Ingredients
Bread
- 4 Ciabatta buns or Rustic Italian bread
Cheese Spread
- 2 cups Garlic Basil Vegan Ricotta Cheese Spread
Vegetables
- 8 Baked Crispy Eggplant Rounds
- Baby arugula leaves, as desired
Sauce & Seasoning
- Favorite marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought), as needed
- Red crushed pepper, optional, for added heat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting and warming the sandwich components.
- Toast the Bread: Slice each ciabatta bun or rustic Italian bread roll in half. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until both sides are lightly toasted according to your preference.
- Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Ensure that the baked crispy eggplant rounds and vegan ricotta cheese spread are no cooler than room temperature, especially if stored refrigerated, for best flavor and texture.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and assist with easy cleanup.
- Assemble Sandwich Bottoms: On each toasted bottom half, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce. Next, spread a generous amount of garlic basil vegan ricotta cheese. Top that with fresh baby arugula leaves, followed by several baked crispy eggplant rounds, adjusting the quantity to fit your bread size.
- Warm the Assembled Bottoms: Place the loaded bottom halves on the lined baking tray and warm in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until hot and the cheese spread is softened and flavors meld.
- Prepare Sandwich Tops: Remove the baking tray from the oven. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the top halves of the bread. Sprinkle red crushed pepper flakes over the sauce for a bit of heat, if using.
- Close and Serve: Close each sandwich by placing the top halves over the heated bottoms. Serve immediately and enjoy this crispy, savory vegan eggplant Parmesan sandwich!
Notes
- Use rustic Italian bread as an alternative to ciabatta for a different texture but equally delicious result.
- If preparing eggplant rounds or vegan ricotta ahead of time, be sure to bring them to room temperature before assembling for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of red crushed pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder sandwich.
- Store leftovers unassembled; reheat components separately to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegan
