Zucchini sliders are the perfect option for a low-carb appetizer that packs a delicious little punch. Great for football parties, backyard hangouts, or as a midday snack.
Why this recipe works
We’re always looking for more and more ways to use zucchini. Zucchini is chockfull of vitamins and minerals, and as many people grow it right at home, is always in abundance. We’ve recently tried zucchini pizza bites and air fryer zucchini fries but now it’s time for these low-carb zucchini sliders with lean ground beef and melty cheddar cheese to shine. So easy!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
BURGER – I would recommend lean ground beef, about 90/10. You can substitute for ground turkey if desired or even use an 80/20 ratio of ground beef. Season with salt and pepper or burger seasoning to taste.
ZUCCHINI – You’ll need one extra large zucchini, enough to make 16 1/2 inch thick slices. It’s always safe to have one extra zucchini just in case. You can also use 2-3 medium sized zucchinis if you can’t find an extra large one. Look for firm zucchini with vibrant green skin when choosing.
CHEESE – We use pre-sliced cheddar cheese- but Swiss, American, or Pepper Jack will work as well. You will need to shape the cheese slices according to the size of your burger patties. If you’d like, try mixing some cheese into the patties before cooking.
How to Make Zucchini Sliders
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Slice your zucchini into about 1/2 inch thick rounds. Gently pat dry with a paper towel if needed. You don’t want your zucchini rounds to be too thin, but just thick enough to hold the weight of the burger patties.
- Season the rounds with salt and pepper to taste and set aside on a paper towel.
- Add the ground beef to a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper or burger seasoning to taste, mixing until combined. Take a small handful of ground beef and shape it into a patty, you should get 8 small burger patties.
- Grease a skillet with cooking spray. Cook the zucchini until browned with a light crust on top. Remove zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet, brown the burger patties on both sides. Once you flip the cook the other side, add your sliced cheese. Cook until patties are at your desired doneness.
EXPERT TIP: Do not press down on your patties while cooking, you’ll remove lots of flavorful juices.
- Remove patties from the skillet and allow to rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the zucchini sliders by placing one zucchini round on the bottom, followed by a burger patty, and another zucchini round on top.
- Optionally use a cocktail pick to hold the sliders together. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Make your zucchini sliders into full-blown burgers without the bun! Try condiments like burger sauce, barbeque sauce, ketchup, or mustard as well as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickle rounds.
Serving Suggestions
These zucchini sliders are great for football parties, game nights, backyard barbeques, or realistically for whenever you want them! Optionally top the patties with sliced cherry tomatoes, lettuce, pickle rounds, or burger sauce. If you plan on adding additional condiments, we highly suggest using cocktail picks to hold them together.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini cut into 16 1/2 inch thick slices
- salt and pepper to taste, for zucchini rounds and burger patties
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 slices cheddar cheese quartered to get 8 slices
- avocado oil cooking spray
Things You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- You’ll need one extra large zucchini, enough to make 16 1/2 inch thick slices. It’s always safe to have one extra zucchini just in case. You can also use 2-3 medium sized zucchinis if you can’t find an extra large one. Look for firm zucchini with vibrant green skin when choosing.
Instructions
- Slice your zucchini into about 1/2 inch thick rounds. Gently pat dry with a paper towel if needed. You don’t want your zucchini rounds to be too thin, but just thick enough to hold the weight of the burger patties.
- Season the rounds with salt and pepper to taste and set aside on a paper towel.
- Add the ground beef to a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until combined.
- Take a small handful of ground beef and shape it into a patty, you should get 8 small burger patties at about 1-2 inches wide.
- Grease a skillet with cooking spray. Cook the zucchini until browned with a light crust on top. Remove zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet, brown the burger patties on both sides. Once you flip the cook the other side, add your sliced cheese. Cook until patties are at your desired doneness. Do not press down on your patties while cooking, you’ll remove lots of flavorful juices.
- Remove patties from the skillet and allow to rest on a plate covered with paper towel for 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the zucchini sliders by placing one zucchini round on the bottom, followed by a burger patty, and another zucchini round on top. Optionally use a cocktail pick to hold the sliders together. Enjoy
