Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This flavorful dish features tender chickpeas cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce, served atop golden toasted bread. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin adds depth to the sauce, while optional garnishes like fresh herbs, avocado, or lime wedges enhance taste and texture. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, with easy stovetop or oven methods to prepare the chickpeas. Perfect for those seeking a satisfying plant-protein meal packed with vibrant flavors.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:38:00 GMT
Golden slices of toast topped with flavorful, saucy BBQ Chickpeas, a vegan delight. Save to Pinterest
Golden slices of toast topped with flavorful, saucy BBQ Chickpeas, a vegan delight. | velvetthyme.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, it quickly became a household favorite. The bold flavors and minimal prep make it my go-to when I need a satisfying vegan lunch that everyone enjoys.

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 to 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

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.
Chickpeas and Seasoning:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Skillet Method:
Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
Baked Method:
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:
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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| velvetthyme.com

This recipe is a staple in our family, especially on busy weeknights when everyone wants something tasty yet simple. Watching kids add their own favorite toppings makes it more fun and interactive at the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet or frying pan (or baking sheet for baked method), toaster or grill pan, chef's knife, cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat in bread (use gluten-free bread if needed), soy if included in BBQ sauce. Always check BBQ sauce and bread labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Warm, hearty BBQ Chickpeas on Toast featuring a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Warm, hearty BBQ Chickpeas on Toast featuring a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, ready to eat. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy BBQ chickpeas on toast straight from the pan for the best texture. This wholesome dish is as delicious as it is nourishing.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make the chickpeas extra smoky?

Incorporate more smoked paprika or add a small amount of liquid smoke to deepen the smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.

What type of bread works best for toasting?

Whole grain or sourdough bread provides a sturdy base with a pleasant texture that crisps nicely when toasted.

Can I prepare the chickpeas ahead of time?

Yes, the cooked BBQ chickpeas can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated prior to serving.

What garnishes complement this dish well?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime add freshness and contrast.

How can I add some heat to the dish?

Adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chickpeas provides a spicy kick tailored to your preference.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, using gluten-free bread ensures the dish is gluten-free while maintaining its delicious taste.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Tender BBQ chickpeas piled on crisp golden bread with smoky, tangy flavors for a protein-rich vegan meal.

Prep time
10 min
Time for cooking
15 min
Total process time
25 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, No dairy

List of ingredients

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

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 02

Add Spices and Sauce: Stir in chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly, then mix in the vegan BBQ sauce.

Step 03

Cook Chickpeas: Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through. Alternatively, spread the chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to caramelize.

Step 04

Toast Bread: While the chickpeas are cooking, toast bread slices in a toaster or skillet with vegan butter or olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 05

Assemble and Serve: Pile the BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast slice. Garnish with optional fresh herbs, sliced red onion, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Essential tools

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Baking sheet
  • Toaster or grill pan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and possibly soy (BBQ sauce); verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 340
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein amount: 13 g