Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

With veganism on the rise, vegan-friendly comfort food options have been popping up all over the place. There’s just something about the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches; for many, it’s a mouth-watering reminder of home. Now, vegan eaters don’t have to miss out on that deliciousness because vegan recipes for this popular sandwich have started appearing! A vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwich is full of savory vegan beef substitutes, vegan cheese sauce, and fresh vegetables, making it an excellent vegan-friendly comfort food. Indulging in a vegan cheesesteak with none of the guilt or complaints from your taste buds; now that sounds like a treat worth having!

What Is A Philly Cheesesteak?

A Philly cheesesteak is a famous sandwich originating from the city of Philadelphia. They consist of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and peppers and onions served on a hoagie roll. The classic version is usually served with mayonnaise or ketchup.

This vegan version swaps out the beef for a vegan-friendly substitute or chopped portobello mushrooms and onions and replaces the cheese with a vegan version. This creates an equally delicious and flavorful sandwich that is sure to satisfy any cheesesteak craving.

So if you’re looking for a tasty vegan alternative to the classic Philly Cheesesteak, this is the perfect recipe for you!

Equipment Needed 

• Skillet
• Spoon for Stirring
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil- Used to coat the pan, sautee the veggies in, and prevent sticking.
• Onion- Adds flavor and texture.
• Green Bell Pepper- For a mild sweetness and crunchy texture
• Vegan Meat Substitute or Portobello Mushrooms- Provides a hearty texture and taste of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
• Black Pepper- Enhances the flavor of the meat substitute.
• Italian Herbs- Usually a combination of dried oregano, parsley, and thyme, with a hint of garlic powder. It adds a depth of flavor to the vegan sandwich.
• Salt- To taste.
• Vegan Cheese- Adds the cheesy flavor to this vegan version of a Philly cheesesteak.
• Bread Rolls- Traditionally, hoagie rolls or sub rolls are used to hold all the goodness.

How To Make Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

It’s easy to make a vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwich at home! Start by preheating your oven to 350F, then heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Start by adding onions and occasionally stirring for around 5 minutes until they are soft, followed by the bell peppers that should be cooked until tender – if necessary, add a bit of water during the cooking process, so the vegetables don’t burn.

After the vegetables have been cooked to perfection, add your vegan meat substitute or diced mushrooms alongside all of your favorite spices. Keep stirring until everything is fully cooked, and then add your vegan cheese. Cook it until the cheese has melted into a gooey heavenly delight.

Divide the bread in half with a hotdog bun-like cut, ensuring you don’t go all the way through. Slice up the cheese slices and split them between both halves of the bread. Bake it for 10 minutes or until the cheese is almost melted.

Fill the hoagie roll with prepared vegan cheesesteak filling, and enjoy!

Popular Substitutions & Additions 

This vegan Philly cheesesteak recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized with various ingredients.

• If you don’t have vegan meat, you can substitute it with tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
• Add other vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, and mushrooms, to the mix.
• Like a bit of heat? Add some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Spices can also be added to give the sandwich extra flavor. Some popular ones are oregano, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, finely minced garlic, or thinly sliced fresh garlic.
• Finally, feel free to use whatever type of bread you’d like. From French rolls to hoagie rolls, the choice is yours.

Can You Freeze Philly Cheesesteaks?

Yes, this vegan Philly cheesesteak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the mixture cool before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy the sandwich, defrost the mixture and heat it in a skillet with some oil.

Vegan Philly Cheesesteak FAQs

Can I make a vegan Philly cheesesteak sandwich in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make these cheesesteaks ahead of time. You can assemble the sandwich and then freeze it, or cook the mixture and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. Either way, make sure to reheat it before serving. A vegan cheesesteak is a great meal for meal prep.