The GREATEST SANDWICHES EVER MADE from vegetables

The GREATEST SANDWICHES EVER MADE from vegetables is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Derek Sarno on YouTube.

Prep: 3 hrs 5 min | Cook: 2 hrs 15 min | Total: 5 hrs 50 min

Cost: $58.07 total, $14.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 large pieces Celeriac (peeled and cut into 1/2‑inch cubes)
  • 2 large pieces Rutabaga (peeled and cut into 1/2‑inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mixed Herbs (chopped thyme, rosemary, sage)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for coating vegetables)
  • 1 tablespoon Onion Granules (dried onion powder)
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Granules (dried garlic powder)
  • 2 teaspoons Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 tablespoon Barbecue Seasoning Rub (for rutabaga crust)
  • 4 slices Vegan Cheese Slices (smoked, meltable)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegan Mayonnaise (for spread)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 piece Large Yellow Onion (thinly sliced for caramelizing)
  • 8 slices Whole Grain Seeded Bread (toasted)
  • 8 slices Pickles (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 4 leaves Fresh Lettuce Leaves (for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables and Herbs

    Wash the celeriac and rutabaga, peel them, and cut into 1/2‑inch cubes. Roughly chop the fresh mixed herbs.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Season and Coat Vegetables

    In a large mixing bowl toss the cubed vegetables with olive oil, onion granules, garlic granules, black pepper, and the chopped herbs until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Roast in Dutch Oven (Hot Boxing)

    Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the seasoned vegetables in the Dutch oven, cover, and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes until tender but still firm.

    Time: PT1H15M

    Temperature: 200°C

  4. Apply Crust and Prepare for Smoking

    Remove the vegetables, drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil on the rutabaga cubes and sprinkle additional black pepper and barbecue seasoning rub for a deeper crust.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Smoke Low and Slow

    Set your grill or smoker to a low temperature (about 110°C / 200°F). Place the vegetables on the rack and smoke for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 110°C (or 200°F)

  6. Cool and Refrigerate

    Transfer the smoked vegetables to a plate, let them reach room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing.

    Time: PT2H

  7. Slice Thin with Mandolin

    Using a mandolin with the safety guard (or a cut‑proof glove), slice the chilled vegetables into deli‑thin slices.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Caramelize Onions

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until deep golden and sweet.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Assemble Sandwiches

    Toast the whole‑grain bread slices. Spread each slice with vegan mayo and a dab of Dijon mustard. Layer pepper‑crusted vegetable slices, caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, and a slice of vegan cheese. Wrap the assembled sandwiches in foil and place on a baking sheet; bake at 200°C for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 200°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
12g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Plant‑Based, Whole‑Grain

Allergens: Soy, Gluten, Mustard

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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The GREATEST SANDWICHES EVER MADE from vegetables

Recipe by Derek Sarno

A plant‑based take on the classic deli roast‑beef sandwich using pepper‑crusted celeriac and rutabaga that are roasted, smoked, and sliced ultra‑thin. Served on toasted whole‑grain bread with caramelized onions, vegan cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a tangy mayo‑mustard spread.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 35m
Prep
2h 45m
Cook
38m
Cleanup
5h 58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$58.07
Total cost
$14.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting in the Dutch oven to achieve tender texture
  • Low‑temperature smoking for deep flavor
  • Thin mandolin slicing for authentic deli texture
  • Melting vegan cheese under foil to create steam

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot Dutch oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Always use the mandolin guard or a cut‑proof glove; the blade is extremely sharp.
  • Smoking produces heat and smoke—ensure good ventilation and keep children away.
  • Do not leave the oven unattended while smoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of vegan deli‑style sandwiches in American cuisine?

A

Vegan deli‑style sandwiches draw on the American tradition of quick, handheld meals while adapting classic meat‑based deli favorites to plant‑based ingredients. They reflect the growing demand for sustainable, cruelty‑free options in traditional sandwich culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of roast‑beef style sandwiches in the United States?

A

In the U.S., roast‑beef sandwiches vary from the thin‑sliced New England “roast beef on a roll” to the hearty Midwest version served with horseradish. The vegan version mimics the texture and flavor using seasoned root vegetables.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve a roast‑beef sandwich in New England?

A

Traditionally, a New England roast‑beef sandwich is served on a soft roll with a smear of horseradish sauce, a few pickles, and sometimes a slice of cheese, all eaten warm or at room temperature.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the classic roast‑beef sandwich traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Roast‑beef sandwiches are popular at casual gatherings, picnics, and as a quick lunch for workers. They’re also a staple at deli counters and often appear at sports events and family barbecues.

cultural
Q

What makes the pepper‑crusted smoked celeriac and rutabaga sandwich special in American vegan cuisine?

A

The sandwich replicates the mouthfeel of deli meat using dense root vegetables, while the pepper crust and low‑temperature smoking give it a smoky, savory depth that most plant‑based sandwiches lack.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic roast‑beef sandwich versus acceptable vegan substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include thinly sliced roast beef, horseradish, mustard, pickles, and rye or roll bread. Acceptable vegan substitutes are pepper‑crusted celeriac or rutabaga, vegan mayo or mustard, and plant‑based cheese, all served on whole‑grain bread.

cultural
Q

What other American deli dishes pair well with the vegan smoked roast‑beef sandwich?

A

Pairs nicely with classic sides such as coleslaw, potato chips, a dill pickle spear, or a simple mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the vegan smoked roast‑beef sandwich?

A

Common mistakes include under‑roasting the vegetables (resulting in mushy slices), using too much oil which can cause the crust to burn during smoking, and slicing before the vegetables are fully chilled, which makes thin slicing difficult.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use low‑temperature smoking instead of a quick grill sear for the vegetable “meat”?

A

Low‑temperature smoking allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and mimics the slow‑cooked, smoky profile of traditional deli meats, whereas a quick sear would only flavor the surface and leave the interior bland.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Derek Sarno specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Derek Sarno specializes in creative plant‑based cooking, focusing on turning inexpensive whole foods into gourmet‑level dishes and sharing detailed, step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Derek Sarno's approach to American vegan deli cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Derek Sarno emphasizes whole‑food techniques like hot‑boxing, low‑temp smoking, and precise slicing to recreate classic deli textures, whereas many other vegan channels rely more on processed meat analogues or quick stovetop methods.

channel

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