Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan version of Cordon Bleu is every bit as satisfying as the original. It has a golden, crispy crust, a gooey cheese center, and a smoky plant-based filling that’s rich in flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet touch. Plus, it’s fully vegan, can be made gluten-free, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Vegan chicken cutlets or firm tofu (pressed and sliced)
- Vegan mozzarella or Swiss-style cheese
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- Plant-based milk (unsweetened)
- Breadcrumbs or panko
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or vegan butter for frying
Directions
- Prepare your vegan “chicken” base by patting it dry and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each cutlet or tofu slice.
- Add a slice of vegan cheese on top.
- Place another piece of tofu or vegan chicken over it to form a sandwich.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with plant milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each filled piece first in flour, then in milk, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry each piece for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- For a lighter version, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce or gravy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2–3 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Tofu version: Use firm or extra-firm tofu and press it well before cooking.
- Cheese options: Try vegan cheddar or smoked gouda for a different flavor.
- Baked version: For a healthier option, bake instead of frying.
- Sauce pairing: Serve with vegan mushroom gravy, garlic aioli, or cashew cream sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Vegan Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake or air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy. You can also freeze before baking and cook directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes. You can bake the breaded cutlets on parchment paper and skip the frying for an oil-free version.
2. What’s the best vegan cheese for melting?
Vegan mozzarella or Swiss-style slices melt beautifully and create that creamy interior.
3Absolutely. Assemble and bread them in advance, then store in the fridge until ready to cook.
4. How do I make it extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and fry in a hot pan for the best crunch.
5. Can I air fry this recipe?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
6. What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, green beans, or a crisp salad pair perfectly.
7. Can I freeze cooked Vegan Cordon Bleu?
Yes, freeze after cooling completely. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
8. What plant milk should I use for breading?
Any unsweetened variety works—soy, almond, oat, or cashew milk.
9. Can I use jackfruit instead of tofu or vegan chicken?
Yes, shredded jackfruit can make a delicious alternative for a more tender filling.
Conclusion
Vegan Cordon Bleu proves that you don’t need meat or dairy to enjoy a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With its crispy coating, creamy cheese center, and savory filling, it’s the perfect comfort dish for any occasion. Whether pan-fried, baked, or air-fried, this plant-based version delivers all the indulgence of the classic—minus the compromise.
PrintVegan Cordon Bleu
This Vegan Cordon Bleu is a plant-based twist on the classic French-inspired dish, featuring crispy breaded vegan chicken or tofu, smoky vegan , and melty dairy-free cheese. It’s indulgent, elegant, and easy to prepare for a satisfying comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2–3 vegan chicken cutlets or firm tofu slices (pressed and patted dry)
- 2–3 slices vegan mozzarella or Swiss-style cheese
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Pat the vegan chicken or tofu slices dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each piece.
- Top with a slice of vegan cheese.
- Place another slice of vegan chicken or tofu on top to form a sandwich.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with plant milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each sandwich in flour, then milk, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry each piece for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an oil-free option.
- Serve hot with your favorite vegan sauce or gravy.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate before cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
