Name: Baked Falafel Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed; ¼ cup chopped onion; ½ cup parsley, lightly packed; ½ cup cilantro, lightly packed; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; Pinch of cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon flaxseed; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons flour

Our baked falafel sandwich recipe was inspired by a memorable lunch at Barker Tea House in Cardiff, Wales. We enjoyed a delicious falafel sandwich served on bloomer bread, and it was one of those travel meals we wanted to recreate when we returned home.

This homemade version combines chickpeas, fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and warm spices to create flavorful falafel patties. Instead of deep-frying them, we bake them in the oven and serve them with a simple lemon-tahini dressing.

Made with canned chickpeas, this approachable vegetarian, vegan-friendly recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Serve the falafel on warm pita bread, or try making our homemade bloomer bread for a sandwich inspired by our travels in Wales.

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Introduction: Our Cardiff inspiration

Our visit to the Barkers Tea House in Cardiff, Wales, (unfortunately now closed), inspired this recipe. One of our lunch items during our visit was a Bloomer with Falafel.

We’ve already recreated and shared our Bloomer Bread recipe in another article. This falafel is a tasty, healthier take on your usual falafel that goes great on bloomer bread or bread of your choice.

Our Cardiff adventures went well beyond discovering delicious food! During our visit, we also explored the fascinating history and architecture of Cardiff Castle, one of the city’s most memorable attractions. If this little taste of Wales inspires you to explore the destination yourself, check out our 4-day Cardiff itinerary for ideas on planning your own visit.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Falafel Recipe

Inspired by a memorable lunch during our travels in Cardiff, Wales, this homemade baked falafel recipe brings delicious Middle Eastern-inspired flavors to your kitchen without deep-frying.

Here’s why we think you’ll love it:

Baked, not fried: Enjoy flavorful falafel patties baked in the oven instead of deep-fried.
Easy-to-find ingredients: Canned chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and pantry spices make this recipe approachable for home cooks.
A delicious homemade dressing: Our creamy lemon-tahini sauce adds a bright, nutty flavor that complements the seasoned falafel.
Versatile serving options: Tuck your falafel into warm pita bread, serve it on a bed of greens, or recreate our Cardiff-inspired sandwich using homemade bloomer bread.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: A satisfying plant-based meal that works beautifully for lunch or a casual dinner when paired with suitable bread and toppings.

Best of all, you can enjoy a little taste of our travels without leaving home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Our baked falafel sandwich uses simple, readily available ingredients, with fresh herbs and warm spices bringing plenty of flavor to every bite. You may already have many of these ingredients in your pantry!

For the Baked Falafel

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): We use canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, to make preparation quick and convenient.
Fresh parsley and cilantro: These herbs give the falafel its distinctive fresh flavor and flecks of green throughout.
Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth and savory flavor.
Cumin and coriander: These warm, earthy spices provide the characteristic seasoning associated with falafel.
Lemon juice and olive oil: Add brightness and moisture to the mixture.
Salt, black pepper, and cayenne: Round out the flavors, with just a pinch of cayenne for a little warmth.
Flaxseed, flour, and baking soda: Help bring the mixture together and provide structure as the patties bake.

For the Homemade Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Our simple tahini dressing is a wonderful complement to the seasoned falafel. You’ll need:

Tahini: A creamy paste made from sesame seeds that forms the base of the dressing.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the nutty tahini.
Garlic: Provides a little extra savory flavor.
Fresh herbs: Choose dill, cilantro, or parsley, depending on your preference.
Cayenne pepper and salt: A little seasoning brings everything together.
Water: Used to thin the dressing until it reaches your preferred consistency.

For Assembling Your Falafel Sandwich

Inspired by the sandwich we enjoyed in Cardiff, we love serving our baked falafel on fresh bloomer bread. You can also use warm pita bread or your favorite sandwich bread.

Add sliced tomatoes, your freshly baked falafel patties, and a generous drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.

For a more traditional British-style sandwich experience, try pairing this recipe with our homemade bloomer bread recipe.

You’ll find the complete ingredient measurements and step-by-step preparation instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Baked Falafel Sandwich Recipe

Yield: 2 sandwiches

Baked Falafel Sandwich Recipe

No Ratings

In this version of our Baked Falafel Sandwich Recipe, we bake the falafels to make a healthier option without compromising on taste.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup chopped onion
½ cup parsley, lightly packed
½ cup cilantro, lightly packed
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon flaxseed
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add the garbanzo beans, onions, parsley and cilantro to a food processor. Also add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, flaxseed and spices. Pulse until just combined (just a bit chunky is fine). Do not over-process so as to avoid a hummus texture.
Stir in the baking soda and flour.
Scoop the mixture out by spoonfuls and form small patties. Place on the parchment paper.
Bake 12-15 minutes. Flip the patties and bake another 12-15 minutes. Falafel patties should be golden brown and well cooked through.

Notes

FALAFEL DRESSING
This dressing is a nice accompaniment to falafel.

INGREDIENTS FOR FALAFEL DRESSING
¼ cup tahini
Juice of 1 small lemon
1 garlic clove, pressed or finely chopped
2 tablespoons dill, cilantro, or parsley, chopped
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 to 1/3 cup water
Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS FOR FALAFEL DRESSING
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Start with ¼ cup water. Add just a bit more if needed. Mix until well combined. Serve with falafel.

Falafel Dressing

Homemade lemon tahini dressing for baked falafel sandwiches — Home made falafel dressing

How to Serve Your Falafel Sandwich

Could you serve the baked falafel on bread? You can try homemade bread like our Bloomer Bread recipe. Alternatively, a nice brown bread works well too. Add a tahini sauce and a slice of tomato – and you have a nice lunch sandwich. Serve the baked falafel sandwiches either open-faced or between two pieces of bread.

Baked falafel also works great in warm pita bread.

Accompany with tea of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Falafel

Can you make baked falafel with canned chickpeas?

Yes! Our baked falafel recipe uses canned chickpeas, making it a convenient option when you don’t have time to soak dried chickpeas overnight. Simply drain and rinse the chickpeas before adding them to your food processor.

Because canned chickpeas are already cooked, they have a softer texture than the soaked, uncooked chickpeas traditionally used for falafel. Our recipe uses flaxseed and a little flour to help bind the mixture, creating patties that hold together during baking.

Why are my falafel patties falling apart?

Falafel patties can fall apart when the mixture contains too much moisture or isn’t holding together properly. This can be particularly noticeable when using canned chickpeas.

To help prevent crumbly falafel, drain and dry your chickpeas thoroughly before processing. Pulse the ingredients until combined, leaving some texture rather than turning the mixture into a smooth paste.

If the mixture seems too soft, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before shaping the patties. You can also incorporate a little additional flour if needed, although adding too much can make the finished falafel dense. Handle the patties gently when flipping them halfway through baking.

Can I prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the falafel mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For the best results, consider adding the baking soda just before shaping and baking the patties. This helps preserve its leavening effect.

When you’re ready to cook, shape the chilled mixture into small patties and follow the baking instructions in our recipe card.

You can also prepare the lemon-tahini dressing ahead of time and keep it refrigerated separately. Give it a good stir before serving, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.

Can baked falafel be frozen?

Absolutely! Baked falafel freezes well, making it convenient for preparing future lunches or quick vegetarian meals.

Allow the cooked patties to cool, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your frozen falafel within 2–3 months.

To reheat, thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven until heated through. Alternatively, reheat them directly from frozen, allowing additional cooking time.

We recommend freezing the falafel patties separately from the bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini dressing so you can assemble a fresh sandwich whenever you’re ready.

Helpful Kitchen Equipment for Making Baked Falafel

You don’t need a complicated kitchen setup to make this recipe, but a couple of tools make preparation easier.

Food Processor: A food processor helps combine the chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices while leaving a little texture in the mixture. Be careful not to over-process the ingredients, as you want to avoid creating a smooth hummus-like consistency.

We recommend Cuisinart Food Processors. Ours is still going strong and approaching 40 years in our kitchen.

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Rimmed Baking Sheet: We use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to bake our falafel patties. Leaving a little space between the patties helps them bake evenly and makes turning them easier.

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