Introduction: What is a Vegan Cheeseburger?

A vegan cheeseburger is a tasty plant-based substitute for the conventional burger, with the patty consisting of wholesome foods like vegetables, grains, and legumes, covered in vegan cheese that is free from dairy and crunchy vegetables, and wrapped in a tender burger bun.

In the past several years, vegan cheeseburgers have gained popularity as more and more people go for plant-based diets based on their health benefits and their environmentally friendly nature. In contrast to their meat counterparts, vegan patties contain high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals but less in calories without compromising on taste.

This recipe employs a flavorful, savory black bean, quinoa, mushroom, and sweet potato patty topped with cashew cream-based vegan cheese for the most delicious cheesy treat. Whether you are vegan or just cutting back on meat, this burger will never let you down!

Prep Time & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 burgers

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Fats: 12 g | Fiber: 9 g | Sodium: 450 mg Calcium: 150 mg | Iron: 4 mg

Vegan Cheeseburger Ingredients

For the Patty

• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 5 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour (binding)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• For the Vegan Cheese
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 1 hour)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)
• Salt to taste

For the Burger Assembly

• 4 burger buns (vegan-friendly)
• 1 large tomato (sliced)
• 1/2 red onion (sliced into rings)
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 pickle slices (optional)
• Vegan mayonnaise or burger sauce

Step-by-Step Vegan Cheeseburger Recipe

1: Prepare the Flax Egg

• In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseeds with water.
• Let it be for 5-10 minutes until it is jelly-like consistency.
• This will be the egg substitute to hold the patty together.

2: Cooking Quinoa

• Rinse 1/4 cup of quinoa under running water thoroughly.
• In a pan, combine quinoa with 1/2 cup water and boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until the water evaporates.
• Fluff with a fork and reserve.

3: Prep the Patty Mixture

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until aromatic.
• Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes or until tender and liquid is gone.
• In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork until lightly chunky.
• Add the mushroom sauté mixture, mashed sweet potato, cooked quinoa, and flax egg.
• Season with cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
• Add breadcrumbs and stir until mixture is sticky.
• Cut mixture into 4 equal patties.

4: Pan-Frying the Patties

• Heat medium grill pan or skillet.
• Use the pan lightly with oil.
• Pan-fry each patty 4-5 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
• Let set and cool to remove.

5: Prepare Vegan Cheese

• Strain-soaked cashews and blend in a blender.
• Combine with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, turmeric, garlic powder, and salt.
• Add 1/2 cup water and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Add water until it is meltable, cheesy consistency.

6: Burger Assembly

• Toast the burger buns lightly for added flavor.
• Spread the bottom bun with a layer of vegan mayonnaise or burger sauce.
• Stack the bottom bun with a layer of lettuce and atop the vegan patty.
• Garnish with vegan cheese sauce.
• Add tomato slices, rings of onion, and pickles.
• Top with the other half of the bun.
• Serve and enjoy at once!

Best Vegan Cheeseburger Tips

Patty Binding: Add a few breadcrumbs or oat flour if patty mixture is too moist to bind well.

Make It Spicy: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper for that extra oomph!

Customize the Cheese: Use store-bought slices of vegan cheese if you’re in a hurry.

Grill or Bake: Grill or bake the patties for a healthy option. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, halfway turn.

Storage Tip: Keep leftover patties in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

FAQs About Vegan Cheeseburgers

1: Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store in fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.

2: Can I substitute other grains with quinoa?
You can substitute brown rice, bulgur, or couscous from a texture perspective.

3: Which vegetables can be added to the patty?
You can add grated carrot, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.

4: Can I make this burger gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free buns and breadcrumbs to make this burger completely gluten-free.

Conclusion

This vegan cheeseburger is the ideal combination of taste, nutrition, and indulgence. This health-conscious burger, with its wholesome patty of grains, legumes, and veggies, topped with rich cashew-based vegan cheese, is going to become your obsession. This burger is going to be a showstopper at a relaxed lunch or a Sunday barbecue with vegans as well as non-vegans. Make your guilt-free burger at home!

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