I still remember the first time I made these Roasted Veggie and Hummus Sliders. It was for a casual Sunday family get-together, and I was looking for something that would be a crowd-pleaser but also a little different from the usual fare. I’ll admit, when I announced we were having “veggie sliders,” I was met with a few skeptical looks, especially from the kids and my notoriously meat-loving uncle. I just smiled and told them to trust me. As the vegetables roasted, the entire house filled with the most incredible aroma—a savory, slightly sweet, and herby scent that had people wandering into the kitchen to ask what was cooking. When I finally brought out the platter, piled high with these colorful, jewel-toned little sandwiches, the skepticism melted away. They were a riot of color and looked so inviting. The first bite was a revelation. The deep, caramelized flavor of the roasted vegetables, the creamy, garlicky hummus, the soft, slightly sweet slider bun—it was a perfect symphony of textures and tastes. My uncle, the biggest skeptic of all, was the first to go back for a second, and then a third, declaring them “unbelievably good.” The kids devoured them without a second thought. Since that day, these sliders have become a staple in our home. They are my go-to for easy weeknight dinners, party appetizers, and healthy lunchbox fillers. They prove, time and time again, that vegetarian food can be incredibly hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor that can win over even the most dedicated carnivores.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 1 medium Zucchini, diced into ½-inch cubes: Provides a tender, mild base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
• 1 medium Yellow Squash, diced into ½-inch cubes: Similar to zucchini, it adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful yellow hue.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced into ½-inch pieces: Delivers a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and a vibrant pop of red.
• 1 medium Red Onion, diced into ½-inch pieces: Caramelizes beautifully when roasted, adding a deep, savory-sweet flavor.
• 1 cup Cremini Mushrooms, halved or quartered: Adds a wonderful, earthy, and umami-rich depth to the vegetable mix.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Essential for roasting; it helps the vegetables caramelize and prevents them from sticking.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Imparts a classic, aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: A convenient way to add a savory garlic note that complements the vegetables perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste): Adds a touch of gentle heat.

For the Hummus and Assembly:

• 1 ½ cups Hummus (store-bought or homemade): Acts as the creamy, flavorful “sauce” and binder for the sliders. A classic or roasted garlic flavor works best.
• 12 Slider Buns (Brioche, potato, or whole wheat): The soft, pillowy vessels for our delicious filling.
• 1 cup Baby Arugula or Spinach (optional): Adds a fresh, peppery bite and a layer of green.
• ¼ cup Crumbled Feta Cheese (optional): Provides a salty, briny kick that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet roasted veggies.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This also prevents the vegetables from sticking and helps them brown more evenly.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Prepare all your vegetables—zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, and cremini mushrooms. Try to chop them into relatively uniform, ½-inch pieces. This is a key step for ensuring they all cook at the same rate. If some pieces are too large and others too small, you’ll end up with a mix of undercooked and overcooked veggies.
3. Season the Vegetables: Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with the olive oil. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the top. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together until every single piece of vegetable is lightly coated in oil and seasonings. This ensures that flavor is distributed evenly throughout the batch.
4. Roast to Perfection: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It is crucial not to overcrowd the pan. If the vegetables are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a soggy texture rather than the desired caramelized, browned edges. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. Bake and Toss: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-12 minute mark), remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to toss the vegetables. This helps them cook and brown evenly on all sides. The vegetables are done when they are tender-crisp and have beautiful, caramelized brown spots on the edges.
6. Cool Slightly: Once the vegetables are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This is an important step. Assembling the sliders with piping hot vegetables can make the hummus too runny and the buns soggy.
7. Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended): While the vegetables are cooling, you can prepare your slider buns. Split them in half. If you like, you can lightly toast them. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and pop them in the still-warm oven for 2-3 minutes, or toast them in a toaster oven or a dry skillet until they are lightly golden. Toasting adds a wonderful textural contrast and creates a barrier that helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.
8. Assemble the Sliders: Now for the fun part! To assemble your sliders, spread a generous layer of hummus on both the top and bottom halves of each slider bun. On the bottom bun, place a small handful of fresh arugula or spinach, if using.
9. Fill and Finish: Spoon a hearty amount of the roasted vegetable mixture onto the bottom bun, over the greens. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle a little over the top of the vegetables. Place the top bun on, press down gently, and your delicious Roasted Veggie and Hummus Slider is ready to be devoured. Repeat with the remaining buns and filling.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 180-220 kcal (This can vary based on the type of buns and hummus used).
• Fiber: Rich in dietary fiber from the variety of vegetables and hummus (made from chickpeas). Fiber is crucial for promoting good digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
• Protein: A good source of plant-based protein, primarily from the hummus. Protein is the building block for muscles, tissues, and enzymes in your body.
• Healthy Fats: Contains monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and hummus (tahini). These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Loaded with essential vitamins like Vitamin C from the bell peppers and Vitamin A, as well as minerals like iron and potassium from the collection of vegetables.
• Low in Saturated Fat: As a plant-based recipe, these sliders are naturally low in saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy choice for an appetizer or main meal.

Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes. This includes washing and chopping all the fresh vegetables and measuring out the seasonings.
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes. This is the active roasting time for the vegetables in the oven.
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes. From start to finish, you can have these delicious and healthy sliders on the table in under an hour, making them perfect for both planned parties and spontaneous weeknight dinners.

How to Serve

These Roasted Veggie and Hummus Sliders are incredibly versatile. Here are some fantastic ways to serve them:

• As a Party Appetizer:
  • Arrange the assembled sliders on a large wooden board or platter for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
  • Insert a decorative toothpick into the top of each slider to hold it together and make it easier for guests to grab.
  • Serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside other finger foods like cheese and crackers, olives, and fruit.
• As a Light Lunch or Dinner:
  • Serve two to three sliders per person as a satisfying main course.
  • Pair them with a simple side dish to round out the meal. Excellent choices include:
    • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
    • A side of sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges.
    • A refreshing quinoa or couscous salad.
    • A cup of creamy tomato soup for a classic soup-and-sandwich combo.
    • A tangy, crunchy coleslaw.
• For a Build-Your-Own Slider Bar:
  • This is a fun and interactive way to serve guests at a party or for a family dinner.
  • Set out all the components separately: a basket of toasted buns, a large bowl of the roasted vegetables, a bowl of hummus, and small bowls with various toppings.
  • Topping Ideas:
    • Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or a vegan alternative.
    • Fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce.
    • Sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole.
    • Pickled red onions for a tangy crunch.
    • A drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and sour finish.
    • Different flavored hummus options like roasted red pepper, garlic, or cilantro-jalapeño.

Additional Tips

1. Maximize Flavor with Veggie Variations: Don’t feel limited to the vegetables in the recipe. This is a great “clean out the fridge” meal. Try adding chunks of eggplant, sliced brussels sprouts, broccoli florets, or thick slices of portobello mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
2. The Golden Rule: Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is the most critical tip for achieving perfectly roasted vegetables. When vegetables are too close together on a pan, they trap steam, which prevents them from browning and caramelizing. Spread them in a single, even layer, and use two pans if you have to. The extra space is worth it for that delicious roasted flavor.
3. Make it Fully Vegan with Ease: This recipe is easily made 100% vegan. Simply ensure your slider buns are dairy-free and egg-free (many standard buns and potato rolls are, but always check the label). Omit the optional feta cheese or substitute it with a high-quality vegan feta alternative.
4. Experiment with Hummus Flavors: While classic hummus is fantastic, you can instantly change the entire vibe of the sliders by using a different flavor. Roasted red pepper hummus doubles down on the smoky-sweet flavor, while a spicy jalapeño hummus can add a kick. A lemon-dill or pesto hummus would also be delicious.
5. Always Toast Your Buns: It might seem like a small, skippable step, but toasting your slider buns makes a world of difference. It adds a delightful crunch, a warm, toasty flavor, and most importantly, it creates a barrier that prevents the creamy hummus from making the bread soggy.
6. Add a Creamy, Cheesy Element: The optional feta cheese adds a wonderful salty tang. For a creamier texture, try adding a small dollop of goat cheese to each slider. For a meltier option, place a small piece of provolone or mozzarella on top of the hot vegetables for the last minute of baking to let it melt slightly.
7. Turn Up the Heat: If you and your guests enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to add it! Toss ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes in with the vegetables before roasting. You could also mix a little sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the hummus for a creamy, spicy spread.
8. Meal Prep for a Busy Week: These sliders are fantastic for meal prepping. Roast a large batch of the vegetables and make or buy your hummus over the weekend. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready for a quick lunch or dinner, simply toast a bun, add the hummus and cold roasted vegetables (they’re delicious cold!), and you have a meal in under 5 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, which is ideal for parties. You can roast the vegetables up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare or buy the hummus as well. For the best results, assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. If you must assemble them ahead, do so no more than an hour or two before and store them in the refrigerator.

2. How do I store leftover sliders?
It’s best to store the components separately. Keep leftover roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the hummus and buns separately. If you have already assembled sliders, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge. They are best eaten within 24 hours, though the bun will be softer. You can briefly reheat them in an oven or air fryer to crisp them up.

3. Are these roasted veggie sliders healthy?
Absolutely. They are packed with a wide variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The hummus offers plant-based protein and healthy fats. By using whole wheat buns, you can further increase the fiber content. They are a well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and satisfying meal that is much healthier than many traditional slider options.

4. Can I use store-bought hummus to save time?
Of course! Using a good quality store-bought hummus is a fantastic time-saver and makes this recipe even easier for a weeknight. There are many delicious brands and flavors available, so feel free to pick your favorite. This recipe is all about making delicious food accessible and easy.

5. What are the best buns to use for sliders?
You have many great options. Soft brioche buns add a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the savory vegetables. Potato rolls are wonderfully soft and pillowy. For a healthier, heartier option, look for whole wheat slider buns. King’s Hawaiian rolls are also a popular choice for their signature sweetness. The key is to find a bun that is soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling.

6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Making this recipe gluten-free is very simple. The filling of roasted vegetables and hummus is naturally gluten-free. The only substitution you need to make is to use your favorite brand of gluten-free slider buns. Toasting them is especially recommended for GF buns, as it can greatly improve their texture.

7. My vegetables came out soggy instead of roasted. What did I do wrong?
The most common culprit for soggy vegetables is overcrowding the baking sheet. When vegetables are packed too tightly, they release moisture that gets trapped, causing them to steam instead of roast. To fix this, always spread your vegetables in a single layer with some space between them. Use two baking sheets if necessary. Another potential issue is an oven that isn’t hot enough, so ensure it’s fully preheated to 400°F (200°C).

8. Can I grill the vegetables instead of roasting them?
Yes, grilling is an excellent alternative that will add a wonderful, smoky char to the vegetables. Chop the vegetables into slightly larger pieces so they don’t fall through the grates, or use a grill basket. Toss them with oil and seasonings as directed, and grill over medium-high heat until tender and nicely charred, about 10-15 minutes. This is a perfect option for a summer barbecue.

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