Smoked Lamb Sliders with Whipped Feta

The Best Smoked Lamb Sliders Recipe

If you know me, you know there’s not much I love more than a good slider recipe. Whether it’s grilled pineapple and pepper pork tenderloin sliders, bacon cheddar sliders, or baja chicken and slaw sliders, I’m always a fan. 

However, recently, these lamb sliders have been a particular favorite in my house. Warm, juicy, and easy to make, they’re inspired by Mediterranean flavors that blow your tastebuds away with every bite. They’ve quickly become my go-to when I need a fail-proof option to satisfy hungry guests. 

Recipe Ingredients

** Full printable instructions at the recipe card at the end. 

Lamb Sliders 

• Lamb – Use ground American lamb for the base of the burger patties. 
• Eggs – These act as a binder, adding moisture and helping the meat mixture hold together. 
• Garlic – For the best flavor, use whole garlic cloves and mince them yourself. 
• Seasonings – I use a combination of salt, a Lebanese 7 spice blend, and ground pepper for a warm taste. However, if you prefer a stronger Mediterranean-inspired flavor, feel free to substitute the 7 spice blend with Shawarma seasoning. 
• Panko Breadcrumbs – These help bind the sliders. Feel free to use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if needed, but don’t omit them! 
• Lemon – I use both lemon juice and lemon zest to help tenderize the meat and add a bright, refreshing taste. 
• Butter and Oil – These add moisture to the lamb, preventing the sliders from drying out. 

For Serving

• Whipped Feta – I use a quick homemade blend combining plain, whole milk Greek yogurt, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic. 
• Buns – I use Dave’s killer bread “rocking rolls”, but any organic bread will work. In the U.S. non-organic wheat is sprayed with glyphosate as a desiccant. So, I always recommend organic bread. 
• Pickled Red Onions – I use store-bought pickled red onions to save time but feel free to substitute homemade varieties. 
• Pomegranate Molasses – This acts as a finishing sauce, bringing all the flavors together. The acid helps add a touch of brightness that balances the rich flavors and adds a delicious sweetness. 

How to Make a Flavorful Lamb Sliders Recipe

1. Mix. Combine all the slider ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Make the whipped feta. Add all the feta ingredients to a food processor, and pulse until smooth. Then, transfer to a container, and chill while you finish the sliders. 
3. Smoke. Shape the lamb mixture into equal-sized balls, and place them on a wire rack or frog mat. Smoke over indirect heat until fully cooked. 
4. Assemble the sliders. Spread a layer of the whipped feta over a bun. Then, add a lamb meatball, more feta, pickled onions, and pomegranate molasses. Top with another bun, and enjoy! 

Tips for Success

• Avoid Overmixing. I find it’s best to use my hands to mix up the slider ingredients, ensuring they’re well incorporated. Just be careful not to overmix. You don’t want the mixture to be mushy, or your sliders will turn out dry and tough. 
• Use a Meat Thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb reaches an internal temperature of 160°F when smoking. Then, pull it off the heat immediately. 
• Rest the Meat. Let your sliders rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the natural juices to redistribute, keeping the meatball patties tender and juicy. 
• Save Time. If you don’t have time to plan ahead, the lamb, the shawarma blend, Dave’s Killer rolls, and pomegranate molasses can be found at Whole Foods and via Amazon Prime delivery for those who live near Whole Foods. It’s a game-changer on busy days! 
• Switch Up the Flavor. Feel free to mix and match different seasonings and toppings to make this recipe your own. Swap the Lebanese spice blend for shawarma seasoning, use tzatziki, pesto hummus, or smoked hummus instead of whipped feta, add a sprinkle of feta cheese, etc. The options are endless! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

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