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Home ยป Recipes ยป Sandwich Recipes

Vegan Cuban Sandwich with Mushrooms

Modified: Sep 4, 2025 by Jacqueline Meldrum

Jump to Recipe

This vegan Cuban sandwich is an enticing toasted sandwich with succulent sauteed mushrooms and melted vegan cheese.

Vegan Cuban Sandwich

Continuing my mission to bring you the tastiest vegan sandwiches to perk up lunchtime, I bring you my version of a toasted Cuban sandwich.

Doesn't it look good?

And it really is!


๐Ÿฅช For more sandwich ideas, say hello to the 150 Easy Vegan Sandwiches (with 6 ingredients or less) ebook. You'll never be stuck for lunch ideas again!  All for the price of a coffee.

Keep it on your phone when shopping or in the kitchen or print it out to keep handy to glance through. Get it now!

Jump to:
  • ๐Ÿฅช What is a Cuban sandwich?
  • ๐Ÿด Ingredients
  • ๐Ÿ„ Mushrooms
  • ๐Ÿง€ Vegan cheese
  • ๐Ÿฅช More rocking vegan sandwiches to try
  • ๐Ÿด Lunch box guides
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ Want new recipes delivered to your inbox?
  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Pin it for later
  • ๐Ÿ”ช Step-by-step photos
  • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

๐Ÿฅช What is a Cuban sandwich?

There is some debate about where the Cuban sandwich actually came from.

Some say it was invented by the Taino tribe in Cuba, influenced by Spaniards in the area.

Others say it was created by the first US Cuban community in Tampa, but Miami claims it was created there in the Cuban capital of the US.

A Cuban sandwich (also known as Sรกndwich Cubano) is traditionally a toasted sandwich of ham, cheese, mustard and pickles served on soft white Cuban bread.

For this vegan version, I use the gutsy and savoury flavour and texture of mushrooms to replace the ham.

You can read more about the history of the Cuban in an article from Thrillist - The History of the Cuban Sandwich.

For more sandwich inspiration check out 101 Vegan Sandwiches - Back to School Kids Lunch boxes.

๐Ÿด Ingredients

A few simple ingredients are all you need to make this exquisite toasted sandwich.

Grilled Cuban Sandwich served with tomatoes and cucumber
  • White bread
  • Vegan mayo
  • Red onion
  • Mushrooms
  • Vegan cheeese
  • Sliced gherkins (large dill or sweet pickle)
  • American yellow mustard
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Also try this toasted Black Olive & Tomato Toastie.

๐Ÿ„ Mushrooms

Mushrooms are the star of this toasted sandwich but don't add them raw. They need a bit of love and attention first.

closed cap mushrooms

I used closed cup mushrooms for this delicious sandwich, but you could use large flat cap, portobello mushrooms or even chestnut mushrooms.

Any standard mushrooms will do (this is not the recipe for wild mushrooms), it's more about spending a few minutes cooking and seasoning them well.

Just season then with salt and pepper, but a pinch of paprika would be good too.

You could also try these sandwiches with Tomato & Olive Deli Slices instead of mushrooms.

๐Ÿง€ Vegan cheese

This iconic sandwich also contains cheese. Vegan cheese of course.

violife vegan cheese slices

I used Voilife vegan cheese, but you may use your favourite.

You can slice a block of cheese but I find packs of sliced vegan cheese really handy for sandwiches and toasties.

Vegan cheddar slices don't melt as well as standard cheese, but it does melt a little and softens, enough to make this sandwich a real winner.

๐Ÿฅช More rocking vegan sandwiches to try

Here are some more must-have vegan sandwiches.

Vegan New York Deli Sandwich
  1. Cheese & Onion Sandwiches
  2. Cheese Ploughman's Sandwich
  3. Cheese Savoury Sandwich
  4. Falafel & Apple Sandwich
  5. Hummus Beet Sandwich
  6. Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich
  7. New York Deli Sandwich
  8. Reuben Sandwich with Russian Dressing
  9. Sage & Onion Cheese Sandwiches
  10. Spiced Chickpea & Carrot Sandwich

also try Falafel Beetroot Bagel Sandwich an Spicy Onion Bhaji Sandwich with Slaw

All vegan and all super delicious! Bring it on!

๐Ÿด Lunch box guides

If your kids are heading back to school and you need more kid-friendly lunch ideas, check out these lunch guides.

  • 10 Vegan Lunchbox Ideas for Kids
  • 45 Back to School Lunches for Kids
  • Back to School Lunches for Kids
  • Kid- Friendly School Lunch Plan for Vegan Kids
  • Packing Lunch

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ Want new recipes delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for my Vegan Lunch Box newsletter for lunch ideas and recipes straight to your inbox when they are published.  

Also, sign up for my Tinned Tomatoes newsletter for a selection of recipes delivered to your inbox each week or sign up for my email updates and don't miss out on the latest recipe. Check your spam folder they don't arrive.

๐Ÿ“‹ Pin it for later

This vegan Cuban Sandwich is an enticing toasted sandwich with succulent sauteed mushrooms and melted vegan cheese.

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Once you've done that, join my Facebook group Living on the Veg. It's a very friendly community with lots of recipes and chat. I'm in there every day chatting.

close up of cuban sandwich

๐Ÿ”ช Step-by-step photos

Step-by-step photos of the Vegan Cuban Sandwich with Mushrooms being made. Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe.

VegVegan Cuban Sandwich - Step 1

Step 1

  • Sautee your mushrooms in olive oil and seasn well with salt and pepper.
  • While the mushrooms are cooking, toast (broil) your bread, then spread one slice with vegan mayo.
  • Add thinly sliced red onion, then top with the cooked mushrooms and slices of vegan cheese and season.
Vegan Cuban Sandwich - Step 2

Step 2

  • Melt the vegan cheese under a grill (broiler) until melted, then top with large slices of gherkin (dill or sweet pickle).
  • Spread the last slice of toasted bread with a generous layer of American yellow mustard and top the sandwich.
Toasted Vegan Cuban Sandwich served with cherry tomatoes and cucumber

Step 3

  • Slice in half and serve with salad while still warm.
  • Enjoy!

๐Ÿ“– Recipe

Grilled Cuban Sandwich served with tomatoes and cucumber

Vegan Cuban Sandwich with Mushrooms

Jacqueline Meldrum
This vegan Cuban Sandwich is an enticing toasted sandwich with succulent sauteed mushrooms and melted vegan cheese.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 1 sandwich
Calories 426 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 mushrooms closed cup
  • 2 slices white bread
  • 1 tablespoon vegan mayo
  • 3 slices red onion
  • 2 slices vegan cheddar
  • 3 slices gherkin
  • 2 teaspoon American yellow mustard
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper
InstacartGet Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Saute the mushrooms in the olive oil until soft. Season well with salt and pepper.
  • While the mushrooms are cooking, toast (broil) the bread.
  • Spread one slice of toasted bread with mayo and top with slices of red onion, then a layer of cooked mushrooms.
  • Top with slices of vegan cheddar and season with black pepper. Melt the cheese under a grill (broiler)
  • Top with sliced gherkin.
  • Spread the second slice of toasted bread with mustard, top the sandwich and cut in half.
  • Serve while warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • I used closed cup mushrooms for this delicious sandwich, but you could use large flat cap or portobello mushrooms or even chestnut mushrooms.
  • A pinch of paprika or chill powder added to the mushrooms while they cook gives a nice little bit of heat.
  • This sandwich is best eaten warm while the cheese is soft and melted, but is still pretty good when cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 426kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 9gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 1136mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 176mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Easy Vegan Sandwiches and Toasties

  • Vegan Vietnamese Tofu Banh Mi.
    Vegan Tofu Banh Mi - Vietnamese Street Food Sandwich
  • Caesar's chickpea smash sandwiches.
    BEST Vegan Caesar Smashed Chickpea Sandwiches Recipe
  • 101 vegan sandwiches logo.
    101 Vegan Sandwiches - Back to School Kids Lunch Boxes
  • Gochujang Chickpea Smash Salad Sandwich.
    Vegan Gochujang Chickpea Smash for Sandwiches & Tacos

Comments

  1. Cathy says

    September 06, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    What's the difference between English mustard (yellow) & American mustard please?

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Meldrum says

      September 07, 2023 at 10:20 am

      They are very similar, but the English one is a bit spicier and is more peppery.

      Reply
  2. Barbara Pearn says

    August 27, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    5 stars
    Totally delicious!, as with all your recipes that I have tried, thanks.

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Meldrum says

      August 28, 2021 at 7:08 pm

      I am so glad you enjoyed it Barbara.

      Reply
  3. Alison says

    August 18, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    5 stars
    Mushrooms are such an excellent replacement in vegan sandwiches. They're totally meaty and flavorful. This Cuban sandwich is ultra tasty!! It has all the components of an authentic Cuban!

    Reply
  4. Shashi says

    August 18, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    Wow! What a glorious sandwich ! Iโ€™m so glad to learn about the basics of this Cuban sandwich and cannot wait to try it soon!

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Meldrum says

      August 18, 2021 at 8:23 pm

      I hope you try and enjoy it Shashi!

      Reply
  5. kushigalu says

    August 18, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    5 stars
    Love combination of ingredients in this Sandwich recipe. So delicious. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Meldrum says

      August 18, 2021 at 8:04 pm

      The flavours and textures all work so well together.

      Reply
  6. Cate says

    August 18, 2021 at 7:46 pm

    This looks like a perfect quick lunch recipe! Can't wait to try it.

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Meldrum says

      August 18, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      I hope you enjoy it as much as we do Cate.

      Reply
  7. Nathan says

    August 18, 2021 at 7:42 pm

    5 stars
    This vegan Cuban looks absolutely delicious, so smart to use mushrooms to replace the ham! I'll definitely have to try this out for lunch next week.

    Reply
    • Jacqueline Meldrum says

      August 18, 2021 at 8:03 pm

      I hope you enjoy it, Nathan. It's super tasty!

      Reply
5 from 4 votes

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Jacqueline Meldrum - Recipe Developer.

Welcome to The Vegan Lunchbox.

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