Name: Vegan BLT with Baked Tempeh Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 8 ounces tempeh ((*not all brands are GF)); 1/4 cup vegan mayo (, more to taste); 8 slices bread ((GF if preferred)); 4 lettuce leaves; 2 medium tomatoes (, sliced); 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil ((or preferred oil)); 3 tablespoons low sodium tamari (GF if preferred (sub soy)); 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke; 1.5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

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A healthy and kind twist on a classic, this Vegan BLT is made with smoky-sweet baked tempeh bacon. It’s so easy to make, just marinate, and bake for 20 minutes or less.

Have you heard about the TTLA craze at Whole Foods? It’s basically a Vegan BLT, but instead of mayo, they add vegan garlic aioli. It’s also served with avocado slices, red onion and pressed ciabatta bread.

The TTLA was made famous by actress, Tabitha Brown’s viral video of her happily eating the sandwich. Her genuine enthusiasm had everyone running to get one.

Sadly, I still haven’t made it to Whole Foods because they are almost an hour from me. But, I’ve been making my own classic Vegan BLTs for years and this video sparked me to share it on Vegan Huggs.

You can easily turn this into a TTLA if you prefer. Sometimes I’ll change things up with Creamy Chipotle Sauce or a slice of Vegan Cheddar Cheese. It’s a versatile sandwich!

I don’t usually buy the premade tempeh bacon, because it’s so easy to make it homemade. I like adding my own flavoring and easily switching it up too.

What is Tempeh?

It’s typically made from whole fermented soybeans and it usually comes in block form. Some contain only soybeans and some also include grains and seeds.

Tempeh has a hearty texture and a mild nutty flavor. It does have a slight bitterness too, but I usually don’t notice it after cooking in seasonings.

However, if that slight bitterness bothers you, the tempeh can be steamed for 10 minutes before marinating. This will mellow it out.

I love tempeh because it’s healthy, protein-rich, and it has a great texture. BUT, without seasonings, it’s kind of blah! That’s where the marinade comes in and It will turn that blah into oh-so-tasty!

How do you make Tempeh Bacon?

STEP 1

Cut the tempeh block into 1/4 ” slices (see photo above).

STEP 2

Whisk the marinade ingredients together and pour into an 8 ” rimmed shallow dish or baking dish.

STEP 3

Place the tempeh slices into your prepared marinade and let the pieces marinate in the fridge for 15-20 minutes or longer if preferred.

STEP 4

Place the marinated strips on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little room in between each piece.

STEP 5

Pop the pan in the oven and bake until lightly browned and the surface is slightly crisp on each side. Watch the tempeh closely to prevent burning.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE A VEGAN BLT

To assemble your sandwich, coat each bread slice with vegan mayo and top with tomato slices, lettuce, and tempeh bacon. Close bread together and cut if desired.

Make it your own!

I made a classic Vegan BLT which I love, but feel free to add your own twist. You can add things like hummus, guacamole, avocado slices, red onion, chipotle sauce, garlic aioli, pickles, jalapénos, roasted peppers, sauteéd mushrooms and so much more.

THE PERFECT SIDES FOR A VEGAN BLT:

Enjoy!

I’d love to hear from you

If you make this Vegan BLT, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

Step By Step Photos Above

Vegan BLT with Baked Tempeh Bacon

A healthy and kind twist on a classic, this Vegan BLT is made with smoky-sweet baked tempeh bacon. It's so easy to make, just marinate, and bake for 20 minutes or less.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: lunch

Cuisine: Gluten-Free Option, Nut-Free, Vegan

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: people

Calories: 450kcal

Author: Melissa Huggins

Ingredients

8 ounces tempeh (*not all brands are GF)
1/4 cup vegan mayo , more to taste
8 slices bread (GF if preferred)
4 lettuce leaves
2 medium tomatoes , sliced

Marinade

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or preferred oil)
3 tablespoons low sodium tamari GF if preferred (sub soy)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1.5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F (176° C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a small bowl, add all marinade ingredients and whisk to combine well. Pour marinade into an 8 " rimmed shallow dish or baking dish.
Cut tempeh into 1/4 " slices. * If you cut them thinner, the tempeh falls apart easily in the marinade.
Now place the tempeh slices into your marinade. Gently flip to coat all sides well. Let the pieces marinate in the fridge for 15-20 minutes or longer if preferred.
Place the marinated strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room in between each piece (*save leftover marinade). Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. *If the tempeh seems dry, you can lightly brush on some leftover marinade.
Now gently flip each slice with tongs and bake 8-10 minutes more, until lightly browned and the surface is slightly crisp (*The inside remains soft). Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven.
To assemble your BLT, coat each bread slice with mayo and top with tomato slices, lettuce, and tempeh bacon. Close sandwich and cut if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

** The nutritional information includes all the marinade amounts. However, a lot of the marinade will be left behind, which will make some of the values lower. The nutritional info also includes the bread, vegan mayo, tempeh, lettuce, and tomatoes.

* Tempeh has a slight bitterness to it, but I usually don't notice it after seasoning. However, if that slight bitterness will bother you, the tempeh can be steamed for 10 minutes before marinating. This will mellow it out.

* Prep time doesn't include marinating time.

Nutrition

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Melissa Huggins

Melissa is the creator and recipe developer of the popular food & lifestyle blog, Vegan Huggs. It's a friendly and approachable environment for anyone who's curious about plant-based eating or cruelty-free living. Her blog is filled with comforting, familiar and easy-to-follow recipes that will fit into every household. Each dish is beautifully photographed in her own unique style with an inviting feel to them. Also, she has built a solid relationship with her readers and has a real understanding of what makes them return.