and serve with mustard.
Notes
Baking soda helps create the traditional tender, juicy texture.For deeper spice, add a pinch of ground cumin.Serve with sliced onions, pickles, or ajvar for a Balkan-style presentation.Mini versions make great party appetizers.The mixture tastes even better after chilling overnight.
