I’ve made my fair share of sliders, but this Lamb Sliders with Dill Greek Yogurt Recipe truly stole the show for me. The moment I took the first bite, I was reminded of classic Greek gyros, only in a perfectly bite-sized form. Crispy lamb patties nestled in soft mini pitas, topped with tangy yogurt and fresh cucumbers—it’s an explosion of flavors I couldn’t resist.
I love how simple ingredients come together to create something so elegant and satisfying. If you enjoy sweet treats after your meal, you might also enjoy the Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe for a delightful finish. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible sliders:
- 1 lb ground lamb – fresh lamb works best for flavor and texture.
- 2 ½ tsp dried rosemary – crush it slightly to release the aroma.
- 2 tsp dried oregano – adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 large garlic cloves, grated – fresh garlic makes a huge difference.
- ¼ small onion, grated – finely minced for smooth texture.
- 1 tsp kosher salt – balances the richness of the lamb.
- 1 large egg yolk – helps bind the patties.
- 3 tbsp plain breadcrumbs – panko works great for extra crispiness.
- 2 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil – for searing the patties and enhancing flavor.
- 1 tsp dried dill – pairs perfectly with the yogurt.
- 2 tsp lemon juice – adds a bright, tangy note.
- Mini pita pockets – look for soft, fresh pitas or cut larger ones into smaller pieces.
- Thinly sliced cucumbers – for crunch and freshness.
Note: Several servings
Variations
You can tweak this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs:
- Use ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of lamb.
- Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan-friendly.
- Add chopped tomatoes, romaine, or even French fries for extra layers of flavor.
- Sprinkle a little raw garlic into the yogurt sauce for a sharper taste. You can also enjoy a warming soup like Moroccan Chickpea Soup Recipe as a side for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large mixing bowl – to combine all patty ingredients.
- Grater – for garlic and onion.
- Non-stick griddle or cast-iron skillet – to get a crispy sear on the patties.
- Small bowl – to prepare the yogurt sauce.
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop – for shaping uniform patties.
How to Make Lamb Sliders with Dill Greek Yogurt Recipe?
Prepare the Lamb Patties
Start by combining ground lamb, garlic, onion, rosemary, oregano, salt, egg yolk, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands or a fork, being careful not to overwork the meat. Over-mixing can make the patties tough instead of tender.
Shape the Patties
Use a small scoop or your hands to form the mixture into small, 1/4-inch thick patties. Flatten them slightly to ensure even cooking. Uniform patties help them fit perfectly into the mini pita pockets and cook consistently.
Cook the Patties
Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This ensures they’re juicy inside but perfectly browned outside.
Make the Dill Yogurt Sauce
While the patties cook, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dried dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. The tangy sauce balances the richness of the lamb beautifully and adds a refreshing flavor.
Assemble the Sliders
Cut a slit in each mini pita and place a lamb patty inside. Top with thinly sliced cucumbers and dollops of the dill yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra dill if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience making these sliders:
- I always toast the mini pitas lightly to add a subtle crunch.
- Using fresh herbs rather than dried enhances the flavor dramatically.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the yogurt sauce beautifully.
- I sometimes chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
How to Serve Lamb Sliders with Dill Greek Yogurt Recipe?
These sliders shine when served as a party appetizer or casual meal. Arrange them on a platter with extra cucumber slices and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh dill or sprinkle paprika for a pop of color. Pair with a light salad or Mediterranean sides like roasted veggies for a full spread.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per slider:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 10g
These sliders provide a balanced bite of protein and healthy fats, with just enough carbs from the pita.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing: Keep cooked lamb patties and yogurt sauce separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why I can’t get enough of these sliders:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or parties.
- Versatile: lamb, beef, turkey, or chicken can all work.
- Flavor-packed: the combination of herbs, garlic, and tangy yogurt is irresistible.
- Customizable toppings let you get creative with what you have on hand.
- Bite-sized, fun, and visually appealing for any gathering.
These Lamb Sliders with Dill Greek Yogurt are my go-to recipe when I want something fast, flavorful, and impressive. The balance of juicy lamb, crispy pita, fresh cucumbers, and creamy yogurt makes every bite a little Mediterranean getaway.