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Vegan Cordon Bleu is a crispy, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tofu that’s stuffed with smoky vegan ham and gooey vegan cheese, then battered and coated in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. The dish is served with a delicious vegan Dijon cream sauce for an added touch of richness. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a special meal for yourself, this easy-to-make vegan version of a classic French dish will impress everyone at the table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Vegan Cordon Bleu

16-ounce block super firm tofu
2–4 slices vegan ham
1–3 slices vegan Swiss, Gouda, or Provolone
1 cup unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Vegan Dijon Cream Sauce

½ cup soaked raw cashews
¾ cup filtered water
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare the Tofu:
Remove the tofu from packaging and blot it with paper towels. Slice the tofu in half so you have two pieces about 1 inch thick each. Make a pocket in each tofu block by slicing along the long side, leaving ½ inch on either end.
Stuff the Tofu:
Cut vegan ham and cheese into pieces that fit into the pockets of the tofu. Gently stuff the tofu with the ham and cheese, packing it as tightly as possible without breaking the tofu.
Prepare the Batter:
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together non-dairy milk, flour, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning until smooth.
Coat the Tofu:
Dip each stuffed tofu block into the batter, coating it evenly, and then dredge it in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure all sides are completely coated.
Bake the Tofu:
Place the coated tofu on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Flip the tofu carefully and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Make the Sauce:
While the tofu bakes, combine soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust thickness with water if needed.
Serve:
Let the tofu cool for a few minutes before serving. Pour the vegan Dijon cream sauce over the tofu or serve on the side.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 17g
Sodium: 550mg

The Foundation: Super Firm Tofu

The base of Vegan Cordon Bleu is super firm tofu, which serves as a perfect meat substitute due to its ability to hold its shape and absorb the flavors around it. Tofu, particularly super firm tofu, has a dense, compact texture that mimics the bite of meat, making it an excellent choice for dishes that traditionally rely on chicken or pork. When prepared correctly, tofu can take on an entirely new dimension, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

In this recipe, the tofu is sliced and stuffed to create the “pocket” that will hold the vegan ham and cheese filling. The tofu is then coated in a batter and breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy, golden outer layer when baked. The ability of tofu to hold its structure and absorb the flavors of the filling makes it the ideal vehicle for this dish, ensuring that each bite delivers both flavor and texture.

Stuffing the Tofu: Vegan Ham and Cheese

What truly sets Vegan Cordon Bleu apart is the filling. Just like the traditional dish, this vegan version is stuffed with vegan ham and cheese, which provides both richness and depth of flavor. The vegan ham used in this recipe is typically made from plant-based ingredients such as soy, wheat gluten, or pea protein, and it’s seasoned to have a smoky, savory taste that mimics traditional cured meats.

Vegan cheese is another essential component of the stuffing. Whether you choose a vegan Swiss, Gouda, or Provolone, the cheese adds a melty, creamy texture that melts perfectly inside the tofu. The combination of the smoky ham and gooey cheese creates a satisfying filling that delivers the same indulgent experience as the classic Cordon Bleu.

This stuffing process is crucial because it infuses the tofu with rich, savory flavors that transform it from a simple protein into the heart of the dish. The tofu pocket holds the filling tightly, ensuring that each bite contains the perfect amount of vegan ham and cheese.

The Battering Process: Coating for Crispy Perfection

To create the signature crispy exterior of Cordon Bleu, the tofu is battered and coated in panko breadcrumbs. The batter is made from a combination of non-dairy milk, flour, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor that complements the vegan cheese inside the tofu. The flour helps the batter adhere to the tofu, creating a uniform coating that crisps up nicely during baking.

Panko breadcrumbs, with their light and airy texture, provide the perfect crunch when baked. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs are coarser and more delicate, allowing for a crispier texture once the tofu is baked. The combination of the batter and panko coating ensures that each bite of Vegan Cordon Bleu has a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, creamy tofu filling.

Baking the Tofu: Achieving Crispy Golden Perfection

Once the tofu is stuffed, battered, and coated, it’s ready for baking. Baking is the best way to achieve a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. The tofu is baked at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even golden-brown crust on all sides. The high temperature helps the tofu crisp up quickly, while also allowing the filling to warm and melt inside.

Baking the tofu also allows it to develop a rich, savory flavor, as the outside caramelizes slightly while the inside remains tender. The tofu’s crispy exterior creates the perfect contrast with the creamy, gooey filling, making each bite an indulgent experience. The result is a dish that looks and tastes just like the classic Cordon Bleu, but without any animal products.

Vegan Dijon Cream Sauce: A Perfect Finishing Touch

No Cordon Bleu is complete without a rich, creamy sauce to accompany it. For this vegan version, a delicious Dijon cream sauce is made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and salt. The cashews are blended with water to create a creamy base, while the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce. Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick, balancing the creaminess with a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the tofu and filling.

The result is a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the crispy tofu and savory filling. The Dijon cream sauce is drizzled over the tofu just before serving, adding a luxurious touch that elevates the dish. The sauce also provides an extra layer of flavor, making the Vegan Cordon Bleu even more indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan Cordon Bleu is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. For a classic presentation, serve it on a plate with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The crisp, hearty nature of the tofu pairs well with a variety of sides, from sautéed greens to crispy potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or pasta for a more substantial meal.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Its impressive appearance and indulgent flavor make it a great choice for entertaining guests, especially for those who are vegan or dairy-free. However, it’s also a dish that will satisfy anyone, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not. Its rich, savory flavors and crispy texture make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.

Health Benefits of Vegan Cordon Bleu

While Vegan Cordon Bleu is an indulgent treat, it also has some health benefits thanks to its plant-based ingredients. Tofu is a great source of protein and is low in fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products. Vegan ham and cheese are also lower in saturated fat compared to their dairy counterparts, and they provide the savory flavors that make the dish so satisfying.

The cashew-based cream sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional dairy-based sauces, providing healthy fats and additional protein while keeping the dish dairy-free. Additionally, the use of panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breading results in a lighter, crispier coating that still provides plenty of crunch without being overly greasy.

Customizations and Variations

One of the great things about Vegan Cordon Bleu is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different plant-based cheeses to find the one that best suits your taste. For a more melty, gooey texture, try using a vegan cheese that melts easily, such as a vegan mozzarella or a cheddar-style cheese.

You can also customize the stuffing by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions to the filling for extra flavor and texture. For a spicy kick, add a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes to the stuffing or sauce. Vegan Cordon Bleu is highly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own while still staying true to the essence of the dish.

Conclusion

Vegan Cordon Bleu is a delicious and indulgent dish that takes the classic French recipe and transforms it into a plant-based masterpiece. With crispy tofu, smoky vegan ham and cheese, and a rich Dijon cream sauce, this dish delivers all the flavor and texture of the original without any animal products. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this vegan version of Cordon Bleu is sure to impress everyone at the table. Its combination of savory, cheesy filling, crispy crust, and creamy sauce makes it a true showstopper that will satisfy both vegan and non-vegan diners alike. With endless customization options and a delightful balance of flavors, Vegan Cordon Bleu is a dish that will become a favorite in your plant-based recipe repertoire.

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