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Home » Recipes » Vegan Lunch Recipes

Vegan Cordon Bleu

Published: Jul 24, 2023 · Modified: Mar 13, 2025 by Toni · This post may contain affiliate links

Vegan cordon bleu made with plant-based ham and cheese stuffed chick’n coated in panko breadcrumbs, then baked until crispy and golden. It’s simple and delicious!

Jump to Recipe
completed Vegan Cordon Bleu plated with green beans and sauce on the side
Jump to:
  • What is Cordon Bleu?
  • The Ingredients and Substitutes
  • How to Make Vegan Cordon Bleu
  • FAQs
  • Top Recipe Tips and Notes
  • What to Serve with Vegan Chicken Cordon Bleu?
  • Storage Instructions
  • More Vegan Mains Recipes
  • Vegan Cordon Bleu

What is Cordon Bleu?

Cordon bleu (also called schnitzel cordon bleu) is a classic dish that has origins in Switzerland in the 1940s and is traditionally made by stuffing meat – usually either chicken, ham, or veal schnitzel - with a cheese and ham filling, breaded, then fried or baked until crispy.

Luckily, with so many easily accessible, convenient, vegan alternatives on the market these days, it’s now really easy to make 100% vegan cordon bleu (like a vegan stuffed chicken breast) at home that’s simple to prepare, requires just a few ingredients, and only a handful of simple steps. Plus, unlike many recipes online, there's no need to prepare seitan from scratch for this one!

Once baked, it’s crisp outside with chewy chick’n and a slightly smoky, oozing 'cheesy' vegan ham center. It’s a crowd-pleasing meat-free main, perfect for serving the family at your dinner table or impressing at dinner parties and celebrations.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

This vegan cordon bleu recipe requires just 7 ingredients by utilizing convenient vegan alternative products.

ingredients for Vegan Cordon Bleu measured out against a white surface

Vegan Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Vegan Chicken: For this cordon bleu vegan recipe, you’ll need thin, uncoated, schnitzel-like pieces of vegan mock chicken. I love using Gardein Chick’n Scallopini (thawed) or fillets (cut in half if they’re too thick). Alternatively, you could make your own seitan chick’n from scratch.
  • Vegan Ham: Use your favorite vegan ham slices. I used Tofurky ham. Alternatively, pan-fried smoked tofu slices would work, too.
  • Vegan cheese: Like traditional cordon bleu, Swiss cheese works best. I used Daiya vegan Swiss cheese slices. However, you could also experiment with other vegan cheese slices, like vegan ‘smoked edam’ or even vegan cheddar slices.

The Coating and Breading

  • The coating: A simple combination of vegan mayonnaise and Dijon mustard helps to keep the chick’n moist, add flavor, and help the panko adhere.
  • Breading: Using a simple ingredient swap, this vegan breading combines Just Egg (a vegan egg replacement made from mung beans) with panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free). Alternatively, you could use a flour and water mixture.

You can find Just Egg bottled in the refrigerator section in most major grocery stores, Whole Foods, and other health food stores.

  • Oil spray: To lightly spray the cutlets for the crispiest results.

I also love to serve this vegetarian cordon bleu with a sauce made of vegan mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

How to Make Vegan Cordon Bleu

  • 1) First, you’ll need to leave the chick’n scallopini to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • 2) When you’re ready to prepare and bake the vegan cordon bleu, first preheat the oven to 370F/188C.
  • 3) Meanwhile, to assemble the vegan cordon bleu, first slice the vegan cheese slices in half. Then place half a slice of vegan cheese over two of the chick’n pieces, followed by 2-3 slices of plant-based ham and another half slice of vegan cheese before topping with another piece of chick'n to make a kind of ‘sandwich’, pressing the sides to help ‘seal’ it, if possible.
process shot showing sliced vegan cheese
process shot showing cheese added to vegan chick'n
process shot showing added vegan ham to vegan cheese and chick'n
process shot of additional vegan cheese added on top of vegan ham
process shot of additional vegan chick'n added on top
close up of pre coated vegan cordon bleu

Having thawed the chick’n, it becomes fairly soft, making it easier for you to press the sides together to help ‘seal’ the filling inside.

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  • 4) Then, in a small bowl, combine the dairy-free mayonnaise and mustard and use a brush to brush both sides of the assembled cordon bleu.
ingredients for Vegan Cordon Bleu measured out against a white surface
process shot of mixing coating together in bowl
two Vegan Cordon Bleu sandwiches alongside bowl of coating
process shot of brushing coating onto Vegan Cordon Bleu tops
post coating Vegan Cordon Bleu against white surface
  • 5) Next, pour the Just Egg into one plate/bowl and the panko breadcrumbs to another and gently dip both sides of the chick’n first into the ‘egg’ mixture, then the panko.
bowl of beading mixture alongside pre-breaded cordon bleu sandwiches
process shot of adding cordon bleu sandwich to bowl of breading mixture
process shot of adding cordon bleu sandwich to bowl of breading mixture
process shot of adding panko bread crumbs to Vegan Cordon Bleu on a plate
process shot of adding panko bread crumbs to Vegan Cordon Bleu on a plate

Press the breadcrumbs into the exterior to ensure they’re well-covered and adhered.

  • 6) Transfer the breaded cordon bleu to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil. If needed, use a couple of toothpicks to prevent the layers of the vegan cordon bleu from sliding about.
process shot of adding Vegan Cordon Bleu to baking sheet
  • 7) Bake in the oven for 32-35 minutes (until golden brown and crisp), flipping once at 20 minutes, then enjoy!
process shot showing addition of sauce on top

FAQs

Can I make vegan cordon bleu ahead?

It’s possible to assemble them until the point of cooking, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Though I haven’t tried, I imagine you could also flash-freeze the filets and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Can I omit the vegan egg coating?

I’ve used the mustard-mayo layer over the cutlets to help adhere the breadcrumbs even without using the Just Egg, though I prefer the results from using both.

Can I cook them in an air fryer?

I haven’t tested this recipe in my air fryer yet, though I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. I recommend trying to air fry the vegan cordon bleu for 20-25 minutes (flipping halfway) at 375F/190C.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

  • Make sure to use melty vegan cheese: Otherwise, you won’t achieve that deliciously oozy filling.
  • To add more flavor: Optionally season the breadcrumb coating with herbs and spices, like dried oregano or Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and/or cayenne pepper (for a little heat).
  • For crispier vegan cordon bleu: First, pan-fry the cutlets in a little oil until golden and crisp, then transfer them to the oven to bake.
  • Allow it to cool slightly before serving: The filling will be scaldingly hot right out of the oven.
completed Vegan Cordon Bleu plated with green beans and sauce on the side

What to Serve with Vegan Chicken Cordon Bleu?

  • Lemon wedges: The bright acidic flavor elevates the breaded vegan stuffed chicken breast.
  • Sauce: Combine more vegan mayonnaise and mustard and dollop it over the vegan chicken cordon bleu or even serve with vegan cheese sauce or vegan sausage gravy.
  • Steamed/Roasted veggies: Broccoli, green beans, carrots, asparagus, etc.
  • Potatoes: Roasted regular or sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or fries.
  • Salads: A simple salad with vinaigrette or a hearty couscous/quinoa salad.
  • Grains: Like fluffy rice, quinoa, or vegetable rice pilaf.

Storage Instructions

Store: This vegan cordon bleu has the best texture when enjoyed directly from the oven. However, leftovers will store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Reheat: You could reheat them in the oven, an air fryer, or a skillet with a bit of oil.

completed Vegan Cordon Bleu plated with green beans and sauce on the side

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If you try this vegan cordon bleu recipe (as written or with substitutes), I’d love to know what you think. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating.

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

completed Vegan Cordon Bleu plated with green beans and sauce on the side

Vegan Cordon Bleu

Toni
Vegan cordon bleu made with plant-based ham and cheese stuffed chick’n coated in panko breadcrumbs, then baked until crispy and golden. It’s simple and delicious!
5 from 64 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 2
Calories 582 kcal

Equipment

  • knife set
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

Vegan Chicken

  • 4 Gardein's Chick'n Scallopini (Gardein)
  • 4 slices of ham (Tofurky)
  • 2 slices vegan swiss cheese, cut in half (Daiya)

Coating

  • 3 tablespoons of vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

Breading

  • 1 cup of Just egg (Just)
  • ½ cup of Panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil spray

Sauce on the side

  • Vegan mayo
  • Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Thaw the chick’n in the fridge overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 370 degrees F.
  • Add vegan ham and swiss cheese to the chick’n, as if it was a sandwich. (see photo for reference). Place another chick’n on top.
  • In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo and mustard.
  • Brush the exterior of both sides of the chick’n with the vegan mayo and mustard mixture.
  • Gently dip both sides of the chick’n in the Just Egg and then roll both sides in the Panko.
  • Place it on a prepared baking sheet, if needed, stick a couple toothpicks to prevent the chick’n from sliding. Lightly spray the top with cooking oil.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, flip and bake for 15 minutes. Or until golden brown.
  • Serve hot and top with the sauce.

Notes

  • Make sure to use melty vegan cheese: Otherwise, you won’t achieve that deliciously oozy filling.
  • To add more flavor: Optionally season the breadcrumb coating with herbs and spices, like dried oregano or Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and/or cayenne pepper (for a little heat).
  • For crispier vegan cordon bleu: First, pan-fry the cutlets in a little oil until golden and crisp, then transfer them to the oven to bake.
  • Allow it to cool slightly before serving: The filling will be scaldingly hot right out of the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 582kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 19gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 809mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 64 votes (58 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Andrea says

    July 26, 2023 at 1:57 pm

    such a great comfort meal!

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth says

    July 26, 2023 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    These look amazing! I’m so impressed you managed to make them vegan too. Making this weekend.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 27, 2023 at 1:27 am

      Right?! Such a genius recipe!

      Reply
  3. Valerie says

    July 26, 2023 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    This looks fantastic. I love using the air fryer, particularly in summer, so your suggestions on the settings for it are appreciated!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 27, 2023 at 1:27 am

      It's nice to have the option of going the AF route!

      Reply
  4. Bernice says

    July 26, 2023 at 5:30 pm

    Wow! It's amazing how much this looks like the real deal. I just love how that cheese is oozing out in the photos.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 27, 2023 at 1:28 am

      Right?! It's soooooo good!

      Reply
  5. Covita says

    July 26, 2023 at 9:56 pm

    Oooh la la- Fancy cheesy goodness- YUM. Love this recipe

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 27, 2023 at 1:28 am

      Yess! Gotta love that melty-ness goodness!

      Reply
  6. Debra says

    July 26, 2023 at 10:42 pm

    5 stars
    Crispy, gooey, flavorful and so fun! We loved it.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 27, 2023 at 1:28 am

      Oh yeah! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  7. Jerika says

    July 27, 2023 at 1:36 am

    My children loved this Vegan cordon bleu.:) So crispy and cheesy, we all loved it! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      August 16, 2023 at 4:23 am

      So glad you and your kiddos enjoyed it! It's a yummy one!

      Reply
  8. Alexandra says

    July 27, 2023 at 12:23 pm

    5 stars
    This is the perfect luxurious vegan recipe! What a great option for something so hearty, rich and delicious whilst still being plant based - I love it!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      August 16, 2023 at 4:23 am

      Isn't it?! It's like making a gourmet sandwich at home!

      Reply
  9. Erin says

    August 03, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    5 stars
    This vegan cordon bleu recipe is so good, and I happened to have most of the ingredients already on hand!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      August 16, 2023 at 4:24 am

      Perfect! So glad you were able to whip it up! It's so good!

      Reply
  10. Gina H. says

    August 08, 2023 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! This is unbelievably good! You won't believe it's not vegan. Awesome dish to impress friends.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      August 16, 2023 at 4:26 am

      Right?! You'd never know! It's just that good!

      Reply

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