Save I threw together my first batch of falafel sliders on a Tuesday night when I had friends coming over and zero energy for anything complicated. I'd been intimidated by frying falafel for years, so baking them felt like a quiet rebellion. The kitchen smelled like cumin and fresh cilantro, and when I pulled those golden patties from the oven, I realized I'd been overthinking it all along. Everyone devoured them in minutes, and one friend asked if I'd ordered them from a restaurant.
I made these for a small backyard gathering last spring, and they became the thing everyone talked about. One guest was vegetarian and usually stuck to sides at cookouts, so watching her pile three sliders onto her plate made my night. We sat outside as the sun went down, passing around extra tahini sauce and laughing about how we all had cilantro in our teeth. It's funny how a simple dish can turn into a memory you keep coming back to.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas: Use canned and make sure they're well-drained and patted dry, or the mixture will be too wet to hold its shape.
- Fresh parsley and cilantro: The herbs give these sliders their bright, grassy flavor—don't skip them or swap for dried.
- Cumin and coriander: These spices are the backbone of the falafel flavor, warm and a little earthy.
- Baking powder: This helps the patties puff up slightly and stay tender inside while crisping on the outside.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to bind everything together without making the patties dense or heavy.
- Tahini: The creamy, nutty base of the sauce that ties all the fresh toppings together.
- Slider buns: Soft, small, and sturdy enough to hold up to all the juicy vegetables and sauce.
- Cucumber, tomato, red onion: Fresh, crisp, and colorful—they add crunch and balance to every bite.
Instructions
- Prep the baking sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then brush it lightly with olive oil so the patties don't stick. This step makes cleanup so much easier.
- Blend the falafel mixture:
- Toss the chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, baking powder, and flour into a food processor and pulse until it looks like coarse, slightly sticky crumbs. Scrape down the sides a few times to make sure everything gets evenly chopped.
- Form the patties:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently shape it into small, flat patties—you should get 8 total. They'll firm up as they bake, so don't worry if they feel a little soft.
- Bake the patties:
- Brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 12 minutes, then flip them carefully, brush again, and bake for another 10 to 13 minutes until they're golden and firm. The oil helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Make the tahini sauce:
- While the patties bake, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt until it's smooth and pourable. Add more water a teaspoon at a time if it's too thick.
- Toast the buns:
- Lightly toast your slider buns if you like a little crunch, or leave them soft—both ways work perfectly.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Spread tahini sauce on the bottom bun, add a warm falafel patty, then pile on cucumber, tomato, red onion, and greens. Drizzle more sauce over the top and close with the top bun.
- Serve:
- Serve them right away while the patties are still warm and the vegetables are crisp.
Save The first time I served these, my neighbor asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her second slider. She texted me the next weekend to say she'd made them for her book club and everyone wanted the recipe too. It's one of those dishes that quietly impresses people without you having to do anything fancy, and that's exactly the kind of cooking I love most.
Storing and Reheating
You can store the baked falafel patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and they reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes. I don't recommend assembling the sliders ahead of time because the buns can get soggy, but you can prep all the toppings and keep them in separate containers so assembly is quick. The tahini sauce thickens in the fridge, so just whisk in a little water to loosen it up before serving.
Flavor Variations
I've added a pinch of smoked paprika to the falafel mixture when I wanted a deeper, almost smoky flavor, and it worked really well. You can also stir some chopped pickled jalapeños into the tahini sauce for a spicy kick, or swap the mixed greens for arugula if you like a peppery bite. One time I ran out of slider buns and used pita pockets instead, and honestly, it was just as good.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are perfect on their own, but I love serving them with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. They're also great alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a bowl of lemony hummus with pita chips. If you're feeding a crowd, set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own—it turns into a fun, casual meal that feels a little special.
- Serve with a crisp, citrusy white wine or sparkling water with lemon wedges.
- Add pickled turnips or quick-pickled red onions for extra tang and crunch.
- Drizzle a little hot sauce or harissa over the top if you like heat.
Save These sliders have become one of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels special but doesn't ask too much of me. They're the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy, and honestly, that's all I ever want from cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes these chickpea patties tender?
The combination of fresh herbs, ground spices, and a bit of baking powder helps create a tender yet firm texture that holds well when baked.
- → Can I use gluten-free flour for these sliders?
Yes, substituting chickpea or gluten-free flour works well and keeps the sliders suitable for gluten-free preferences.
- → How do I achieve a crispy exterior without frying?
Brushing the patties lightly with olive oil before baking and flipping halfway helps create a golden, slightly crisp finish.
- → What flavors does the tahini sauce add?
The tahini sauce brings a creamy, nutty taste with a hint of lemon and garlic, complementing the aromatic spices of the patties.
- → Are these sliders suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients including the tahini sauce are dairy-free, making these sliders ideal for those avoiding dairy.
- → Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
The patties can be shaped in advance and refrigerated briefly, but for best texture, bake them fresh before assembling.