Are you ready to embark on a delectable journey into the world of vegan bagel sandwiches? If you’re seeking a mouthwatering dish that’s both plant-based and incredibly satisfying, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll guide you through the creation of a scrumptious vegan bagel sandwich that’s sure to delight your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the world of plant-based goodness with this delightful recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients required for this tantalizing sandwich. While we won’t provide specific quantities, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 portobello mushrooms, cut into ⅛-inch strips
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp white miso paste
- Bagel & More:
- 4 bagels of your choice, toasted
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 lettuce leaves
- Vegan mayo or vegan cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to make this plant based sandwich your own by exploring ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences. For instance, you can try different mushroom varieties, alternative sauces, or even experiment with plant-based cheese spreads.
Helpful Tools
To make this culinary endeavor a breeze, you’ll want to have a few handy kitchen tools at your disposal. Here’s a list of helpful tools you might need:
- Shallow bowl or baking dish
- Whisk for marinade preparation
- Air fryer for quick and crispy mushroom bacon
- Wire rack for even cooking
With these tools in your kitchen, you’ll be all set to craft the perfect vegan bagel sandwich.
How To Make This Recipe
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of creating this delectable sandwich. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve vegan sandwich perfection:
Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), liquid smoke, olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and white miso paste.
Marinate the Mushrooms: Add the sliced portobello mushrooms to the marinade and gently toss to ensure each piece is fully coated.

Air Fry the Mushroom Bacon: Place the marinated mushrooms directly on the wire rack and into the air fryer at 390°F for up to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer.

Assemble Your Sandwich: Spread vegan mayo or cream cheese on each side of your toasted bagel. Add lettuce, a tomato slice, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a quarter of the vegan mushroom bacon. Put it all together, cut it in half, and get ready to savor the flavors.

Tips & Tricks
For a truly delightful vegan bagel sandwich, here are some expert tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Marinating Time: Allow the mushrooms to marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Customization: Experiment with different bagel types and add your favorite condiments for a personal touch.
- Crispy Bacon: Achieve the perfect crispiness by adjusting the air fryer time to your preference.
FAQ: Vegan Bagel Sandwich
Absolutely! While portobello mushrooms are a fantastic choice, you can experiment with shiitake, oyster, or other varieties to suit your taste.
Certainly! Prepare the mushroom bacon in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat when you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
Yes, you can use gluten-free bagels and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Store the mushrooms, tomato, lettuce, and condiments separately to keep them fresh for future sandwiches.

Vegan Bagel Sandwich with Mushroom Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 portobello mushrooms, cut into ⅛ in strips
Marinade
- ¼ cup cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp white miso paste
Bagel & More
- 4 bagels of choice, toasted
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 lettuce leafs
- vegan mayo or vegan cream cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or baking dish whisk together soy sauce, liquid smoke, olive oil, maple syrup, paprika and miso paste.
- Add the sliced mushrooms into the marinade and gently toss to cover each piece fully.
- Place directly on the wire rack, and into the air fryer at 390° for up to 10 mins, flipping halfway. (Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on the mushrooms to see if they need more, or less time.)
- Assemble your sandwiches by spreading mayo or cream cheese on each side of the bagel, lettuce, a tomato slice, salt, pepper, and ¼ of the vegan mushroom bacon. Cut in half, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vegan bagel sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the flavors of plant-based goodness. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to enjoy a meatless meal, this recipe offers a mouthwatering experience. Get ready to savor every bite of this delectable creation. If you’re seeking more plant-based sandwiches and wraps, feel free to browse my complete collection of Vegan Wraps Sandwich Recipes here.
This was so so so good! Thank you and the mushroom bacon flavor was amazing
Thank you so much for trying my recipe Rachel!
Great recipe!
Thank you for trying out my recipe Ryan!
I was not sure I was going to like the “mushroom bacon” but it was surprisingly delicious!
Thanks so much for the feedback Lauren!
Very nice recipe loved the flavor and not missing the meat at all. This was so satisfying.
Thanks so much Aaliyah!