Crispy Chickpea Sliders
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy Meals
I absolutely love whipping up these Crispy Chickpea Sliders, especially when I want a satisfying yet healthy meal. Each bite is full of flavor and texture that keeps me coming back for more. I enjoy pairing them with fresh toppings like avocado and spicy sauce, creating a delightful feast. These sliders are not only simple to make but also perfect for gatherings or a quick lunch. They always impress my family and friends, and I think they will impress you too!
Trying to find new and exciting vegetarian dishes can be a challenge, but these Crispy Chickpea Sliders have been a game-changer in my kitchen. I love how the chickpeas are blended just enough to hold everything together while still retaining that delightful crunch. A tip I learned is to bake them in a preheated oven to ensure they get that perfect golden-brown crust.
One of my favorite aspects about making these sliders is the versatility they offer. You can customize the spices to suit your taste. I often throw in some cumin and smoked paprika for an extra kick. It's this flexibility that has made them a staple in my recipe collection.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with your favorite toppings
- Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
- Easy to customize with your own spices and sauces
The Art of Chickpea Preparation
When preparing the chickpeas for the sliders, it's important to achieve the perfect texture. Mash them gently — you want a mixture that remains chunky to provide that delightful bite in each slider. Too much mashing will create a paste, making the patties dense rather than light and crispy. I recommend using a fork or a potato masher for a controlled mash; just a few pulses do the trick.
The chickpeas serve as a fantastic base due to their high protein and fiber content, making these sliders both filling and nutritious. They add a subtle nutty flavor that pairs excellently with the spices. For a twist, consider using canned white beans, like cannellini, as a substitute for chickpeas. They provide a slightly different taste while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Perfecting Your Slider Technique
When it comes to shaping your sliders, uniformly sized patties ensure even cooking. I like to use a kitchen scale to weigh out about 4 ounces of the mixture for each slider. This method ensures that all sliders cook at the same rate, achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior together. If you're looking for smaller bites, feel free to shape them into mini sliders instead; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Remember to brush the tops of the patties with olive oil before baking. This step not only enhances the flavor but also promotes even browning, making them extra crispy. Keep an eye on them while they bake — they should be golden brown at the edges after about 20-25 minutes. If you prefer an even that extra crispy texture, a quick broil for the last 2-3 minutes can add a nice finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chickpea Sliders
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil, for brushing
For Serving
- Slider buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, or any desired toppings
- Your favorite sauce
Feel free to mix and match the toppings to create your perfect slider!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Chickpea Mixture
In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas lightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture. Mix in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, and the beaten egg until well combined.
Form the Sliders
Shape the mixture into patties that are about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. This should make about 4 sliders.
Bake the Sliders
Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble and Serve
Once done, serve the sliders on buns with your choice of toppings and enjoy!
These sliders are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different spices depending on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy chickpea sliders are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences. For a fresh touch, I love adding sliced avocado or creamy goat cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy sauce or chipotle mayo will bring a kick that complements the sliders beautifully. Pair with a simple side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Buns can also affect the slider experience. While traditional slider buns are great, consider using whole-grain options for added nutrition. If you're gluten-free, lettuce wraps or portobello mushrooms can serve as fantastic alternatives, allowing the flavors of the chickpea mixture to shine through.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Preparing your sliders in advance can save time, especially for gatherings. You can form the patties and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day prior to baking. If you want to prep even further, freeze the uncooked patties. Lay them flat on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a resealable bag — they'll keep well for up to a month.
To reheat frozen sliders, bake them straight from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're heated through and crispy again. This method helps maintain their delicious texture. I always find that leftover sliders make for a quick and easy lunch the next day — just toss them in a sandwich or a salad for a satisfying meal!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these sliders vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or unsweetened applesauce.
→ Can I freeze these sliders?
Absolutely! Freeze them after baking, and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
I recommend fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, and a spicy mayo or hummus for added flavor.
→ How do I get my sliders extra crispy?
Ensure they are brushed with enough oil before baking and don't overcrowd the baking sheet.
Crispy Chickpea Sliders
I absolutely love whipping up these Crispy Chickpea Sliders, especially when I want a satisfying yet healthy meal. Each bite is full of flavor and texture that keeps me coming back for more. I enjoy pairing them with fresh toppings like avocado and spicy sauce, creating a delightful feast. These sliders are not only simple to make but also perfect for gatherings or a quick lunch. They always impress my family and friends, and I think they will impress you too!
What You'll Need
For the Crispy Chickpea Sliders
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil, for brushing
For Serving
- Slider buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, or any desired toppings
- Your favorite sauce
How-To Steps
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas lightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture. Mix in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, and the beaten egg until well combined.
Shape the mixture into patties that are about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. This should make about 4 sliders.
Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Once done, serve the sliders on buns with your choice of toppings and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different spices depending on your taste preferences.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 14g