Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in smoky BBQ sauce, seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, then piled high on crisp whole grain or sourdough toast. Cooked quickly on the stovetop or baked, it offers a tangy, protein-packed option perfect for any light meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced avocado, or red onion for added texture and brightness. Simple, flavorful, and versatile, it suits vegan and gluten-free preferences when using appropriate bread.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:08:00 GMT
Golden-brown toast holds a generous portion of smoky BBQ chickpeas, a flavorful vegan lunch. Pin
Golden-brown toast holds a generous portion of smoky BBQ chickpeas, a flavorful vegan lunch. | forkandbloom.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.

I first tried BBQ chickpeas on toast when searching for a fast, filling vegan meal after a busy day the combination of smoky sauce with crunchy bread instantly became a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, 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: 4–8 slices whole grain or sourdough
  • Vegan butter or olive oil: for toasting
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped; thinly sliced red onion; sliced avocado; lime wedges

Instructions

Prep the Chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
Cook Onions & Garlic:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Combine Chickpeas & Spices:
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.
Optional Baked Chickpeas:
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:
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 has become a weekend staple for our family everyone can customize their toast with favorite toppings, making it a meal everyone enjoys together.

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 labels carefully.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 340 calories, 7 g fat, 55 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein

Close-up of BBQ Chickpeas on Toast: tender chickpeas simmered in sauce atop toasted bread, garnished with fresh herbs. Pin
Close-up of BBQ Chickpeas on Toast: tender chickpeas simmered in sauce atop toasted bread, garnished with fresh herbs. | forkandbloom.com

Lift your next lunch with this vibrant vegan twist each bite brings bold flavor, comfort, and a satisfying crunch.

Recipe Q&A

Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking on the stove?

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

What type of bread works best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted with vegan butter or olive oil provides a sturdy, flavorful base that complements the smoky chickpeas.

How can I add extra heat to the dish?

Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the chickpeas while cooking for a spicier bite.

Are there gluten-free options available?

Yes, substitute the bread with gluten-free varieties to keep the dish gluten-free without losing texture.

What garnishes enhance the flavor?

Fresh cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and balance to the smoky, rich chickpeas.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Store cooked chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toast bread fresh when serving.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky BBQ chickpeas piled on crisp toast for a protein-rich, flavorful vegan lunch or dinner.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegan, Dairy-free

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

Step 01

Preheat Oven (optional): Preheat the oven to 400°F if opting to bake the chickpeas.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 03

Combine Chickpeas and Spices: Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Toss to evenly coat the chickpeas with the spices.

Step 04

Incorporate BBQ Sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 05

Cook Chickpeas: For stove-top preparation, simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through. Alternatively, spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly caramelized.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Assemble and Garnish: Generously pile the BBQ chickpeas onto each slice of toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Baking sheet (if baking chickpeas)
  • Toaster or grill pan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains wheat in bread; substitute gluten-free bread if necessary. BBQ sauce may contain soy; verify label for allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 55 g
  • Protein: 13 g