Name: Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan American
Ingredients: 4 pieces Gardein Chick’n Scallopini; 4 slices Tofurky vegan ham; 2 slices Daiya vegan Swiss cheese, cut in half; 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 cup Just Egg; ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs; Oil spray for baking sheet; Vegan mayonnaise; Dijon mustard

If you’ve ever craved the indulgent charm of a classic cordon bleu but want to keep it completely plant-based, this Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine biting into layers of golden, crispy goodness that melt away to reveal creamy vegan cheese and savory ham—all wrapped in tender vegan chicken. This dish feels like a cozy celebration perfect for weekend dinners or impressing friends without the fuss.

Two golden brown, crispy squares with a crunchy texture and small bits of black inside sit side by side on a white plate. The squares have a crunchy outer layer and a creamy, pale filling visible at the bottom edges. They are sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Behind them, a clear glass bowl holds a smooth, light creamy sauce, also topped with tiny green herbs. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Vegan Cordon Bleu, plant-based cordon bleu, vegan chicken cordon bleu, vegan cheese cordon bleu, vegetarian cordon bleu

Jump to:

Meet the Magic Behind This Dish
Why You’ll Love This
The Essentials: Ingredients That Do the Work
Step-by-Step: Bringing Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe to Life
Pro Moves to Elevate It
Switch It Up: Creative Variations
Storage & Reheating Tips
Serving Inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions
Notes & Handy Tools
Full Recipe

Meet the Magic Behind This Dish

I first got inspired to create this Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe because I missed that delightful crunch and melty center from the traditional version. What makes it unique is using plant-based “chicken” that crisps up beautifully while staying moist on the inside, plus the creamy vegan Swiss cheese that adds a touch of tang. When you cut into it, you’ll notice that satisfying golden crust that’s as toasty as it is inviting.

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Why You’ll Love This

This Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe is all about textures that delight your palate and flavors that cozy up to your senses. It’s an accessible way to recreate a timeless classic with a friendly plant-based twist that still feels utterly indulgent.

Texture That Melts: Crispy, golden breading gives way to tender vegan chicken and creamy melted cheese.
Flavor Layers You’ll Crave: Savory ham, tangy Dijon mustard, and smooth vegan mayo combine perfectly.
Quick to Master: Simple assembly and oven-baked finish means you’ll impress without stress.
Perfect Anytime Meal: Works beautifully for casual dinners or celebrations alike.

The Essentials: Ingredients That Do the Work

Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe - Recipe Image — Vegan Cordon Bleu, plant-based cordon bleu, vegan chicken cordon bleu, vegan cheese cordon bleu, vegetarian cordon bleu

Choosing the right plant-based products is key here. You'll want vegan chicken that holds together well but crisps up nicely, and a vegan Swiss cheese that melts smoothly without overpowering the dish. These core ingredients bring authenticity to this Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe.

Vegan Chicken (like Gardein Chick’n Scallopini): Select pieces that are thin and delicate, perfect for layering and stuffing.
Vegan Swiss Cheese (such as Daiya): Use slices that melt evenly and give that signature creamy, nutty flavor.
Vegan Ham Slices (Tofurky or similar): Adds a savory, smoky layer that complements the cheese.
Just Egg (or plant-based egg replacer): For that golden wash that helps the crust crisp up beautifully.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Go for light, flaky ones to get that perfect crunch.
Vegan Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: Together they make a luscious coating that locks in moisture and adds zing.

Quick Note: Precise amounts and timing live in the recipe card at the end.

Step-by-Step: Bringing Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe to Life

Step 1 — Gather, Chop, and Prep

Start by thawing your vegan chicken overnight in the fridge so it’s perfectly pliable and easy to work with. Have your slices of vegan ham and vegan Swiss cheese ready. You’ll also want a small bowl to mix your vegan mayo and Dijon mustard—this mixture will give your cordon bleu that beautiful glaze. Prep a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat, and set out your breading stations with Just Egg and panko breadcrumbs. Trust me, having everything ready keeps the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2 — Heat, Stir, and Build Flavor

Preheat your oven to 370°F. Next, create your vegan “sandwiches”: layer vegan ham and cheese between two pieces of vegan chicken, aligning the edges carefully so nothing falls out during cooking. Brush your mayo-mustard mixture generously on both sides—it’s the secret to that glossy, flavor-packed coating. Then, dip each side in Just Egg, followed by a thorough roll in panko breadcrumbs. You'll hear that satisfying crunch forming under your fingers. Place them on your baking sheet and give a light spray of oil. Pop them in the oven, flipping halfway, until each side is golden and crisp with an inviting aroma that’ll pull everyone to the kitchen.

Step 3 — Finish and Taste-Test

Once baked to a golden perfection—usually after about 35 minutes total—let your Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe rest just a few minutes. This helps everything settle and keeps the layers intact when you cut into it. Serve warm with a side of your dipped vegan mayo and Dijon mustard sauce. Take that first bite: the crispy crust, the creamy cheese, and savory ham meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning if you like a touch more mustard punch, but I find this balance just right for that cozy, comforting flavor.

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Pro Moves to Elevate It

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here’s what I keep in mind when I’m crafting this dish for friends or a cozy night in.

Heat Wisdom: Don’t rush the baking — lower and slower yields a golden crust without drying out the filling.
Timing Trick: Flip gently and use toothpicks if needed to keep sandwiches intact during baking.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the sandwiches a few hours ahead, keep chilled, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
Common Slip-Up: Avoid skipping the mayo-mustard brush—it keeps the breading crispy and flavorful rather than soggy.

Switch It Up: Creative Variations

Once you’ve nailed the basics, the Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe is a fantastic canvas for playful spins. You can swap out the vegan ham for smoked tofu or tempeh for a different texture, or add fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant twist. It’s fun to experiment!

When You’re Feeling Bold

If you like it spicy, sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili flakes into your mayo-mustard mixture. Or try a different cheese style—vegan cheddar or pepper jack can add exciting new dimensions. I've even added thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes inside for a tangy surprise that really wows guests.

Storage & Reheating Tips

You can keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer bag—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When reheating, I recommend using a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F to regain that crisp crust, rather than the microwave which tends to make it soggy.

Serving Inspiration

This Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe pairs beautifully with a bright green salad or some lightly roasted veggies for casual meals. For something more festive, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a lemony risotto. And don’t forget a tangy mustard or herbed mayo on the side to dip. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus slices can elevate the whole experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Vegan Cordon Bleu Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your vegan chicken and other ingredients are gluten-free labeled.

What’s the best vegan cheese for melting?

I find Daiya’s vegan Swiss cheese melts beautifully with a creamy, mild flavor that complements this recipe well—but feel free to experiment with your favorite melty vegan cheeses.

Can I pan-fry instead of baking?

You can! Just use moderate heat and cook each side until golden and cooked through, but baking tends to give a more consistent crispy crust and is less hands-on.

What’s a good dipping sauce to serve with it?

A simple side of vegan mayo mixed with a bit of Dijon mustard or lemon juice pairs perfectly, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Notes & Handy Tools

A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. A soft pastry brush comes in handy for evenly coating the vegan chicken sandwiches with the mayo-mustard mixture. For flipping, use a wide spatula to keep your cordon bleu intact. And a small mixing bowl for your mayo and mustard mix keeps things tidy and smooth.

Full Recipe