Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Featured in: Seasonal Family Dinners

This dish features tender chickpeas simmered in a smoky BBQ sauce, piled high on golden, toasted whole grain or sourdough bread. The chickpeas are seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of black pepper to enhance their flavor. Optional fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges brightens each bite, making it a quick, satisfying, and protein-packed option for lunch or a light dinner. Cooking can be done on the stove or baked for a caramelized finish.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:28:00 GMT
BBQ chickpeas on toast, with a vibrant red hue atop crisp, golden toasted bread, perfect for a vegan meal. Save
BBQ chickpeas on toast, with a vibrant red hue atop crisp, golden toasted bread, perfect for a vegan meal. | pumpkinvale.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 for friends, everyone was surprised by how satisfying and flavorful it was. It has become my go-to recipe for a tasty meal with just a few simple ingredients.

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

Prep Chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas. 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 & Cook:
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
Skillet Version:
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
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 & Serve:
Pile BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Golden-brown whole grain toast piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, garnished fresh cilantro and ready to eat. Save
Golden-brown whole grain toast piled high with smoky BBQ chickpeas, garnished fresh cilantro and ready to eat. | pumpkinvale.com

I love making this for Sunday lunch with my family. Everyone enjoys piling their own toast with their favorite toppings, making it a fun and customizable meal.

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 may contain soy (if in BBQ sauce). Always check labels to avoid hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Close-up of hearty BBQ chickpeas on toast, a satisfying vegan lunch with visible texture and fresh toppings. Save
Close-up of hearty BBQ chickpeas on toast, a satisfying vegan lunch with visible texture and fresh toppings. | pumpkinvale.com

Try these BBQ chickpeas on your favorite bread for a quick lunch or dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite with choice garnishes for extra freshness.

Recipe FAQs

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

Yes, chickpeas coated in BBQ sauce can be spread on a baking sheet and baked at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and adds depth in flavor.

What types of bread work best for this dish?

Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted with vegan butter or olive oil works best for a crispy base that holds the chickpeas nicely.

How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?

Adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the chickpeas while cooking will introduce a pleasant heat without overpowering the smoky flavors.

Is it possible to prepare the chickpeas ahead of time?

Yes, BBQ chickpeas can be cooked in advance and stored refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

What garnishes complement the chickpeas on toast?

Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice add brightness and texture to the dish.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Using gluten-free bread varieties ensures this dish suits gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.

Smoky BBQ Chickpeas Toast

Smoky BBQ chickpeas piled on crisp toasted bread with fresh garnishes for a vibrant, protein-rich dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Time Needed
25 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Information Plant-Based, No Dairy

Ingredient List

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 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1/2 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

Step 01

Prepare chickpeas and sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 02

Combine chickpeas with spices and sauce: Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly, then stir in the BBQ sauce.

Step 03

Cook chickpeas in skillet: Simmer the chickpea mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are heated through.

Step 04

Bake chickpeas (optional): Alternatively, spread the BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly caramelized.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (in bread; substitute gluten-free bread as needed) and possibly soy (check BBQ sauce labels).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 340
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 13 g