OMG, who’s ready for some seriously drool-worthy vegan BLTs?! 🥪🌱 I’ve teamed up with some of the coolest plant-based chefs to bring you 10 mind-blowing twists on this classic sandwich. Trust me, these aren’t your grandma’s BLTs (sorry, Nana). Whether you’re craving something smoky, spicy, or downright indulgent, I’ve got you covered. So grab your apron, channel your inner sandwich artist, and let’s dive into these game-changing recipes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Smoky Tempeh Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Holy moly, this sandwich is a flavor explosion! 💥
The star of the show here is our homemade tempeh bacon. We’re talking thinly sliced tempeh marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and spices.
Once it’s nice and crispy, layer it on toasted sourdough with juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a generous schmear of vegan mayo.
Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to your mayo for an extra punch of smoky goodness.
I’ll never forget the time I served this to my meat-loving uncle. He took one bite, his eyes widened, and he mumbled, “This isn’t real bacon?” Mission accomplished, folks! 😎
Coconut Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Coconut bacon? Has she lost her mind?” But hear me out!
Large coconut flakes get the royal treatment with a marinade of tamari, maple syrup, and liquid smoke. Then we bake them until they’re crispy, smoky little pieces of paradise.
Stack ’em high on your favorite bread with the usual suspects – lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo. The result? A BLT that’s equal parts tropical vacation and comfort food classic.
Fun fact: I once brought these to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than my dignity at a karaoke night. True story.
Carrot Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Who knew that humble carrots could transform into bacon-y brilliance? Not me, until I tried this recipe and had my mind thoroughly blown. 🤯
We’re talking thin strips of carrot, marinated in a smoky-sweet mixture, then baked until they’re crispy and addictive.
Layer these bad boys on some crusty bread with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of vegan mayo (sensing a pattern here?).
The best part? You can totally pretend you’re Bugs Bunny while making these. “Eh, what’s up, doc?” (I may or may not do this every single time. Don’t judge me.)
Eggplant Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Eggplant, you sneaky little veggie. Who knew you had it in you to become such convincing bacon?
Thinly sliced eggplant gets the VIP treatment with a marinade of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Then we bake it until it’s crispy and irresistible.
Stack it high on your favorite bread with the classic LT combo and a schmear of vegan mayo. Boom! You’ve got yourself a BLT that would make even the most die-hard bacon lover do a double-take.
True story: I once served these at a party, and my friend’s picky 5-year-old declared them “better than real bacon.” If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is!
Mushroom Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Mushroom lovers, this one’s for you! 🍄
We’re using thin slices of portobello mushrooms, marinated in a smoky-sweet mixture, then baked to crispy perfection.
Layer these umami bombs on toasted bread with the usual lettuce and tomato suspects, plus a healthy dollop of vegan mayo (because we’re not animals, people).
Pro tip: Add a few drops of truffle oil to your mayo for an extra layer of fancy funghi flavor. It’s like a black-tie event for your taste buds!
Seitan Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Seitan, oh seitan, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways… 😍
This protein-packed wheat meat gets sliced thin, then marinated in a smoky-sweet mixture before being pan-fried to crispy perfection.
Stack it high on your bread of choice with lettuce, tomato, and (you guessed it) vegan mayo. The result? A BLT that’s so meaty and satisfying, you’ll want to high-five yourself after every bite.
Fun fact: I once made these for a group of friends, and one guy kept insisting I must have used “real” bacon. I took it as the highest compliment (after I stopped laughing, of course).
Rice Paper Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Okay, I know this one sounds weird. Rice paper? In a BLT? Trust me, it works!
We’re talking rice paper strips, brushed with a savory marinade, then baked until they’re crispy, smoky little wonders.
Layer them on your sandwich with the classic LT combo and a generous slather of vegan mayo. The result? A BLT with a satisfying crunch that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with “regular” bacon.
True story: I once made these for my grandma, who’s been cooking for longer than I’ve been alive. She took one bite, nodded approvingly, and said, “Well, I’ll be damned.” Coming from her, that’s basically a Michelin star. 👵⭐
BBQ Jackfruit BLT
Video Recipe
Who says a BLT has to be crispy? Let’s get saucy with this BBQ jackfruit version!
We’re talking young jackfruit, simmered in your favorite BBQ sauce until it’s tender and packed with flavor.
Pile it high on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of vegan ranch dressing (plot twist!). It’s like a BLT and a pulled “pork” sandwich had a beautiful, plant-based baby.
Pro tip: Add some pickled red onions for an extra tangy kick. Your taste buds will thank you!
Tofu Bacon BLT
Video Recipe
Ah, tofu. Is there anything you can’t do? In this case, you’re transforming into some pretty convincing bacon!
We’re slicing extra-firm tofu nice and thin, then marinating it in a smoky-sweet mixture before pan-frying it to crispy perfection.
Layer it on your favorite bread with lettuce, tomato, and (say it with me now) vegan mayo. The result? A BLT that’s protein-packed and totally delicious.
Fun fact: I once served these to my tofu-hating brother, and he ate three before I told him what they were made of. The look on his face was priceless. Sorry not sorry, bro! 😂
Chickpea Bacon Bits BLT
Video Recipe
Last but certainly not least, we’re getting crunchy with some chickpea bacon bits!
We’re talking cooked chickpeas, tossed in a smoky marinade, then baked until they’re crispy little flavor bombs.
Sprinkle these generously on your sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a healthy schmear of vegan mayo. It’s like a BLT and a salad had a delicious love child.
Pro tip: Make extra chickpea bacon bits. They’re addictive as a snack, and I won’t be held responsible for any chickpea-related binge eating that may occur.
Phew! We made it through all 10 recipes without a single pig harmed in the process. 🐷💖 Aren’t you proud of us?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But which one should I try first?” And to that, I say: Why choose? Have a BLT-themed dinner party and try them all! (Just maybe invite some friends to help, unless you want to end up in a serious food coma. No judgment here if you do, though.)
Remember, the beauty of these recipes is that they’re totally customizable. Don’t like mayo? Try mashed avocado instead. Prefer spinach to lettuce? Go for it! Want to add some pickles or sprouts? You do you, sandwich superstar!
The most important thing is to have fun and experiment. After all, cooking is an adventure, and these vegan BLTs are your ticket to flavor town. So put on your favorite playlist, dance around your kitchen like nobody’s watching, and get ready to create some seriously delicious sandwiches.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk of BLTs has made me hungry. I’m off to raid my fridge and create the ultimate vegan BLT tower. Wish me luck (and maybe send some napkins)! 🥪🌈
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and show those BLTs who’s boss! And remember, in the immortal words of… well, me: “There’s no such thing as too much vegan bacon.” Words to live by, my friends. Words to live by. 😉🥓🌱