Easy Slider BBQ Mushroom Smash

Name: Easy Slider BBQ Mushroom Smash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Slider buns; Sliced avocado; Coleslaw; Additional BBQ sauce

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love whipping up these Easy Slider BBQ Mushroom Smashes for a quick and satisfying meal. They're perfect for busy weekdays when I want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich umami of the mushrooms combined with a smoky BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering treat that's hard to resist. Plus, they're extremely versatile – you can easily switch up the toppings to suit my family's tastes. I've even made them as appetizers for gatherings with rave reviews!

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:28:07.871Z

When I first tried making mushroom sliders, I was surprised by how incredibly flavorful they were. The key is to finely chop the mushrooms and sauté them until they're nice and brown, enhancing their natural taste. I also add a dash of BBQ sauce during cooking to infuse the mushrooms with a smoky flavor that's simply irresistible.

I discovered that the toppings can really make or break the sliders. Fresh avocado, crunchy slaw, or even a slice of pepper jack cheese elevate this dish even further. So don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory mushrooms coated in smoky BBQ sauce
Quick and easy to prepare for any meal
Perfectly satisfying flavor that meat-eaters will enjoy too

      

Understanding the Mushroom Base

The choice of mushrooms significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your Mushroom Smash. I recommend using a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, as they offer a rich umami depth. When finely chopped, they provide a great base for the sliders without being too chunky. Cooking them in oil with garlic until they are browned - around 5 minutes - enhances their natural sweetness and adds a savory note that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.

Don't rush the browning process; it adds essential flavor. If your mushroom mixture releases a lot of moisture, cook it a bit longer. This step ensures that your slider patties will hold together when assembled and are not too wet. If you find yourself short on mushrooms, you can blend half with cooked lentils or beans for added fiber and protein without compromising on taste.

Slider Construction Tips

When forming your patties, the mixture should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it's too crumbly, you can add a splash more BBQ sauce or a bit of water to help it hold together. This ensures that each slider has a well-rounded flavor and won't fall apart during cooking or when you're enjoying your meal.

As you cook the patties, keep an eye on them to achieve that golden-brown crust. Flip them only once or twice to allow a good sear to form; this will provide both texture and flavor. You can also cook these on a grill for an added smoky flavor; just make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning them before they're heated through.

Assembling and Serving Suggestions

The toppings you choose can elevate these sliders even further. While I love sliced avocado for its creamy texture, you could also opt for tomato slices, pickled jalapeños, or even a tangy dill pickle for added crunch. Adding coleslaw not only adds flavor but also introduces a refreshing crunch that balances the savory mushroom mix.

These sliders are incredibly versatile for serving occasions. They can be plated as appetizers for gatherings or served as a main dish with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp salad. For meal prep, consider doubling the batch and freezing uncooked patties; they reheat beautifully in the skillet or oven, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying slider experience!

For the Mushroom Smash

2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling

Slider buns
Sliced avocado
Coleslaw
Additional BBQ sauce

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready for easy assembly!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Slider BBQ Mushroom Smash.

Prepare the Mushroom Mixture

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned. Stir in the breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and combine well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Form the Sliders

Once the mushroom mixture has cooled slightly, form small patties about the size of your slider buns. You should be able to make about 8 sliders.

Cook the Sliders

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and cook the patties on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.

Assemble the Sliders

On each slider bun, add a mushroom patty, top it with sliced avocado and coleslaw. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

These sliders are best served warm and can be paired with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite toppings or experiment with different types of cheese for an extra twist!

Variations and Dietary Swaps

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit a vegan diet by replacing the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or omitting it altogether. Nutritional yeast can be an excellent substitute, as it adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you're gluten-free, simply swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats.

For a different flavor profile, consider adding spices to the mushroom mixture. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can introduce a delightful heat, while fresh herbs like thyme or parsley bring brightness. Experimenting with spices will help customize the sliders to your preference, which is especially handy when cooking for diverse palates.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through – this helps maintain their texture. If you’re short on time, microwaving is quick but may lead to a softer slider.

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily pop them out for an effortless meal. They can go directly from the freezer to the skillet; just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes per side to ensure they're cooked through.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

A common issue when making these sliders is the mixture being too wet. If this happens, add more breadcrumbs gradually until you achieve a consistency that holds together. If using excessively watery mushrooms, ensure to cook them longer to evaporate excess moisture. Alternatively, you can mix in a bit of ground oats for additional binding without changing the flavor.

Another tip is to monitor the heat while cooking. If the patties are browning too quickly on the outside but remain cold inside, lower the heat and give them more time. You want to achieve a perfect golden exterior while ensuring they’re heated through completely. Patience is key for great texture and flavor!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative.

→ What kind of mushrooms work best?

I recommend using cremini or button mushrooms, but you can also mix in shiitake for a deeper flavor.

→ Can I grill these patties?

Yes, they can be grilled as well! Just ensure they're sufficiently firm by chilling them for a bit before grilling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them as needed.