Vegetarian Sliders Recipe

Black beans: mashed black beans give the sliders a soft texture and add protein.

Bread crumbs: help hold the patties together so they don’t fall apart while cooking.

Onion: finely chopped onion adds a bit of crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.

Garlic: minced garlic brings a nice, savory kick to the patties.

Olive oil: used for cooking the patties and adds a subtle richness.

Cumin: a warm spice that gives the sliders a slightly smoky taste.

Paprika: adds color and a mild peppery flavor.

Salt: enhances all the flavors in the patties.

Black pepper: adds a little bit of heat and depth.

Slider buns: small buns perfect for holding the patties and toppings.

One of the most important steps in this Vegetarian Sliders Recipe is chopping the onion finely. When you chop an onion into tiny pieces, it mixes better with the other ingredients and helps the patties hold together without big chunks. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Peel the onion and cut it in half from top to bottom.
2. Place one half flat side down on the cutting board.
3. Make several horizontal cuts into the onion, but don’t cut all the way through the root end.
4. Then, make vertical cuts from top to bottom, again stopping before the root.
5. Finally, slice across the onion to create small, even pieces.

Doing it this way keeps the onion pieces small and even, so they cook well and don’t overpower the other flavors. Plus, finely chopped onion spreads throughout the black beans and spices in the patties, giving each bite a little bit of tasty onion without being too strong.

When I first tried this, I didn’t chop the onion finely enough, and some bites had big chunks that made the patties fall apart or taste too sharp. After practicing this method, the patties stayed together better and tasted smoother. Also, if you’re in a hurry, you can use a food processor to pulse the onion a few times, but be careful not to turn it into mush!

Taking a little extra time to chop the onion well really makes a difference in how your vegetarian sliders turn out. It’s a small step that helps everything cook evenly and taste just right.

• cooked and mashed black beans - Substitute with cooked and mashed chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the mixture while keeping it gluten-free.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch and provides a similar flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a different but complementary earthy flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor with a hint of smokiness.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• slider buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb and gluten-free alternative while adding a fresh crunch.

• Allow the patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled patties in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the patties fresh and ready for a quick meal.
• For longer storage, freeze the patties. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Frozen patties can be stored for up to 2-3 months. This ensures you always have a quick and healthy meal option on hand.
• To reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Cook the thawed patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method is great for retaining the patties' crispiness.
• Enjoy your vegetarian sliders with fresh slider buns and your favorite toppings for a delicious meal.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the vegetarian sliders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the sliders on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the sliders in a skillet. Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and regain some of their original crispiness.

• For an air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the patties over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties while cooking to ensure they are evenly browned on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the correct amounts of black beans, bread crumbs, and olive oil.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Knife: Used to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: A surface used to chop the onion and garlic safely.

• Masher: A tool used to mash the cooked black beans to the desired consistency.

• Plate: Used to place the cooked patties before assembling the sliders.

• Slider buns: The small buns used to make the sliders.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mash the black beans and mix the ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating the skillet while forming the patties to reduce waiting time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal later.

Ready toppings: Have your favorite toppings prepped and ready to go before cooking the patties.