Easy and delicious vegan grilled cheese with crispy golden bread and gooey, melty dairy-free cheese. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal!
Before we went vegan, my husband and I had a little weekend tradition – every Saturday, we’d walk to the farmers market near our house and grab a grilled cheese sandwich from one of the vendors. It was simple, crispy, and perfectly melty, and we’d enjoy it while strolling through the market. Since going vegan, I wanted to recreate that same comforting experience at home. This vegan grilled cheese is just as golden and crispy, with gooey, dairy-free cheese that melts beautifully. It’s a nostalgic bite that brings back so many memories, and I hope you love it as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love this Vegan Grilled Cheese
This vegan grilled cheese is everything you love about the classic—crispy, golden bread with a gooey, melty center—without any dairy! It’s quick and easy to make, using simple ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like tomatoes, caramelized onions, or avocado. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a nostalgic bite, this sandwich delivers all the flavor and satisfaction in a completely plant-based way!
Ingredients
(Serves 1)
- 2 slices of sourdough or whole-grain bread
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- ¼ cup vegan shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for extra cheesy flavor) – optional
- ½ tsp garlic powder – optional
- 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk (to help melt the cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat a pan over medium-low heat.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Mix the cheese with nutritional yeast and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Place one slice of bread (butter-side down) in the pan. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly and drizzle with a little plant-based milk to enhance melting.
- Top with the second slice (butter-side up) and press lightly with a spatula.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Cover the pan for a minute if needed to help the cheese melt.
- Slice & enjoy!
✨ Optional Add-ins: Sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado.
Recipe Tips
Use the Right Cheese – Opt for high-quality vegan cheese that melts well, like Violife, Miyoko’s, or Daiya Cutting Board Shreds. Adding a splash of plant-based milk to the cheese helps with melting.
Low and Slow is Key – Cook your sandwich over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to fully melt while achieving a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust.
Butter Matters – Spread vegan butter evenly on the bread for the best crunch. For a healthier option, use olive oil or even a thin layer of vegan mayo for extra flavor.
Enhance the Flavor – Sprinkle a bit of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, or smoked paprika onto the cheese for a deeper, more complex taste.
Cover the Pan – Placing a lid over the pan for a minute helps trap steam, encouraging the cheese to melt more evenly and quickly.
Vegan Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough or whole-grain bread
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- ¼ cup vegan shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for extra cheesy flavor) – optional
- ½ tsp garlic powder – optional
- 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk (to help melt the cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat a pan over medium-low heat.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Mix the cheese with nutritional yeast and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Place one slice of bread (butter-side down) in the pan. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly and drizzle with a little plant-based milk to enhance melting.
- Top with the second slice (butter-side up) and press lightly with a spatula.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Cover the pan for a minute if needed to help the cheese melt.
- Slice & enjoy!
This vegan grilled cheese is proof that simple comfort food can be just as delicious without dairy. It’s crispy, melty, and packed with nostalgic flavor, making it perfect for a quick lunch or cozy snack. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do—let me know if you try it!