A hearty, plant-based twist on the classic meatball sub—this sandwich features juicy vegan meatballs, tangy marinara, sweet caramelized onions, melted dairy-free cheese, and a dollop of vibrant basil pesto, all nestled in a sesame-crusted hoagie roll. It’s a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that proves comfort food can be completely plant-based without compromising on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Vegan Meatball Sub is the ultimate indulgence for anyone craving a savory, satisfying sandwich—minus the meat and dairy. The combination of rich tomato sauce, herby pesto, sweet onions, and melty vegan cheese is irresistible. It’s a great weeknight meal, game-day option, or crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Plus, it’s fully customizable, easy to prepare, and delivers all the comfort of a traditional meatball sub in a compassionate, plant-based package.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sandwich:

• 1 large sesame hoagie roll, sliced
• 4–5 vegan meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup dairy-free shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Basil Pesto:

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Toppings (optional):

• Fresh basil leaves
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden—about 15–20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the vegan meatballs according to package or recipe instructions. Once cooked, heat them gently in the marinara sauce until warmed through.
4. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth to create the pesto.
5. Slice open the hoagie roll without cutting all the way through. Layer in the caramelized onions, saucy vegan meatballs, dairy-free mozzarella, and small spoonfuls of pesto.
6. Place the assembled sandwich on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 large sandwich (can be sliced in half for 2 smaller portions)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Include arugula or spinach for a peppery or fresh bite.
• Make it spicy: Use spicy vegan meatballs or add chili flakes to the marinara.
• Use different cheese: Try vegan provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Swap the bread: Use ciabatta, sourdough, or a baguette if hoagie rolls are unavailable.
• Make it nut-free: Substitute sunflower seeds for pine nuts in the pesto.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Wrap any leftover sandwich tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Reheat uncovered for 1–2 minutes, though the bread may soften.
• Toaster oven: Ideal for reheating while keeping the bread crisp.

Freezing:
Not recommended, as the bread and vegan cheese may lose quality upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead, but assemble and bake the sandwich just before serving for best texture.

Are store-bought vegan meatballs good for this recipe?

Absolutely. Use your favorite brand, or make homemade ones if time allows.

Is the pesto necessary?

While optional, the pesto adds depth and freshness. It can be omitted or replaced with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil.

Can I use red onions instead of white?

Yes, red onions caramelize beautifully and offer a sweeter flavor.

What vegan cheese melts best for this?

Look for a dairy-free mozzarella designed for melting, such as cashew or coconut oil-based versions.

How do I prevent the roll from getting soggy?

Bake the sandwich uncovered so moisture can escape, and don’t overdo the marinara sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.

Is this sandwich gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free hoagie roll and confirm that the meatballs and marinara are gluten-free.

What can I serve this with?

Pair it with a green salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this into sliders?

Yes, use smaller buns and mini meatballs to create party-friendly sliders.

Conclusion

This Baked Vegan Meatball Sub with Caramelized Onions and Pesto is the perfect plant-based comfort food. From the richness of the marinara and pesto to the satisfying bite of the meatballs and the gooey melted cheese, this sandwich delivers on all fronts. It’s easy to customize, full of bold flavor, and guaranteed to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

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