Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

A smoky, tangy, and protein-packed vegan dish featuring tender BBQ chickpeas piled onto crisp, golden toast—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

I first discovered this BBQ chickpea toast when searching for hearty vegan meals that didn't require complicated steps. It quickly became my go-to for busy weekdays when I wanted something satisfying but wholesome.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas & Sauce: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1 cup BBQ sauce (vegan, store-bought or homemade), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small red onion, finely diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp black pepper, Salt, to taste
• Toast: 4–8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread, Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting
• Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, Thinly sliced red onion, Sliced avocado, Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare Chickpeas:

If baking, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Season & Sauce:

Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.

Cook Chickpeas:

For skillet version, simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot. For baked version, spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.

Toast Bread:

Toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden.

Assemble & Garnish:

Pile BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Serve:

Serve immediately.

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This recipe is always a hit in my family—my kids love building their own toasts with their favorite toppings, and it's become a weekend tradition to enjoy BBQ chickpeas together around the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet or frying pan, Baking sheet (if baking), Toaster or grill pan, Chefs knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (in bread; use gluten-free bread if needed) and Soy (if in BBQ sauce). Always check BBQ sauce and bread labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 13 g

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Try this recipe for a flavorful, vegan meal that's easy to personalize. It's every bit as delicious as it is fast.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes, spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, stirring halfway to caramelize and deepen the flavors.

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted until golden provides a crisp base that complements the saucy chickpeas well.

→ How can I add extra heat to the chickpeas?

Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the chickpeas to introduce some spiciness.

→ Are there any suitable garnishes to enhance the flavor?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice add freshness and balance the smoky richness.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, cooked chickpeas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated before serving on toast.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Using gluten-free bread options makes this dish safe for gluten-free eating while keeping the flavors intact.