Vegan Bacon BLT Grilled Cheese (Print View)

Plant-based take on the classic BLT with smoky tempeh bacon, fresh vegetables, and melty vegan cheese, grilled to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Smoky Tempeh Bacon

01 - 7 oz tempeh, sliced into thin strips
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
07 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Sandwich

09 - 4 slices vegan sourdough or sandwich bread
10 - 4 slices vegan cheese
11 - 1 medium tomato, sliced
12 - 4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
13 - 2 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a mixing 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.
02 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add marinated tempeh and cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice.
04 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Layer each with vegan cheese, half the tempeh bacon, tomato slices, lettuce, and another cheese slice. Cover with remaining bread buttered side up.
05 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side while pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers all the nostalgic comfort of a diner sandwich without any animal products.
  • The tempeh bacon is so flavorful you might find yourself making extra just to snack on.
  • It comes together in half an hour, perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner.
  • Every bite has layers of texture: crispy, creamy, crunchy, and juicy all at once.
02 -
  • Marinating the tempeh for the full 10 minutes is non-negotiable, it needs time to absorb all those smoky, sweet flavors.
  • Keep the heat at medium-low when grilling or the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt and the layers stick together.
  • If your vegan cheese is stubborn about melting, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute.
03 -
  • Make a double batch of tempeh bacon and store it in the fridge for quick sandwiches, salads, or breakfast scrambles throughout the week.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it distributes heat evenly and gives the bread an extra crispy finish.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling so the cheese sets slightly and does not all slide out on the first bite.
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