With all the smoky flavors of the traditional sandwich, this vegan BLT sandwich is a quick and easy recipe to put together. I tested various substitutes for bacon, and eventually settled on this maple smoked tempeh bacon as the best. But don’t worry, if that’s not your thing, I’ve included some other vegan bacon options!

Closeup of the inside of a vegan BLT sandwich half.

BLT without bacon? Yes… sorta. Smoky maple tempeh bacon is the star of this sandwich, and I guarantee you will enjoy this one whether you eat vegan or not.

I have always loved making big sandwiches. There’s something about taking all those different textures – the toast, a spread, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes – and adding in the perfect protein. Tempeh has a delicious chew to it, and when marinated in maple syrup and liquid smoke, it emulates the best of warm summer days on a plate. It emulates the best of warm summer days on a plate.

The best part about sandwiches is that everyone can customize their toppings. They also pack really well for an impromptu picnic or enjoying at work. Let’s cook!

A large white platter of vegan bacon with a small bowl of mayo.

grab these ingredients

This classic sandwich recipe makes the best of summer produce. All you need to cook is the tempeh bacon! Jump to the recipe card for the quantities.

Bread: Any white or wheat bread works well for these BLTs! I love using sourdough for a bit of added flavor. You could also use rye or a sprouted grain bread for more oomph.
Mayo: Select any plant-based brand you usually use for sandwiches, and we’ll dress it up with fresh garlic, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
Tempeh Bacon: Smoky umami takes the lead here. This bacon has amazing chew and crispy edges.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce has an amazing texture and is so crisp, which is perfect for these BLTs. Another great option would be romaine, and if you’re a spinach lover, go ahead and add that!
Tomato: Beefsteak gets its name because it is super meaty, and nice thick slices work well in this veggie BLT. Also, check out the farmer’s market for heirloom varieties! And of course, nothing beats picking a tomato off the vine from the backyard and putting it on the sandwich still warm from the sun.

Not a fan of tempeh?

No worries! You can also make this vegan BLT with this eggplant bacon or a store bought vegan bacon. I like the brand MorningStar for vegan meat substitutes.

Two vegan BLT sandwich halves stacked up.

How to Make A Vegetarian BLT

Make the bacon ahead of time, and this sandwich will be ready in no time! If you made it previously, you can enjoy the tempeh bacon cold, or feel free to reheat. Jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.

Make the bacon, and be sure to give it a full 30 minutes to marinate or make it the day before.
Prepare your lettuce and veggies by cleaning and slicing.
Make the sauce by mixing the ingredients.
Assemble the sandwich with toasted bread, some sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and tempeh bacon. Then enjoy!

no soggy sandwiches!

I like to spread the mayo first because it locks out the juices from the tomato that can make the bread soggy.

A slice of bread topped with a creamy spread, reminiscent of a vegan BLT, is placed on a white plate against a light blue background.

A slice of bread with spread and two tomato slices on top, sprinkled with seasoning, creates a simple vegan BLT alternative on a white plate against a light blue background.

A vegan BLT toasted sandwich on a blue surface.

Recipe tips

Add Avocado: Try adding avocado slices for extra flavor. Their creaminess will fit right in with the crisp lettuce and bacon.
Meal Prep: The bacon and mayo can both be made ahead and stored in the fridge. And if you like your bacon cold then these sandwiches will come together in five minutes.
Move Over Mayo: If you aren’t a fan of mayo, try mashed avocado, mustard, or even tangy barbecue sauce.
Cheese It Up: For a non-vegan (but so delicious) addition, add some grilled halloumi to this BLT!

What to serve with bLTs

A different kind of BLT deserves a different kind of pairing! These recipes would be great with this plant-based BLT.

Crispy Baked Avocado Fries: what’s a sandwich without fries on the side? Healthy fats will keep you full.
Kale Chips: Satisfy that craving for something salty and crunchy (but obviously way healthier).
Lavender Lemonade: Complete your summer meal, wash down your sandwich with homemade lemonade.

Three vegan BLT sandwich halves in a red plastic basket.

A close-up of stacked vegan BLT sandwiches filled with lettuce, tomato, tempeh, and a creamy spread on whole grain bread against a light blue background.

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Vegan BLT Sandwich Recipe (With Maple Smoked Tempeh Bacon)

4.34 from 3 ratings

By: Sarah Bond

Prep: 15

Total: 15

Servings: sandwiches

With all the smoky flavors of the traditional sandwich, this vegan BLT sandwich is a quick and easy recipe to put together. I tested various substitutes for bacon, and eventually settled on this maple smoked tempeh bacon as the best. But don't worry, if that's not your thing, I've include some other vegan bacon options!

Ingredients

▢ Tempeh Bacon, click for the recipe
▢ A few leaves butter lettuce
▢ 4 thick slices tomato, about ¼ inch thick
▢ 4 slices bread, sourdough or a sturdy white bread
▢ ¼ cup plant-based mayonnaise, 60 g
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ ¼ tsp sweet paprika
▢ Pinch each salt and pepper

Instructions

Bacon: Make tempeh bacon (this can be done ahead of time and reheated on the stove).
Prep: Prep remaining ingredients – wash and dry the lettuce, slice tomato, toast the bread.
Sauce: Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: On 2 slices of the toasted bread, slather the mayo mixture and layer on tomatoes, lettuce (sprinkle tomato with salt and pepper for maximum yum), and "bacon." Top each with the final slice of bread (makes 2 sandwiches).