10 Hearty Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Recipes

Holy guacamole, are you ready for some mind-blowing vegan Philly cheesesteak goodness? 🌱🧀🥖 I’m about to rock your taste buds with 10 incredibly hearty and cruelty-free versions of this classic sandwich. Trust me, these recipes will make even the most die-hard meat-eaters do a double-take!

As a vegan chef who’s been around the block (and the kitchen) a few times, I’ve teamed up with some of the coolest plant-based foodies out there to bring you these mouthwatering creations. Whether you’re craving something quick and easy or feeling a bit adventurous, we’ve got you covered.

From seitan-based stunners to mushroom masterpieces, there’s a vegan Philly cheesesteak here for everyone. And the best part? You can whip these up faster than you can say “Yo, Adrian!” (Sorry, I couldn’t resist a little Rocky reference there).

So, grab your apron, crank up the tunes, and let’s dive into this cheesesteak extravaganza. Your taste buds will thank you, the animals will thank you, and hey, maybe your abs will thank you too (no promises on that last one, though).

Ready to become the vegan Philly cheesesteak champion of your block? Let’s get cooking!

Seitan Philly Cheesesteak

Alright, let’s kick things off with a classic! This bad boy uses seitan as the star of the show, and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer.

To make this beast, you’ll need to slice your seitan nice and thin, then fry it up with some onions and bell peppers.

The secret’s in the sauce, folks – a creamy, dreamy cashew cheese that’ll make you wonder why you ever needed dairy in the first place.

Pile it all onto a crusty hoagie roll, and BAM! You’ve got yourself a sandwich that’ll make your omnivore friends green with envy (and maybe a little curious about the vegan life).

Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra fancy, toast that roll before assembling. Trust me, it takes this sandwich from an 11 to a solid 12 out of 10!

Portobello Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak

Who needs meat when you’ve got mushrooms, am I right? Portobello mushrooms are the unsung heroes of the vegan world, and they shine brighter than a disco ball in this recipe.

Slice those ‘shrooms up nice and thin, then sauté them with some onions and peppers until they’re all caramelized and delicious.

The “cheese” in this version? A vegan mozzarella that melts like a dream. Seriously, it’s so good you might shed a tear (or maybe that’s just the onions talking).

Stuff it all into a roll, and voila! You’ve got a sandwich that’s so meaty and satisfying, you’ll forget it’s plant-based.

Fun fact: I once served these at a party, and my meat-eating uncle asked for seconds. True story!

Jackfruit Philly Cheesesteak

Okay, if you haven’t jumped on the jackfruit bandwagon yet, now’s the time. This tropical fruit (yeah, it’s a fruit!) has a texture that’s eerily similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken.

For this recipe, you’ll want to use young green jackfruit in brine. Drain it, shred it, and then cook it up with some onions, peppers, and a blend of spices that’ll knock your socks off.

The cheese sauce here is a nutritional yeast-based wonder that’ll make you want to lick the bowl clean (go ahead, I won’t judge).

Pile it high on a roll, and prepare for your mind to be blown. It’s so good, you might start planning a trip to jackfruit’s native India just to thank them for this miracle food.

Word to the wise: Buy extra jackfruit. You’re gonna want to make this again tomorrow.

Cauliflower Philly Cheesesteak

I know what you’re thinking. “Cauliflower? In a Philly cheesesteak? Has she lost her mind?” But hear me out, because this might just become your new obsession.

Chop that cauliflower into small florets, roast it until it’s nice and crispy, then toss it with some BBQ sauce. Trust me, it works.

The “cheese” here is a combo of vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar. It gets all melty and gooey and just… chef’s kiss

Stuff it in a roll with some grilled onions and peppers, and prepare to have your mind blown. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

Fun fact: I once won a vegan cook-off with this recipe. The judge? A hardcore meat-eater who swore he’d never touch a vegetable. Ha!

Tempeh Philly Cheesesteak

Tempeh lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re not familiar with tempeh, it’s like tofu’s cooler, more textured cousin. And it makes for one heck of a Philly cheesesteak.

Slice your tempeh thin, marinate it in a blend of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices, then fry it up until it’s nice and crispy.

The cheese sauce here is a cashew-based wonder that’s so good, you might be tempted to eat it with a spoon. (Go ahead, I won’t tell anyone.)

Load it all onto a roll with some grilled peppers and onions, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s packed with protein and flavor.

Pro tip: If you’re not a fan of tempeh’s slightly bitter taste, steam it before marinating. It’ll mellow out the flavor and make it even more delicious.

Eggplant Philly Cheesesteak

Eggplant skeptics, prepare to be converted! This purple beauty makes for a surprisingly meaty and satisfying Philly cheesesteak filling.

Slice your eggplant thin, bread it, and fry it up until it’s golden and crispy. Then layer it in a roll with some grilled onions and peppers.

The cheese sauce here is a creamy tahini-based concoction that’ll make you wonder why you ever needed dairy in your life.

Add a sprinkle of vegan parmesan on top, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s so good, it might just bring world peace. Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s REALLY good.

True story: I once made this for my eggplant-hating sister, and now she requests it every time she visits. Miracles do happen!

Lentil Philly Cheesesteak

Who says lentils are just for soup? These little protein powerhouses make for a surprisingly delicious Philly cheesesteak filling.

Cook up some brown lentils with a blend of spices, then mash them slightly to get that meaty texture.

The cheese here is a combo of vegan mozzarella and a homemade cashew cheese sauce that’s so good, you might want to bathe in it. (Please don’t actually do that. Or if you do, don’t tell me about it.)

Pile it all onto a roll with some caramelized onions and peppers, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s not only delicious but also packed with fiber and protein. Your gut will thank you!

Confession time: I once ate three of these in one sitting. No regrets.

Chickpea Philly Cheesesteak

Chickpeas aren’t just for hummus anymore, folks! These versatile little legumes make for a surprisingly delicious Philly cheesesteak filling.

Mash up some chickpeas, mix them with breadcrumbs and spices, then form them into patties and fry ’em up until they’re nice and crispy.

The cheese sauce here is a nutritional yeast-based wonder that’s so good, you might start putting it on everything. (I won’t judge. I’ve been there.)

Stack it all on a roll with some grilled onions and peppers, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Fun fact: I once served these at a Super Bowl party, and they disappeared faster than you can say “touchdown”. Score!

Tofu Philly Cheesesteak

I know, I know, tofu gets a bad rap. But when it’s prepared right, it can be the star of the show. And in this Philly cheesesteak, it’s definitely ready for its close-up!

Press that tofu well, slice it thin, then marinate it in a blend of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices. Fry it up until it’s nice and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.

The cheese here is a blend of vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar that gets all melty and gooey and just… perfection.

Stuff it all into a roll with some grilled onions and peppers, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that might just convert even the most die-hard tofu haters.

True story: I once made this for my tofu-phobic dad, and now he asks for it every time I visit. Who’s laughing now, Dad?

Beyond Meat Philly Cheesesteak

Okay, I know we’ve been focusing on whole foods here, but sometimes you just want something quick and easy. And that’s where Beyond Meat comes in clutch.

Slice up a Beyond Burger patty (or use Beyond Steak if you can find it), then fry it up with some onions and peppers.

The cheese here is up to you – use your favorite melty vegan cheese, or whip up a quick cashew cheese sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

Pile it all onto a roll, and boom! You’ve got yourself a Philly cheesesteak that’s so close to the “real thing”, you might need to double-check that you didn’t accidentally use meat. (You didn’t. You’re good.)

Pro tip: These are PERFECT for late-night cravings. Ask me how I know. (Actually, don’t. Some secrets are best kept between me and my refrigerator.)

And there you have it, folks! Ten mind-blowing vegan Philly cheesesteak recipes that’ll make you forget all about the original. From wholesome whole foods to convenient plant-based meats, there’s something here for every mood and every skill level.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. So don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas, add your own twists, or even combine a couple of them. (Seitan AND mushroom Philly cheesesteak, anyone?)

Now, I don’t know about you, but all this talk of sandwiches has made me seriously hungry. I think it’s time for me to head to the kitchen and whip up one (or maybe three) of these bad boys.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start cooking! Your taste buds are counting on you. And who knows? You might just become the vegan Philly cheesesteak guru of your friend group. Stranger things have happened!

Until next time, stay saucy, my friends! 🌱🧀🥖