Crispy Chicken Caesar Melt

Nut-free option, Soy-free option

This recipe is inspired by our love for Caesar Salad. It combines breaded and fried Crispy Seitan with Mozzarella, lettuce and Creamy Caesar Dressing. Yes, it is as good as it sounds. Pair it with Garlic Dill Smashed Potatoes or Creamy Tomato Soup.

The Crispy Chicken Caesar Melt is a delectable vegan sandwich that combines savory flavors and satisfying textures into a mouthwatering meal. This sandwich starts with thick-cut vegan bread, such as Texas toast, which is buttered and seasoned with garlic salt for a rich and savory base.

Layered within are slices of vegan Mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey, melty goodness that complements the other components perfectly. The star of the show is the Crispy Seitan, providing a hearty, meaty texture and a delightful crunch.

Adding a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce offers a refreshing contrast and a crisp bite, while the vegan Creamy Caesar Dressing ties everything together with its creamy, tangy, and garlicky notes.

This sandwich is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a satisfying and hearty meal that will have both vegans and non-vegans coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed as a lunchtime favorite or a comforting dinner option, the Crispy Chicken Caesar Melt is a must-try for anyone looking to savor a classic Caesar salad in sandwich form, with a delightful vegan twist.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes, plus prep time for Crispy Seitan

COOK TIME: 18 minutes

YIELD: 6 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 slices thick-cut vegan bread, such as Texas toast, or bread of choice
• Vegan butter, as needed (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• Garlic Salt or store-bought, as needed
• 1½ cups (170 g) vegan Mozzarella shreds, divided (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 batch Crispy Seitan (soy-free if needed)
• 1½ cups (70 g) shredded iceberg lettuce, divided
• 6 tbsp (90 ml) vegan Creamy Caesar Dressing or store-bought, divided (soy-free if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • On one side of each slice of bread, spread a thin layer of vegan butter.
   • Sprinkle some garlic salt on top of the buttered side.
2. Build the Sandwiches:
   • Place 2 to 3 slices of bread, butter side down, in a large, lidded skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Sprinkle about ¼ cup (28 g) of vegan Mozzarella shreds on each slice.
   • Add an additional slice of bread on top of each sandwich, butter side up.
3. Cook the Bottom Side:
   • Cover the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the bottom of the sandwiches is lightly browned and crispy.
4. Flip and Add Seitan:
   • Flip each sandwich.
   • Carefully open each sandwich and add a piece of Crispy Seitan.
   • Place the top piece of bread back on top of the sandwich.
5. Finish Cooking:
   • Cook the sandwiches, uncovered, for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   • Remove the sandwiches from the pan.
   • Carefully open each sandwich and add ¼ cup (11 g) of shredded iceberg lettuce and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Caesar dressing to each sandwich.
   • Add more dressing to taste if desired.
7. Serve:
   • Repeat the assembly for the remaining sandwiches.
   • Serve and enjoy your Vegan Caesar Seitan Sandwiches!