Vegan Bacon BLT Grilled Cheese

A mouthwatering plant-based twist on the classic BLT, featuring smoky tempeh bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and melty vegan cheese, all grilled to golden perfection between slices of bread. This satisfying sandwich takes only 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or a quick dinner.

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This easy American-style recipe yields two servings and is categorized as a beginner-friendly dish. By marinating thin strips of tempeh in a blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika, you create a delicious plant-based alternative that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• Smoky Tempeh Bacon: 200 g tempeh (sliced into thin strips), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Sandwich: 4 slices sourdough or sandwich bread (vegan), 4 slices vegan cheese, 1 medium tomato (sliced), 4 leaves crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg), 2 tbsp vegan butter or margarine.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tempeh Bacon

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add tempeh strips and marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Tempeh

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add marinated tempeh and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Butter the Bread

Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top each with a slice of vegan cheese, half the smoky tempeh bacon, tomato slices, lettuce, and another slice of vegan cheese. Cover with remaining bread, buttered side up.

Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve

Slice in half and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, use a non-stick skillet or grill pan along with a spatula for easy flipping. Ensure you have a sharp knife ready for slicing the tomato and the finished sandwich. This dish contains soy and gluten; always check labels for vegan certification and tree nut allergens if using specific vegan butters or cheeses.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra creaminess, try adding fresh avocado slices. If you have dietary restrictions, use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. You can also experiment with different varieties of vegan cheeses to explore new flavor combinations.

Serviervorschläge

This Vegan Bacon BLT Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with a side of warm tomato soup or a fresh, crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Enjoy this plant-based delight that provides 410 calories and 18g of protein per serving. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying way to enjoy a vegan twist on an American classic.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare the tempeh bacon ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the tempeh strips up to 24 hours in advance and cook them the day you plan to make the sandwiches. Store the cooked tempeh bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ What's the best bread choice for this sandwich?

Sourdough bread works wonderfully because it has a sturdy structure that holds up well to grilling and melting cheese. However, thick-cut sandwich bread or ciabatta also work great. For gluten-free options, choose a hearty gluten-free bread that won't fall apart.

→ How do I get the vegan cheese to melt properly?

Use a medium-low heat setting and cook the sandwich slowly, allowing 3-4 minutes per side. This gives the vegan cheese time to soften and melt. Pressing gently with a spatula while cooking helps distribute heat evenly across the sandwich.

→ Can I use other vegetables in this sandwich?

Absolutely. Avocado slices add creaminess, caramelized onions add sweetness, roasted red peppers add depth, and cucumber slices add freshness. Just keep your additions balanced so the sandwich remains easy to handle.

→ What vegan cheeses melt best?

Cashew-based vegan cheeses and coconut oil-based varieties typically melt smoothly. Brands specifically designed for cooking and melting work better than nutritional yeast options. Experiment to find your preferred texture and flavor profile.

→ Is liquid smoke necessary for the tempeh bacon?

While optional, liquid smoke adds authentic smoky bacon flavor that really elevates the dish. If you don't have it, smoked paprika alone still provides good smoky notes. You can also try smoked sea salt for variation.