Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

This dish combines tender chickpeas cooked in smoky BBQ spices with crisp toast for a wholesome, protein-rich meal. The chickpeas are simmered with garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin before being generously piled atop toasted whole grain or sourdough bread. Optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced red onion, avocado, and lime wedges add brightness and texture. Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and suits vegan diets.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:53:00 GMT
Golden BBQ chickpeas on toast, with smoky aroma, plated and ready for a delicious vegan lunch. Save
Golden BBQ chickpeas on toast, with smoky aroma, plated and ready for a delicious vegan lunch. | epicurestates.com

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.

The first time I made BBQ chickpeas on toast, I was surprised by how satisfying and flavorful it turned out. It's now my favorite easy weeknight meal when I want something comforting without much fuss.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans, drained and rinsed
  • BBQ sauce: 1 cup, vegan (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Salt: To taste
  • Bread: 4 to 8 slices whole grain or sourdough
  • Vegan butter or olive oil: For toasting
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, sliced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

Prep Oven (if baking):
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Season Chickpeas:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Cook Chickpeas (Choose Method):
For skillet version, simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the 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:
Meanwhile, toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with a little vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
Assemble Toast:
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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My family loves customizing their slices with lots of avocado and extra lime juice. It always becomes a fun, interactive dinner at our 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), possible soy in BBQ sauce. Always check sauce labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Toasted whole-grain bread topped with vibrant BBQ chickpeas, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to eat. Save
Toasted whole-grain bread topped with vibrant BBQ chickpeas, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to eat. | epicurestates.com

This BBQ chickpeas on toast recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy a fast, filling meal any day of the week!

Recipe FAQs

How can I add extra heat to the dish?

Incorporate chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the chickpeas to give the dish a spicy kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the BBQ chickpeas can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to three days before assembling on toast.

What bread types work best for this dish?

Whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread varieties toasted until golden provide a sturdy base and complement the smoky flavors.

Are there alternative cooking methods for the chickpeas?

You can either simmer the chickpeas in a skillet or bake them on a sheet until caramelized for different textures and flavors.

What garnishes enhance the flavor?

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

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ-spiced chickpeas piled on crisp, golden toast with fresh herbs and avocado.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

Chickpeas & Sauce

01 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper
09 Salt, to taste

Toast

01 4 to 8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
02 Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
02 Thinly sliced red onion
03 Sliced avocado
04 Lime wedges

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F if choosing to bake the chickpeas.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Combine Chickpeas and Spices: Add drained chickpeas along with smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly, then pour in vegan BBQ sauce and stir to combine.

Phase 04

Cook Chickpeas - Skillet Method: Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through.

Phase 05

Cook Chickpeas - Oven Method: Spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F, stirring halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Phase 06

Toast Bread: Meanwhile, toast the bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Phase 07

Assemble: Pile the prepared BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toasted slice. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

Phase 08

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Baking sheet (for oven method)
  • Toaster or grill pan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat if regular bread is used; substitute gluten-free bread when necessary.
  • Potential soy content in BBQ sauce; verify product labels.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Protein: 13 g