An easy recipe for the most delicious vegan cheese and onion sandwich filler to make the classic British Cheese & Onion Sandwiches.
This tasty sandwich is a staple in cafes and sandwich bars here in the UK. It's also sold in supermarkets and as a tub of sandwich filler, but never a vegan one.
It's time to change that!
So I give you vegan cheese and onion sandwich filler.
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🥪 Sandwich filler ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need to make this popular sandwich filling.
- Vegan cheddar - grated
- Red onion - finely diced
- Spring onions - also known as scallions or salad onions
- Chives - fresh or dried (I prefer fresh chives)
- Vegan mayo - we like Helllmans vegan mayo
- Nutritional yeast - also known as nooch
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
For more sandwich inspiration check out 101 Vegan Sandwiches - Back to School Kids Lunch boxes.
🧀 Vegan cheese
You need grated vegan cheddar for this sandwich filler.
You can either buy it ready grated or grate a block of cheese yourself.
I'm all in favour of grated cheese for convenience, but if you're watching your budget, you will usually find the block is either cheaper or you get more cheese for the same price.
We like Violife vegan cheddar but use your favourite cheese.
🥫 Nooch
Even though I use vegan cheddar for this sandwich filler, I include nooch too.
What is nooch?
Nooch is another name for nutritional yeast.
So why add cheese and nooch?
People generally add nooch instead of cheese, but I like to add both.
The vegan cheddar gives the soft dairy mouthfeel and the nooch adds an extra umami savoury flavour, which helps as the vegan cheddar can be quite mild in flavour.
I also add it for a nutritional boost.
Nooch is a good source of Vitamin B12 which is hard to get in a vegan diet and very important. A lack of it can lead to anaemia and extreme tiredness
You can read more about it in the NHS article Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency Anaemia.
🥗 Spring onions
For the best flavour, use both red onions and spring onions.
Red onion has a sharper flavour with a bit of sweetness and spring onions have a milder flavour.
The combination of the two really works and adds a nice pop of colour too.
🍞 Which type of bread?
When you buy a ready-made cheese and onion sandwich it is usually on soft white or wholemeal bread.
Whichever bread you use, make sure it's bread with a soft crumb and crust.
This sandwich should be soft and unctuous!
I like to use thickly sliced wholemeal bread.
🔪 What do you spread on the bread?
It has to be butter, vegan butter of course.
Don't let me see you spreading mayo on that sandwich! It requires the creamy and slightly salty butter flavour.
Trust me, do this right and it will be a triumph and totally comforting.
🥗 Extra toppings
Traditionally a classic cheese and onion sandwich wears nothing more than that spread of (vegan) butter, however, it can be nice to add a bit of green.
Try adding one of these:
- Baby spinach
- Fresh cress
- Salad leaves
👩🏻🍳 Be a rebel
Now don't be telling anyone I told you to do this.
Spread your bread with vegan butter or spread, then add a really generous layer of your sandwich filler.
Before you add the top of the sandwich, add a layer of crisps (chips) for crunch.
They have to be standard or crinkle crisps, none of those weirdly shaped corn snacks in the shape of a space rocket, monster claw or puff. You know what I am saying!
It should give you crunch but not detract from the awesomeness of the sandwich filler.
For another classic British Sandwich try a vegan cheese and celery sandwich and also check out 39 of the Best Vegan Sandwiches.
💭 Top tip
Only add crisps just before you are about to eat the sandwich or they will go soggy and you can kiss goodbye to that crunch.
You can make the rest of the sandwich ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.
🥪 More vegan sandwiches to try
Here are some of my favourite vegan sandwiches:
- Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich
- Vegan Cheese Ploughman's Sandwich
- Vegan Cheese Savoury Sandwich
- Vegan Cuban Sandwich with Mushrooms
- Vegan Hummus Beet Sandwich
- Vegan New York Deli Sandwich
- Vegan Reuben Sandwich with Russian Dressing
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🔪 Step-by-step photos
Step-by-step photos of the vegan Cheese & Onion Sandwich being made. Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe.
Step 1
Add your grated vegan cheddar to a bowl, then add finely diced red onion.
Step 2
Now add the finely chopped spring onion and chives, then add the mayo and lemon juice.
Step 3
Next, add the nutritional yeast and season with salt and pepper, then give a good mix to combine.
Cover and set aside for at least 10 minutes for the flavours to develop.
If you're making it ahead, pop it in the fridge, then allow it to come to room temperature before making your sandwich for the best flavour.
Step 4
Let's layer up that sucker!
First spread two slices of soft wholemeal bread with vegan butter or spread, then add a layer of salad leaves (if you are adding them).
Finally, add a generously thick layer of your sandwich spread and top with the second slice of buttered bread.
Cut, serve and enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Cheese & Onion Sandwich Filler
Ingredients
- 200 g vegan cheddar grated
- 1 small red onion diced
- 4 spring onions finely sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 6 tbsp vegan mayo
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Add the grated cheese and red onion to a mixing bowl.
- Next add the chives, mayo and nutritional yeast.
- Now add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
- Give the flavours 10 minutes to develop before making your sandwiches or cover the bowl and pop in the fridge until you need it.
- If you are making sandwiches with sandwich filler from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature before making them as the chill from the fridge can deaden the flavours.
- Add to buttered bread and add salad leaves if you like, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you are very generous with the filling this may make 3 sandwiches and not 4.
- If you don't have nutritional yeast you can skip it or replace it with grated vegan cheddar.
- You could also try this sandwich filling with vegan salad cream instead of mayo.
- For a pop of heat, why not add some paprika and chilli flakes.
- You can keep this filling in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Lauren Vavala Harris
I just had a vegan pizza last night and was pleasantly surprised at how much better vegan cheese has gotten since I last tried it. This cheese and onion sandwich is now on my must-try list!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Yes vegan dairy is definitely improving. You can make this with your regular cheese to if you like.
Lindsay
Chips on a sandwich? We should be friends 😀 This looks amazing and I'm totally making it for lunch this weekend!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Haha, yes sometimes it's just too tempting and totally hits the spot!
Jennifer Burns
Amazing!! Followed the recipe and its delicious. I'm now guna have this made up and readily available for sandwiches and crackers 😋😋
Jacqueline Meldrum
Oh Fabulous, I am so glad you enjoyed it and yes a good idea to serve on crackers too.
Susan
I used to love these sandwiches. I need to make these soon. I am sure I have nooch somewhere.
Jacqueline Meldrum
You can make it without nooch but it adds flavour and nutrients.
Heather Johnson
love chips on a sandwich - it's a must-do!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I know it is always so good but so naughty!
Beth
These sandwiches are perfect for lunch today! My husband and I are so excited to try these. Sounds so delicious and very tasty!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I hope you both enjoy them. My husband loves these sandwiches.
Chelsea McCunnie
I used to love a cheese and onion sandwich back when I wasn’t vegan, and it’s one thing I’ve always missed. This is honestly delicious and tastes practically the same as I remember! Will become a staple for me from now on!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I am so glad you enjoyed it Chelsea. It's such a comforting sandwich.
Mahy
I am so ready to make a bag of sandwiches now. Fantastic recipe to keep handy!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I hope you enjoyed them when you make them.
Richard
This is gong on my list for next week.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Enjoy it when you try it. I am sure it will become a favourite.
Trina
These onion and cheese sandwiches are delicious. I was out of noose, so just used yellow mustard to replace the noose and lemon juice. We all loved it!
Thank you for sharing
Trina
Jacqueline Meldrum
That's lovely to hear and nice tweak. I am so glad you enjoyed them. Real comfort food I think.
Shannon
I need to try this! I just requested to join your Facebook group 🙂
Jacqueline Meldrum
Oh yes do, it's yummy! And you will like the group, it's a really friendly place.