Serbian Cevapčicí

Spicier and more paprika-forward than Bosnian cevapi — Serbian cevapčicí blend beef, pork, and lamb with garlic and paprika for an unforgettable charcoal-grilled experience.

30 min prep
15 min grill
Chill 2-12 hrs
Serves 6

How to Make Serbian Cevapčicí

  1. 1
    Combine the MeatsIn a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, and lamb. Mix thoroughly until no streaks remain. The three-meat blend gives Serbian cevapčicí their distinctive rich flavor.
  2. 2
    Season and MixAdd garlic, sweet paprika, hot paprika, salt, pepper, baking soda, sparkling water, and parsley. Mix vigorously by hand for 3-4 minutes until uniform and slightly sticky.
  3. 3
    Chill the MixtureCover tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally overnight. This allows the baking soda to tenderize the meat and the spices to infuse deeply.
  4. 4
    Shape into CylindersWith lightly wet hands, roll 40-50g portions into cylinders approximately 8 cm long and 2 cm thick. Serbian cevapčicí are typically slightly chunkier than Bosnian ones.
  5. 5
    Fire Up the GrillPrepare a charcoal grill until coals are glowing and ash-covered. Alternatively use a gas grill on high. Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking.
  6. 6
    Grill to PerfectionLay cevapčicí on the hot grill in a single layer without crowding. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully. Total cooking time is 12-16 minutes until charred outside and cooked through.
  7. 7
    Serve ImmediatelyPlate on a warm serving platter alongside warm somun bread, diced white onion, kajmak, and ajvar. Eat right away for the best experience.

Serbian Grill Master Tips

  • Pork makes Serbian cevapčicí juicier and richer than purely beef versions.
  • Paprika is the key differentiator — use good quality sweet Hungarian or Serbian paprika.
  • Many Serbian cooks add a small amount of grated onion juice for extra flavor.
  • Never flatten the cevapčicí while grilling — this squeezes out the precious juices.