Vegetarian and Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks

These Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are packed with savory seitan, a rich and gooey vegan cheese sauce, and sautéed peppers and onions, all served on a soft hoagie roll. Whether you’re craving a hearty sandwich for lunch or dinner, this vegan version of the Philly classic is sure to satisfy with its chewy texture and comforting flavors. It’s an indulgent, plant-based alternative to the traditional cheesesteak, made even better with homemade vegan cheese sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Vegan Seitan:

  • 1 recipe of homemade vegan seitan beef (550g), or use store-bought seitan or soy curls

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 small green bell pepper, sliced into strips

  • 1 yellow onion, sliced

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 4-5 slices vegan provolone (60g), or another mild vegan cheese

  • 2 tbsp vegan butter (30g)

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (15g)

  • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)

For Assembly:

  • 4 hoagie rolls, sliced ¾ of the way through

  • 1-2 tbsp melted vegan butter for the rolls

  • Optional: hot peppers for extra heat

Directions

  1. Prepare the Seitan: If using homemade seitan, follow the recipe linked for seitan beef. Once made, slice it thinly. If using store-bought seitan, set it aside.

  2. Cook the Vegetables: Sauté the green bell peppers, yellow onions, and garlic in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Add water (or oil) as needed to prevent sticking.

  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the vegan butter in a small pot. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking for 1 minute. Slowly add the almond milk while whisking, then stir in the vegan provolone. Blend the sauce until smooth and creamy (use a food processor or blender for extra smoothness).

  4. Toast the Hoagie Rolls: Mix the melted butter with garlic and spread it onto the hoagie rolls. Toast in a toaster oven until golden brown.

  5. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Spread the cheese sauce on both sides of the hoagie rolls. Layer with seitan, sautéed peppers, and onions. Add more cheese sauce on top for extra cheesiness, close the sandwich, and serve!

Nutrients (Per Sandwich)

  • Calories: 560 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 47g

  • Protein: 25g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sugar: 8g

These vegan Philly cheesesteaks are the perfect indulgence, with a hearty, flavorful filling and a creamy, cheesy sauce that is sure to impress both vegan and non-vegan eaters alike.

Why Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are a Game-Changer

What makes these Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks stand out is their ability to replicate the textures and flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak while being completely plant-based. The seitan provides a chewy, meaty texture that mimics beef, making it the perfect stand-in for traditional steak. The sautéed peppers and onions add a burst of sweetness and depth, while the vegan cheese sauce brings the iconic creaminess and richness that makes a cheesesteak so irresistible.

In addition to being delicious, these sandwiches are customizable. You can add extra toppings like hot peppers for heat or choose your favorite vegan cheese for the sauce. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak without any of the animal products.

Key Ingredients for the Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks

The ingredients for Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are simple but come together to create a hearty and satisfying sandwich. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

  • Seitan: This is the star of the sandwich, providing the “meaty” texture and savory flavor. Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten and is known for its chewy, meat-like texture, making it a great choice for plant-based versions of meat-heavy dishes like the Philly cheesesteak. You can either make your own seitan using a homemade recipe or purchase store-bought seitan or soy curls for convenience.

  • Vegan Cheese Sauce: A rich, creamy cheese sauce made from vegan provolone (or your favorite mild vegan cheese), vegan butter, and almond milk. The sauce is thickened with a bit of flour to give it a luscious, cheesy texture that melts beautifully on top of the seitan and vegetables.

  • Sautéed Vegetables: Green bell peppers, yellow onions, and garlic are sautéed until tender and slightly charred, adding sweetness and depth to the sandwich. These vegetables balance the savory richness of the cheese sauce and seitan, making each bite deliciously flavorful.

  • Hoagie Rolls: The perfect vessel for all the fillings, hoagie rolls are soft, yet sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart. They are toasted with melted vegan butter and garlic, adding a golden, crispy crunch that elevates the entire sandwich.

  • Optional Toppings: If you like a little heat, adding hot peppers to your Philly cheesesteak can take it to the next level. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as pickles or mushrooms, for additional flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks

Making Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks at home is simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. The combination of seitan, sautéed vegetables, and homemade vegan cheese sauce creates a hearty, satisfying sandwich that is sure to impress.

  1. Prepare the Seitan: If you’re making homemade seitan, follow the recipe for vegan seitan beef (550g). Once it’s made, slice it thinly to resemble the texture of steak. If using store-bought seitan or soy curls, simply set them aside for later.

  2. Cook the Vegetables: In a non-stick skillet, sauté the green bell peppers, yellow onions, and garlic over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Add a bit of water or oil as needed to prevent sticking. The peppers and onions should be caramelized and fragrant, providing a natural sweetness to balance the savory seitan.

  3. Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a small pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Slowly add the almond milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Once the mixture has thickened slightly, stir in the vegan provolone (or other mild vegan cheese) and continue to cook, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If you prefer an extra-smooth sauce, you can blend it in a food processor or blender.

  4. Toast the Hoagie Rolls: Mix the melted vegan butter with garlic and spread it onto the inside of the hoagie rolls. Toast the rolls in a toaster oven until golden brown and crispy. This step adds a delicious crunch to the sandwich and enhances the overall flavor.

  5. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Spread a generous amount of the vegan cheese sauce on both sides of the toasted hoagie rolls. Layer the sliced seitan on one side, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions. If desired, drizzle more cheese sauce over the top for extra cheesiness. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

Customizing Your Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences:

  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of vegan cheese, depending on your taste preferences. Vegan mozzarella, cheddar, or even cashew-based cheese sauces can work well in place of provolone.

  • Toppings: Add extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, pickles, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also try adding avocado for a creamy twist or extra hot sauce for more heat.

  • Hot Peppers: If you enjoy some spice, consider adding hot peppers to the sandwich for an extra zing. You can add sliced banana peppers, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of spicy vegan mayo to complement the other flavors.

Nutritional Information

Each Vegan Philly Cheesesteak contains approximately 560 calories, with 47g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 12g of fat. The sandwich also provides 5g of fiber, making it a satisfying meal that balances carbs, protein, and healthy fats. The vegan cheese sauce adds richness, while the seitan provides a hearty, meaty texture.

These sandwiches are a great source of plant-based protein, making them ideal for anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet. With the addition of sautéed vegetables, this recipe also provides important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks

Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are a fantastic alternative to the traditional Philly classic, offering all the savory, indulgent flavors without the use of animal products. The combination of chewy seitan, creamy vegan cheese sauce, and sautéed peppers and onions creates a satisfying, hearty sandwich that will please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this plant-based twist on a beloved classic is a must-try.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks are an excellent way to enjoy a delicious, plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Give them a try and discover how satisfying and indulgent a vegan version of this classic can be!

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