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Zucchini Sliders are an easy low carb recipe to make with minimal effort. Grilled to perfection, 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!
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For more great low carb recipes, try my Shrimp Scampi and my 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.
Whether you're looking for a fun appetizer or a tasty main dish, these zucchini sliders are a surefire crowd-pleaser!
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
- 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
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!
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 sliders: If you prefer chicken over beef, you can use ground chicken instead.
- Lamb sliders: 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 sliders: 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 sliders: To give the sliders a Mediterranean twist, add toppings like tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Mexican sliders: 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 degrees F. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe FAQ's
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.
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.
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you prefer. Some other good options include pepper jack, provolone, or blue cheese.
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.
es, you can use any type of oil that has a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
Other Recipes You'll Love
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Zucchini Sliders
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
- 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.
- 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 degrees F. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition
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.
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