This delicious patty melt recipe is a vegan twist on a classic comfort food. With hearty black bean patties, melted vegan cheese, and toasted bread, it's a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. For instance, black beans and vegan cheese might require a trip to the supermarket. Additionally, smoked paprika and cumin are spices that add a unique flavor but might not be in everyone's spice rack.

Ingredients For Patty Melt Recipe
Black beans: These provide the base for the patties, offering a hearty and protein-rich component.
Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the patties together, giving them structure and texture.
Onion: Adds flavor and a bit of crunch to the patties.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor to the patties.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the patties.
Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor to the mix.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the patties, adding a bit of richness.
Vegan bread: Forms the outer layers of the patty melt, toasted to perfection.
Vegan cheese: Melts over the patties, adding a creamy, cheesy element.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mashing the black beans, use a fork or a potato masher to achieve a mostly smooth consistency while still leaving some texture. This will help the patties hold together better and provide a more satisfying bite.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Black beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative for the patty base.
Breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be ground into a coarse flour and used to bind the patty mixture, offering a gluten-free option.
Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the patty.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, providing a similar flavor profile.
Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
Smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, enhancing the patty's taste.
Cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor, which can complement the other spices in the patty.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for cooking the patties.
Vegan bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: Gluten-free bread is a suitable alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and can be sprinkled on the patty melt for a similar taste.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled patties in an airtight container. If stacking, separate each patty with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures the patty melts remain fresh and flavorful.
- For longer storage, freeze the patties. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- To reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- For the bread, store it separately in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture.
- If freezing the bread, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
- Vegan cheese can be stored in its original packaging in the refrigerator. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Assemble the patty melts just before serving to ensure the bread remains crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the patty melts in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the vegan cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the patty melts on a baking sheet.
- Cover the patty melts with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the vegan cheese is melted.
Microwave Method:
- Place the patty melts on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep the bread from drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the patty melts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the vegan cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine and mash the black beans with the other ingredients.
Fork or potato masher: Essential for mashing the black beans until they are mostly smooth.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the black beans and breadcrumbs.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the soy sauce, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Knife: Needed for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.
Skillet: This is where you will cook the patties and toast the bread.
Spatula: Useful for flipping the patties and removing them from the skillet.
Plate: Place the cooked patties and toasted bread on this before assembling the patty melts.
Lid: Use this to cover the skillet to help the vegan cheese melt on the patties.
Toaster: An alternative tool for toasting the bread if you prefer not to use the skillet.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash the black beans and mix the ingredients together.
Preheat the skillet: Heat the olive oil while forming the patties to save time.
Toast bread simultaneously: Toast the bread slices in a separate skillet while cooking the patties.
Melt cheese efficiently: Cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the melting of the vegan cheese.

Patty Melt Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Black beans cooked and drained
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 small Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil for cooking
- 8 slices Vegan bread
- 4 slices Vegan cheese
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth.
- 2. Add breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and cumin. Mix well.
- 3. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- 4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- 5. Place a slice of vegan cheese on each patty and cover until melted.
- 6. Toast the bread slices in the same skillet until golden brown.
- 7. Assemble the patty melts by placing each patty between two slices of toasted bread.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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