Vegetarian Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak with Caramelized Onions

This vegetarian mushroom Philly "cheesesteak" is made with sauteed mushrooms and peppers and topped with caramelized onions. This sub takes just over 30 minutes to make and is perfect as a quick dinner or sliced into sliders for an appetizer.

This is one of my favorite recipes. The mushrooms in this "cheesesteak" are BURSTING with umami flavor. Mushrooms are a great meat replacement for vegetarian cooking because they're a little chewy and packed with savory umami flavor. These little fungi are full of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious sandwich stuffer.

This quick weeknight recipe can be thrown together in just over 30 minutes. If you're looking for an easy appetizer, you can cut the sub in halves or thirds and share as mushroom sliders at a Superbowl party.

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As if savory mushrooms and peppers on a sub roll wasn't good enough, there's another ingredient to get excited about: caramelized onions!

The sweetness of caramelized onions really pulls the sub together. You can make the caramelized onions in 30-45 minutes; it depends on how caramelized you want them to be. I think waiting the few extra minutes is totally worth it, but if you're short for time you easily can speed up the process.

Here's what's in this vegetarian mushroom cheesesteak

• Sliced white and baby bella mushrooms sauteed in soy sauce and oregano. You can also use sliced portobello mushrooms or Cremini mushrooms here.
• Julienned red and green bell peppers
• Melted provolone cheese or you can easily make this recipe vegan by using vegan cheese
• Sweet golden brown caramelized onions

How to make caramelized onions

• Slice 2 large white onions into thin strips. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sprinkle the onions with a bit of salt and saute for 10 minutes, until lightly browned.
• After the onions have browned slightly, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the onions work their magic. Stir the onions every 7-10 minutes to prevent them from sticking.
• To speed up the cooking process and add sweetness you can sprinkle the onions with ~½ teaspoon of sugar.
• If the onions are drying out, splash them with a teaspoon of water.

The onions are ready when they're sweet and golden brown.

If you're like me and can't get enough of mushrooms, check out these fungi-centered recipes

• Savory Vegan Mushroom Gravy
• Mushroom and Lentil Casserole
• Vegan Tater Tot and Green Bean Casserole
• BBQ Pulled Portobello Tacos
• Vegetarian Chili Mac

I hope you enjoy this savory sandwich.