Sliders with Grilled Zucchini

Name: Sliders with Grilled Zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slider buns; 1 medium zucchini, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cheese slices; Lettuce; Tomato slices; Condiments of your choice

Highlighted under: Quick Planning

I love making sliders, especially when they're packed with fresh veggies! These Sliders with Grilled Zucchini are a delightful twist on the classic mini-burger. The process of grilling zucchini brings out its natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the sliders. It’s an easy recipe that’s ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Plus, they're a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing taste. Let's dive in and create a dish that everyone will adore!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:33:34.885Z

When I first tried these sliders, I was surprised by how the grilled zucchini adds a smoky flavor that elevates the whole dish. I recommend salting the zucchini before grilling to draw out moisture, ensuring it won't become soggy in the sliders. This little technique made all the difference for me the first time I made them!

Not only are these sliders delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can mix up the seasonings in the patties or even add cheese for an extra layer of flavor. I've experimented with various toppings—avocado, different sauces, even pickled onions—and they all work so well!

Why You Will Love These Sliders
Grilled zucchini adds a unique flavor and texture
Healthy and satisfying meal with hidden veggies
Perfect for summer BBQs or quick weeknight dinners

Perfecting Grilled Zucchini

When grilling zucchini, the key is to slice it evenly, about 1/4 inch thick, so it cooks uniformly. If the slices are too thick, they can become mushy instead of achieving that delightful char on the outside. Make sure to preheat your grill pan until hot; this will help to caramelize the natural sugars in the zucchini, enhancing its sweetness. Keep an eye on them while grilling; they will only need 3-4 minutes per side. You want them to be tender with nice grill marks but not overly soft.

Seasoning grilled zucchini is crucial, and a combination of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil works wonders. If you're feeling adventurous, adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like oregano can elevate the flavor even more. The grilled zucchini can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat them briefly before serving to retain some of that charred flavor.

Crafting the Slider Patties

Selecting the right ground meat is essential for juicy sliders. Ground beef typically yields the best flavor due to its higher fat content, but ground turkey is a healthier alternative that provides less grease. If opting for turkey, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to keep the patties moist. Mixing the ingredients until just combined avoids tough sliders; overmixing leads to dense patties. The egg acts as a binder, and breadcrumbs contribute to a pleasant texture, making each slider satisfying yet light.

To ensure even cooking, shape the slider patties slightly larger than the buns since they will shrink as they cook. You can prepare the patties ahead of time; just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet separated by wax paper and refrigerate until ready to grill. This prevents them from sticking together and makes cooking a breeze. If you prefer a touch of spice, feel free to mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the patties for an extra kick.

Assembling and Serving Suggestions

Assembling the sliders is where the fun begins! Start by lightly toasting the slider buns in the grill pan or a toaster; this adds a satisfying crunch and helps to prevent sogginess from the burger juices. Layering is important: place the grilled zucchini directly on the patty for maximum flavor fusion, followed by toppings like fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Cheese lovers should consider pairing mild cheeses like mozzarella or a robust cheddar that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the zucchini.

For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the patty mixture and grilled zucchini earlier in the day. The assembled sliders can also be wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge for a quick, warm meal. Just reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F until warm—you'll enjoy their freshly grilled flavor without extra hassle. Lastly, these sliders pair wonderfully with coleslaw or a light salad, making them a versatile addition to your summer dining repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slider buns

For the Grilled Zucchini

1 medium zucchini, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

Cheese slices
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Condiments of your choice

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Zucchini

Drizzle the sliced zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the zucchini for 3-4 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred.

Make the Slider Patties

In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into small patties.

Cook the Sliders

In the same grill pan, cook the slider patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Add cheese slices during the last minute if you want them melted.

Assemble the Sliders

Place each patty on a slider bun, top with grilled zucchini and your choice of toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Sliders!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the seasoning in the meat or add your favorite herbs to the grilled zucchini for extra flavor!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using black beans or chickpeas as a base for the slider patties. Simply mash the beans and combine them with breadcrumbs and seasonings to create a hearty, meatless version. Adding grated vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can enhance moisture and nutrition while keeping those delicious flavors intact.

For a gluten-free option, substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or ground oats can work well. Just keep in mind to adjust the binding agent (the egg) accordingly since these alternatives might require less liquid to maintain the right patty consistency.

Storing and Reheating

Any leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain the integrity of the slider, it's best to keep the assembled sandwiches separate from fresh toppings until ready to eat. This prevents the buns from getting soggy and limp.

For reheating, skip the microwave and opt for the oven to preserve the texture. Simply wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures they remain juicy and don't dry out, resulting in a delicious quick meal that tastes just as good as when first made.

Creative Variations

Feel free to mix and match your toppings or incorporate different kinds of cheese for an exciting twist. Adding slices of avocado or guacamole creates a creamy contrast against the grilled flavors. Alternatively, a dollop of tzatziki or spicy mayo can introduce an interesting zing to the sliders, appealing to diverse palates at your gathering.

You can also switch up the base of the sliders by using other types of ground meat like lamb or chicken, which can bring unique flavors to the dish. For those who love spice, a hint of curry powder or smoked paprika can be blended into the patties, yielding sliders with a kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! You can try bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make these sliders vegetarian?

You can replace the meat with black beans or lentils to create a delicious plant-based slider.

→ Can I prep these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the slider patties and grill the zucchini in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

→ What should I serve with these sliders?

They pair well with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or even coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.