Smoky Vegan Sandwich

When it comes to building the ultimate plant-based sandwich, it’s all about layering bold flavors and fresh, vibrant ingredients. This vegan sourdough sandwich brings together everything you crave in one bite: smoky, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of crunch. The star of the show? Rebel Cheese smoked cheddar, a plant-based cheese that melts beautifully and delivers that rich, savory flavor you’d expect from traditional cheddar—without any dairy.

I love creating recipes that prove vegan food can be just as satisfying, indulgent, and downright delicious as any other meal. This sandwich is the perfect example. It starts with thick slices of sourdough French bread, toasted in olive oil until golden and crisp, then topped with Rebel Cheese and baked until perfectly melted. From there, layers of peppery arugula, juicy heirloom tomatoes seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, buttery avocado smash, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy pickled cherry peppers come together to create the ultimate plant-based bite.

It’s the kind of sandwich you can make for a quick lunch, serve at a casual dinner with friends, or pack up for a beach picnic. The combination of smoky cheese, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies makes it hearty enough to satisfy while staying light and wholesome. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever produce is in season or your favorite homemade pickles.

Whether you’re fully vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your week, this recipe shows how simple swaps—like using Rebel Cheese—can completely elevate your sandwich game. One bite in, and you’ll see why this has become a go-to in our kitchen.

Smoky Vegan Sandwich Ingredients (Makes 2–3 sandwiches)

• Bread & Base

  • 1/4 loaf sourdough French bread, sliced lengthwise, per sandwich

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4–6 slices vegan smoked cheddar, per sandwich (we use Rebel Cheese smoked cheddar)

• Caramelized Onions

  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon vegan butter (optional, for richness)

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

• Avocado Smash

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh Toppings

  • 1 cup arugula

  • 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wheels

  • Salt and pepper to season tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup pickled red cherry peppers, thinly sliced

Smoky Vegan Sandwich Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

   • Heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

   • Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and turn deep golden brown, 25–30 minutes.

   • If they begin to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. For extra sweetness, stir in balsamic vinegar or sugar in the final 5 minutes. Set aside.

2. Toast the Bread:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.

   • Place both halves of the bread cut-side down and toast until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Melt the Cheese:

   • Lay vegan smoked cheddar across one side of the bread.

   • Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the cheese is fully melted, 5–7 minutes.

4. Prepare the Avocado Smash:

   • In a small bowl, mash avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy but slightly chunky.

5. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • On the cheesy side, layer arugula, seasoned heirloom tomato slices, caramelized onions, avocado smash, and sliced pickled cherry peppers.

   • Close the sandwich with the other half of the bread, slice, and enjoy immediately while warm.

This smoky vegan sourdough sandwich proves that plant-based eating can be anything but boring. With layers of flavor and texture—from the rich, melty Rebel Cheese smoked cheddar to the sweet caramelized onions, creamy avocado smash, and tangy pickled cherry peppers—every bite is hearty, satisfying, and full of fresh, vibrant ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and wholesome goodness, all nestled between crispy slices of toasted sourdough.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even as a make-ahead meal for picnics and beach days. And because it’s entirely plant-based, it’s a dish everyone can feel good about eating—vegan or not.

The Rebel Cheese smoked cheddar really takes it to the next level, offering that savory, indulgent flavor we all crave in a great sandwich. Paired with seasonal produce and pantry staples, it’s a reminder of how easy it is to create satisfying, vegan meals at home.

So grab your sourdough, fire up the cast iron, and build this deliciously layered sandwich. One taste, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in our plant-based kitchen!