Looking for a fun and healthy twist on traditional sliders? These Mini Zucchini Burgers are a delicious and nutritious option that will satisfy your burger cravings while adding a fresh twist. Juicy beef patties seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika are sandwiched between perfectly grilled zucchini slices and topped with melted cheddar cheese. These bite-sized delights are perfect for a low-carb meal, a fun appetizer, or a creative party snack. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these zucchini burgers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 extra-large zucchini or 2 medium/large zucchinis, cut into 16 ½-inch slices
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese, cut into quarters to get 16 small squares
- Avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini Slices:
- Cut the zucchini into 16 ½-inch thick slices. Sprinkle both sides of the zucchini slices with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture while you prepare the beef patties.
- Season the Ground Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Form the Mini Patties:
- Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 16 small portions. Shape each portion into a mini patty, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Press the patties down gently to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the Zucchini Slices:
- Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with avocado oil cooking spray. Add the zucchini slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the slices are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Mini Patties:
- In the same pan, add more avocado oil spray if needed, and cook the mini beef patties for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and browned on both sides. During the last minute of cooking, place a small square of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the Mini Zucchini Burgers:
- To assemble, place one cooked zucchini slice on a serving plate. Top with a mini beef patty and then place another zucchini slice on top to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create a total of 16 mini burgers.
- Serve:
- Serve the mini zucchini burgers warm as a fun and healthy appetizer, snack, or a low-carb meal. They can be enjoyed as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or a creamy avocado dip.
Conclusion:
These Mini Zucchini Burgers are a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional sliders. The combination of seasoned beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, and tender zucchini slices offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer at a gathering or enjoying them as a light, low-carb meal, these mini burgers are sure to impress. With their easy preparation and flavorful taste, they’re a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a creative twist on classic burgers!
Mini Zucchini Burgers: A Healthy and Flavorful Bite-Sized Treat
Bite-sized beef patties sandwiched betweengrilled zucchini slices and topped with melted cheddar cheese, perfect for ahealthy and flavorful snack or appetizer.
- 1 extra-large zucchini or 2 medium/large zucchinis (cut into 16 ½-inch slices)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (cut into quarters to get 16 small squares)
- Avocado oil cooking spray
- Prepare the Zucchini Slices:
- o Cut the zucchini into 16 ½-inch thick slices. Sprinkle both sides of the zucchini slices with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture while you prepare the beef patties.
- Season the Ground Beef:
- o In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Form the Mini Patties:
- o Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 16 small portions. Shape each portion into a mini patty, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Press the patties down gently to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the Zucchini Slices:
- o Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with avocado oil cooking spray. Add the zucchini slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the slices are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Mini Patties:
- o In the same pan, add more avocado oil spray if needed, and cook the mini beef patties for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and browned on both sides. During the last minute of cooking, place a small square of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the Mini Zucchini Burgers:
- o To assemble, place one cooked zucchini slice on a serving plate. Top with a mini beef patty and then place another zucchini slice on top to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create a total of 16 mini burgers.
- Serve:
- o Serve the mini zucchini burgers warm as a fun and healthy appetizer, snack, or a low-carb meal. They can be enjoyed as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or a creamy avocado dip.