Sweet Potato and Black Bean Sliders

Name: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 sliders
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking; Mini slider buns; Sliced avocado; Salsa; Fresh cilantro

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

I love creating delicious and healthy meals, and these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Sliders are a fantastic way to showcase vibrant flavors and plant-based ingredients. They are incredibly easy to prepare and loaded with nutrients, making them a perfect choice for dinner parties or those casual weeknight meals. The blend of sweet potatoes and black beans creates a satisfying texture, while spices add a delightful kick. I enjoy serving these sliders with avocado and a zesty sauce for a beautiful and tasty touch.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-06T19:57:28.848Z

Creating these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Sliders has truly become part of my weekly meal prep routine. I love how the sweetness of the potatoes balances beautifully with the earthiness of the beans, creating a harmonious and flavorful bite. The best part is that they hold their shape well when cooked, so they are perfect for grilling season!

I’ve experimented with various spices, but I've found that cumin and smoked paprika elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish. A tip I highly recommend is to let the mixture rest for a few minutes before forming the patties; this helps them bind together better during cooking.

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Rich sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes melds perfectly with the hearty black beans.
Versatile sliders that can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer.
Completely plant-based and packed with nutrients.

      

Understanding the Flavor Profile

The unique combination of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans in these sliders creates a wonderful balance of flavors. Sweet potatoes bring a rich, earthy sweetness, while black beans offer a hearty, protein-packed contrast. When cooked, the sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness. The spices, particularly cumin and smoked paprika, add depth, providing a warm and smoky finish that elevates these sliders beyond standard bean patties.

For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture. This subtle kick can nicely complement the sweetness of the potatoes. Additionally, experimenting with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, can introduce an aromatic freshness, making each bite exciting and flavorful.

Cooking Techniques for Perfection

When cooking the sliders, it’s crucial to maintain a medium heat to ensure that the patties cook evenly without burning. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice for achieving a good sear and golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on the edges of the patties; they should be golden and crispy when flipping them over. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; if necessary, cook in batches to allow for proper browning, which also enhances texture.

Refrigerating the formed patties for 10 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape, which is particularly important since these sliders are made from softer ingredients. If you find the mixture too wet, adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help bind it together, ensuring they don’t fall apart during cooking.

Serving and Variations

These sliders are incredibly versatile! While they can be served on mini buns topped with avocado and salsa for a classic approach, consider adding pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick or a dollop of tahini for a creamy touch. For a Mediterranean twist, you might swap out traditional salsa for tzatziki or a spicy harissa sauce, elevating the flavor profile further.

If you’re preparing these sliders for meal prep, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They also freeze well—layer the uncooked patties between parchment paper and keep them frozen for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a quick, nutritious meal anytime!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for perfect sliders:

For the Sliders

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

For Serving (Optional)

Mini slider buns
Sliced avocado
Salsa
Fresh cilantro

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble the sliders:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes, then add black beans, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.

Form Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form patties. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.

Cook the Sliders

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Assemble the sliders on buns, adding avocado, salsa, and cilantro as desired.

Enjoy your sliders with a side of fresh veggies!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize these sliders by adding your favorite spices or toppings to enhance the flavor.

Ingredient Benefits

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, which bolster overall health and immunity. Their natural sweetness can satisfy cravings for sugary foods, making them a great base for healthy meals. Black beans add a considerable amount of fiber and protein, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and making these sliders a perfect option for vegetarian or health-conscious eaters.

When it comes to breadcrumbs, opting for whole-grain varieties will increase the fiber content. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, which can provide a similar texture without compromising flavor.

Tips for Customization

Feeling creative? Experiment with different beans like chickpeas or lentils instead of black beans. Each type of bean brings its own unique texture and flavor to the sliders. Furthermore, you can mix in cooked quinoa or corn for added crunch and nutrition. For a more savory option, adding crumbled feta cheese into the mixture can enhance the flavor diversity.

Don’t forget about the toppings! Besides classic avocado and salsa, consider adding a spicy aioli or a homemade guacamole for a fresh twist. Each topping can significantly change the flavor profile, so feel free to mix and match based on personal preferences.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the cooked sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or microwave them for a softer option. Just be mindful not to overheat, as this can dry them out.

For the best results when reheating from frozen, thaw sliders in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in a skillet or oven. This method helps retain their original texture and flavor, ensuring your meal tastes freshly made.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a binder.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

Absolutely! Freeze uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair well with salads, sweet potato fries, or even a fresh salsa.