This rich savory Vegan Reuben Sandwich is filled with gooey vegan Swiss, tofu bacon, and the best sauerkraut that I have ever had.
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"I made this for a vegan reuben. It was delicious! And so easy to whip up! - Janet"
After making my favorite sandwich, a Vegan Teriyaki Reuben with Spicy Thousand Island Dressing, I knew a classic Vegan Reuben Sandwich was in order.
The teriyaki version is sweet and spicy, whereas this classic Reuben is more sweet, smoky, and savory.
One of the great components of this tofu reuben is the sauerkraut. I used a garlic dill pickle sauerkraut by Farmhouse Culture that I bought at my local grocery store. I could sit and eat this stuff for a meal it is so good!
I used tofu bacon because it has a slightly sweet maple flavor with a touch of smokiness. To add a rich flavor, I used vegan Swiss cheese.
It tastes richer than the Swiss cheese that I remember, but I haven't had Swiss cheese in a long time. I've been vegan for over twenty years.
Other flavorful sandwiches are my Vegan Italian Sub, Vegan Avocado Mozzarella Pesto Sandwich, Vegan Caprese Focaccia Sandwich, and Vegan ELT Sandwich.
Serve this vegan recipe with some Vegan Gluten Free Onion Rings or Vegan Broccoli Tots.
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❤️ Why You'll Love It
- It has a balance of flavors.
- It's a comforting weeknight meal.
- It is an easy recipe that takes about 10 minutes to make.
🧾 Ingredients
- Tofu bacon: I used homemade vegan tofu bacon. You can also use another homemade vegan bacon, like slices of tempeh for a vegan tempeh reuben, or store-bought vegan bacon.
- Sauerkraut: I used raw sauerkraut with dill pickle. When I republished this recipe I used fresh sauerkraut with caraway seeds. Both were delicious. Use your favorite.
- Vegan Thousand Island dressing: I used homemade vegan Thousand Island dressing. You could also use store-bought salad dressing.
- Vegan Swiss cheese slices: Add a rich cheesy flavor. You could also use vegan provolone or vegan mozzarella if you prefer.
- Bread: I used vegan gluten-free sourdough bread. If you are gluten-free and can find a vegan gluten-free rye bread, I would use that since it is the classic bread to use for a reuben, otherwise, use your favorite.
- Vegan butter: To cook the reuben in. Adds a rich buttery flavor. You could also use olive oil
To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
📖 Variations / Additions
- Spicy Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
- Dill pickles
- Pickled onions or peppers
- Coleslaw
- Tempeh
- Vegan provolone or Mozzarella cheese
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: To make the tofu bacon drain and press it. Then place it in a shallow dish with a marinade of liquid smoke, maple syrup, tamari, apple cider vinegar, and paprika.
Step 2: You can either bake it in the oven or fry it in a large skillet.
Step 3: Make the Vegan Thousand Island Dressing. In a small bowl whisk together vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, almond milk, and salt and black pepper.
You could also use a homemade vegan Russian dressing with horseradish, onion, and vegan worcestershire sauce if you prefer.
Step 4: Spread vegan Thousand Island dressing on a piece of bread.
Step 5: Top one of the slices of bread with raw sauerkraut and the second slice of bread with tofu bacon and vegan cheese slices. Sandwich the slices together.
Step 6: Melt some vegan butter in a small skillet on medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet. Cover with a lid so that the vegan cheese melts faster.
Step 7: Toast on both sides until golden brown and the vegan cheese is melted.
🍽 Serving
- Potato chips
- Vegan Tater Tots
- Spicy French Fries
🥡 Storage
Store tofu bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Store vegan Thousand Island for up to 10 days. See the package on the raw sauerkraut for how long it lasts.
I don't recommend storing assembled sandwiches because they can get soggy.
🥪 Other Vegan Sandwich Recipes
🎥 Video
This tofu reuben will make you feel like you are eating out at a vegan deli without leaving home.
If you tried this Vegan Reuben Sandwich Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!
I originally posted this recipe Feb. 18, 2017. I added new photos, text, and a video when I republished it.
📋 Recipe
Vegan Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan Thousand Island dressing
- 2 slices tofu bacon
- 3 tablespoons raw sauerkraut - I used garlic dill pickle
- 2 slices vegan Swiss cheese
- 2 slices gluten free bread
- Vegan butter - I used Earth Balance
Instructions
- Spread vegan Thousand Island dressing on one slice of bread.
- Top with tofu bacon, vegan Swiss cheese, and raw sauerkraut. Place the other slice of bread on top.
- In a skillet add vegan butter and cook on medium heat until melted. Add sandwich and cook on both sides on medium heat until golden brown and the vegan cheese is melted. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt.
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Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Anna says
This sandwich is amazing! It is rich, but balanced. And that sauerkraut! I could eat that stuff daily!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Anna! I know, me too! Isn't it good!
Maggie Unzueta says
Yes please! I love everything about this sandwich.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Maggie!
Laina Turner says
So healthy and no doubt so tasty too!
Krysten says
This sounds so amazing! I love vegan bacon, the ways that you can change the flavors are amazing. I can't wait to try this!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Krysten! That is a good point! I haven't changed my tofu bacon recipe much, but I could see adding more spices or making it sweeter for other recipes!
Sophia says
This looks good and this would be amazing to pack for a lunch.
Sophie says
Oh my gosh this looks and sounds incredible! Pinned to make this weekend 😉
Marie says
Really interesting. I didn't even know you could make these vegan!
Willow Moon says
I like to veganize pretty much anything!