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    Home » Appetizers

    Zucchini Sliders

    Published: December 28, 2021 · Modified: November 27, 2024 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Zucchini Sliders are an easy low carb recipe to make with minimal effort. Whether you're looking for a tasty way to sneak in some veggies or simply want to mix up your burger game, you'll love these sliders!

    Sliders on a black plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Other Recipes You'll Love
    • Zucchini Sliders
    • #respond

    For more great low carb recipes, try my Low Carb Shrimp Scampi and my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.

    Zucchini sliders are a delicious and creative twist on the classic slider. These mini burgers use thin slices of grilled zucchini in place of buns, making them a healthier and lighter option. These little zucchini appetizers are on my list of low calorie high volume foods, so be sure to check that out too.

    Whether you're looking for a fun appetizer or a tasty main dish, these zucchini sliders are a surefire crowd-pleaser!

    Sliders on a black plate on a purple and white kitchen towel.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Healthy and flavorful. These sliders are a healthier alternative to traditional beef sliders, as they use zucchini slices instead of buns.
    • Easy to make. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute barbecue.
    • Perfect for entertaining. These sliders are a fun and creative way to impress guests at a summer cookout or party.
    • Kid-friendly. Children often love mini-sized food, and these sliders are no exception.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the sliders.
    • Coconut Oil: A healthy cooking oil that is used to grill the zucchini and cook the beef patties, creating a crispy crust and helping the ingredients cook evenly.
    • Zucchini: Thinly sliced zucchini acts as the slider "buns", which is a healthier and lighter option than traditional bread buns.
    • Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful ground beef is the main protein source of the sliders.
    • Salt & Ground Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the beef.
    • Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the beef patties.
    • Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the beef patties.
    • Thyme: A versatile herb that adds an herby and slightly floral note.
    • Cheddar Cheese Slices: Melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy and rich flavor to the sliders and is the perfect pairing with the beef.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Steps to make the sliders.

    Step 1: In a large skillet, add the coconut oil over medium-high heat until melted. Cut the zucchini into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick.

    Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix well.

    Step 3: Form the ground beef mixture into small patties, about the same size as the zucchini slices.

    Step 4: Grill the zucchini slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.

    Step 5: Grill the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked.

    Step 6: Once the beef patties are cooked, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and let it melt for about 1 minute.

    Step 7: To assemble the sliders, place a grilled zucchini slice on the bottom, followed by a beef patty with melted cheese, and then another grilled zucchini slice on top. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    Sliders on a plate.

    Expert Tips

    • Use fresh and good quality ingredients. Choose fresh zucchini, good quality ground beef, and fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.
    • Thinly slice the zucchini. The zucchini slices should be thin, about ¼ inch thick, so that they cook evenly and don't overpower the flavor of the beef.
    • Add your favorite toppings. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce, or condiments like mayo, ketchup, or mustard to customize the sliders to your liking.
    • Serve immediately. Zucchini sliders are best served warm, so be sure to assemble and serve them immediately for the best flavor and texture.

    Variations

    • Chicken: If you prefer chicken over beef, you can use ground chicken instead.
    • Lamb: For a more exotic twist, you can use ground lamb instead of beef and add spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the patties.
    • Pork: Ground pork can also be used in place of beef for a different flavor and texture. Adding spices like fennel or sage can enhance the flavor of the pork.
    • Mediterranean: To give the sliders a Mediterranean twist, add toppings like tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
    • Mexican: To give the sliders a Mexican twist, add toppings like guacamole, salsa, jalapeño peppers, and queso fresco.

    Storing

    Storing: Zucchini sliders are best when served fresh and warm, but if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each slider tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

    Reheating: To reheat the sliders, preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I make the zucchini slices thicker or thinner?

    Thinner zucchini slices cook faster and will have a more delicate texture. Thicker slices may take longer to cook and may have a firmer texture.

    Can I make the sliders ahead of time?

    It's best to assemble and cook the sliders right before serving to ensure they are fresh and warm. However, you can prepare the beef patties and slice the zucchini ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.

    Can I use a different type of cheese?

    Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you prefer. Some other good options include pepper jack, provolone, or blue cheese.

    Can I freeze the sliders?

    It's not recommended to freeze the assembled sliders as the zucchini slices may become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the uncooked beef patties and zucchini slices separately for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw the patties and zucchini slices in the refrigerator overnight and then grill them according to the recipe.

    Can I use a different type of oil?

    es, you can use any type of oil that has a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter!

    Thumbnail picture of zucchini sliders.

    Zucchini Sliders

    5 from 2 votes
    By Kate
    Zucchini sliders are an easy low carb recipe. The tender zucchini slices add a nice crunch to each bite, while the melted cheddar cheese takes these sliders to the next level. Whether you're looking for a tasty way to sneak in some veggies or simply want to mix up your burger game, you'll love these sliders!
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep 5 minutes mins
    Cook 10 minutes mins
    Total 15 minutes mins
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 133kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Special Equipment

    • Cutting Boards
    • Ceramic Frypan
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    • Large zucchini
    • 93/7 lean ground beef
    • Salt to taste
    • Ground black pepper to taste
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 2 slices cheddar cheese

    Instructions
     

    • In a large skillet, add the coconut oil over medium-high heat until melted. Cut the zucchini into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick. 
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix well.
    • Form the ground beef mixture into small patties, about the same size as the zucchini slices.
    • Grill the zucchini slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
    • Grill the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked.
    • Once the beef patties are cooked, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and let it melt for about 1 minute.
    • To assemble the sliders, place a grilled zucchini slice on the bottom, followed by a beef patty with melted cheese, and then another grilled zucchini slice on top. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Choose fresh zucchini, good quality ground beef, and fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor.
    • The zucchini slices should be thin, about ¼ inch thick, so that they cook evenly and don't overpower the flavor of the beef.
    • Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce, or condiments like mayo, ketchup, or mustard to customize the sliders to your liking.
    • Zucchini sliders are best served warm, so be sure to assemble and serve them immediately for the best flavor and texture.
    • Storing: Zucchini sliders are best when served fresh and warm, but if you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each slider tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
    • Reheating: To reheat the sliders, preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8gCalories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 15gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 369mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!
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