Easy Slider Garlic Herb Veggie Smash

Name: Easy Slider Garlic Herb Veggie Smash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked and mashed potatoes; 1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped; 1 cup cooked carrots, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slider buns

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Meals Favorites

I absolutely love whipping up these Easy Slider Garlic Herb Veggie Smashes! They're not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner or quick lunch. With a delightful blend of herbs and crunchy veggies, every bite bursts with flavor. Plus, they can be served as sliders, allowing for a fun and interactive dining experience. Join me as we explore this tasty creation that’s sure to impress both friends and family alike!

Created by

Chloe Baker

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:49:35.414Z

When I first experimented with the Easy Slider Garlic Herb Veggie Smash, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors melded together. I initially used leftover vegetables from the fridge, which turned out to be a fantastic way to minimize waste and create something delicious at the same time. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to not over-mash the veggies; you want a bit of chunkiness to maintain that satisfying bite.

What made this recipe a game changer for me is the herb combination. The fresh garlic and parsley not only provide an aromatic base but also elevate the garden-fresh notes of the vegetables. To make the sliders extra special, I recommend toasting the buns lightly and adding a slice of your favorite cheese just before serving, allowing it to melt beautifully over the warm veggie smash.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with vibrant veggie flavors and aromatic herbs
Versatile dish perfect as sliders or a hearty topping
Quick and easy, ideal for busy weeknights

Creating Flavorful Patties

The key to the deliciousness of these veggie smash patties lies in the balance of flavors. Mashed potatoes lend creaminess and act as a binder, while cooked broccoli and carrots add a vibrant taste and texture. Be sure to chop the veggies finely so they integrate well into the mixture, promoting even cooking and creating a cohesive patty. You want to achieve a mixture that holds together well; if it feels too loose, a small handful of breadcrumbs can help bind the ingredients without overwhelming the flavor.

When mixing the ingredients, don't skip the step of thoroughly combining the garlic and herbs. Fresh parsley is a fantastic choice for its bright and herbaceous flair, and I recommend pressing the garlic until it's minced to release its essential oils. To enhance the flavor profile, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle kick. This will elevate your patties even further, bringing complexity to each bite.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Sliders

Getting the right heat level is crucial when cooking your veggie smash patties. I recommend preheating your nonstick skillet over medium heat, which allows for an even cook and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior. If you notice that the patties are browning too quickly, don't hesitate to lower the heat slightly to give the insides time to warm and meld beautifully. Aim for a cooking time of 4-5 minutes per side, checking for a firm but tender texture before flipping them over.

For those looking to achieve a crispy exterior, consider adding a small amount of oil to the skillet before cooking each batch. This not only helps prevent sticking but also promotes browning. If you find that some patties are falling apart during cooking, a minor adjustment to the mixture, like adding a bit more mashed potato or some flour, can help improve their structure. Remember, the goal is for them to hold together and provide a pleasing crunch.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These veggie smash sliders are incredibly versatile! While I love them simply topped with a slice of cheese or a dollop of your favorite sauce, feel free to get creative. You can add pickles, fresh lettuce, or tomato slices for extra texture and flavor. For an added gourmet touch, try avocado slices or a creamy garlic aioli. Pairing these sliders with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad makes for a well-rounded meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.

If you're looking to prep in advance, these patties freeze exceptionally well. After cooking, allow them to cool fully, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper separating layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This not only makes for quick lunches or dinners but also allows the flavors to deepen as they sit, making them even more delightful.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Veggie Smash Ingredients

1 cup cooked and mashed potatoes
1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped
1 cup cooked carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slider buns

These ingredients will combine beautifully for a delicious veggie smash!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Easy Slider Garlic Herb Veggie Smash:

Prepare the Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped broccoli, chopped carrots, and minced garlic. Mix well until evenly combined.

Season the Mixture

Add the olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Form the Patties

Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties suitable for sliders, about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Cook the Smash

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.

Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns and lightly toast them in the same skillet. Place a veggie smash patty on each bun and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your delightful veggie sliders with a side of dipping sauce if desired!

Pro Tips

For an even more flavorful veggie smash, try adding a sprinkle of grated cheese into the mixture before cooking or top your sliders with avocado slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to customize this recipe further, there are various substitutions for the veggies in the smash. For instance, you can replace broccoli with spinach or kale; just ensure to sauté these greens lightly beforehand to reduce moisture content. Similarly, if carrots aren't available, zucchini or bell peppers can be used instead. Just remember to chop these alternatives finely to avoid excess water, which can make the patties too loose.

For those with dietary restrictions, creating a vegan version is straightforward. Swap the mashed potatoes with a plant-based alternative, like mashed sweet potatoes, and skip the cheese when assembling your sliders. You can also incorporate nutritional yeast into the veggie mix for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These changes still maintain the integrity of the sliders while accommodating dietary needs.

Make-Ahead Tips

Making these veggie smash patties ahead of time can be a real time-saver. You can prepare the veggie mix a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered. This not only allows the flavors to meld but also saves you precious time on a busy weeknight. Just remember to mix in the salt and pepper just before cooking to keep the mixture fresh.

Another option is to shape the patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a few hours or up to a day before cooking. Just ensure they are well-protected with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to avoid drying out. This preparation method makes it easy to have a delicious homemade meal ready to go in minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your patties are falling apart during cooking, chances are the mixture is too wet. You can fix this by adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or additional mashed potatoes to help bind them together effectively. Mixing thoroughly ensures even distribution, which is key to maintaining their shape during cooking.

If you find that the insides are not heating through or the exterior is cooking too quickly, it may help to lower your cooking temperature. Cooking over medium heat gives the insides a chance to warm up while preventing the outside from burning. A cover on your skillet for part of the cooking time can also help retain heat, promoting even cooking throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or bell peppers.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave.

→ Can I freeze the veggie smash patties?

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties. Just make sure to place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

→ What sauces pair well with these sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with garlic aioli, tahini sauce, or classic ketchup and mustard.