Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks

My skeptical brother in law took one bite and actually asked what kind of cheese I used. He could not believe it was entirely plant based. That moment of shocked silence at the dinner table might be my favorite kitchen memory ever.

I first threw these together on a rainy Tuesday when craving comfort food but wanting something lighter. The house smelled like an Italian corner shop and my roommate wandered in asking what restaurant I had ordered from.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Split between cooking the vegetables and mushrooms for even browning
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced: The foundation of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a fresh pop of color
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings extra sweetness and visual appeal
• 400 g (14 oz) portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced: The meaty star that gives this sandwich its hearty satisfying texture
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh aromatic punch that transforms everything
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deep smoky flavor that mimics the essence of seared beef
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari: Savory depth and a touch of saltiness
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Bright spice to cut through the richness
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors forward
• 1 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk: Creamy base for the cheese sauce
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: The cheesy nutty flavor that makes the sauce sing
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfect pourable consistency
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter or olive oil: Richness that mimics traditional cheese sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Background savory notes in the sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Sweet depth that rounds out the cheese flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric: Gives that classic cheese sauce color without affecting taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens the sauce
• 4 soft hoagie rolls or sub rolls: The vessel that holds everything together

Instructions

Caramelize the vegetables:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and develop golden edges. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Sear the mushrooms:

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they release their moisture and become beautifully golden brown and fragrant.

Add the aromatics:

Stir in the minced garlic smoked paprika soy sauce black pepper and salt. Cook for just 1 minute until the garlic becomes aromatic. Return the sautéed onions and peppers to the pan. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Make the cheese sauce:

In a small saucepan whisk together the soy or oat milk nutritional yeast cornstarch vegan butter garlic powder onion powder turmeric and salt. Place over medium heat whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy and smooth about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Prepare the bread:

Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. You can toast them lightly for extra crunch if you like.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Fill each roll generously with the mushroom and pepper mixture. Spoon the vegan cheese sauce generously over the filling letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies.

Serve immediately:

These are best enjoyed hot while the cheese sauce is creamy and the vegetables are still warm from the pan.

Save to Pinterest

These have become my go to for feeding skeptical meat eaters. Every single person who has tried them has asked for the recipe afterward.

Choosing Your Rolls

Soft hoagie rolls that can hold up to the generous filling without falling apart are essential. I have found that slightly toasting the inside creates a nice texture contrast against the tender vegetables.

Make Ahead Options

The vegetable filling reheats beautifully so you can double the batch and enjoy these all week. Just store the components separately and reheat the filling before assembling.

Perfect Pairings

Oven baked fries sprinkled with salt complete the classic experience. A crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

• Keep some extra hot sauce on hand for those who like extra kick
• A cold beer or sparkling water balances the warm savory sandwich beautifully
• Napkins are absolutely non negotiable here

Save to Pinterest

There is something deeply satisfying about proving that comfort food does not need compromise to be incredible.

Questions & Answers

→ What ingredients create the savory filling?

Sautéed portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, garlic, smoked paprika, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt come together to create a rich and flavorful filling.

→ How is the creamy sauce made?

The sauce combines soy or oat milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, vegan butter or olive oil, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder to form a smooth, golden vegan cheese sauce.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free hoagie rolls and tamari instead of regular soy sauce, you can easily make this dish gluten-free.

→ What are some ways to add extra protein?

Incorporate thinly sliced seitan or marinated tofu into the filling to boost protein content without altering the flavor profile.

→ What side dishes complement this meal well?

Oven-baked fries or a crisp green salad pair wonderfully, balancing the rich flavors with freshness and crunch.

→ How long does it take to prepare and cook?

The entire preparation and cooking time totals about 40 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy option.