Delicious Vegan Coconut Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwiches: A Fresh Plant-Based Delight for Any Meal

Savor the simplicity and freshness of homemade vegan bagel sandwiches! Featuring grain-free bagels generously spread with a rich coconut cream cheese, piled high with crisp cucumber, juicy tomato, sharp red onion, and fresh sprouts. Perfect for a quick breakfast, leisurely brunch, or satisfying lunch.

There’s a special feeling when the sun shines bright, isn’t there? Whether it’s the peak of summer or just a beautifully clear day, the warmth often brings with it a yearning for light, refreshing, and utterly satisfying meals. Here in Virginia, the summer sun is certainly making its presence known, creating a lovely backdrop for outdoor adventures and relaxed dining.

As we navigate new routines and the world slowly reopens, there’s a unique blend of excitement for renewed activity and a lingering sense of the unfamiliar. Simple pleasures, like grabbing a bagel sandwich from your favorite local bakery, now require a bit more planning and preparation. Everything from masks to social distancing adds layers to what used to be effortless outings. This new normal encourages us to find comfort and joy in our own kitchens, taking charge of our culinary adventures.

This situation often makes me nostalgic for childhood summers, when spontaneous trips to the bagel shop were a highlight. My mom would often treat us to bagel sandwiches for lunch. I always opted for a classic: a thick smear of cream cheese loaded with an abundance of fresh vegetables, stacked so high they’d invariably try to escape with every bite. That perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh is a memory I cherish, and one that inspired these delightful plant-based creations.

These Coconut Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwiches are a loving tribute to those cherished memories, reimagined for a modern, plant-forward lifestyle. They feature a luscious, homemade coconut-based cream cheese, generously spread on your favorite bagels, and then piled high with vibrant, fresh toppings. It’s a recipe that brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of a classic bagel sandwich with the wholesome goodness of whole-food ingredients.

Crafting Your Own Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Cheese

The star of these vegan bagel sandwiches is undeniably the rich, tangy, and surprisingly easy-to-make coconut cream cheese. Forget store-bought alternatives that can often be disappointing; this homemade version offers an unparalleled freshness and customizable flavor that elevates your sandwich experience. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a testament to how incredible plant-based cooking can be.

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy concoction:

• Unsweetened organic coconut cream (canned)
• Himalayan sea salt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pure maple syrup
• Nutritional yeast (optional, but highly recommended for that signature “cheesy” depth)

That’s right, just five ingredients (or four if you skip the yeast!) transform into a thick, spreadable cream cheese that rivals its dairy counterpart.

The Simple Steps to Perfect Vegan Cream Cheese

The magic begins with a bit of patience. First, you’ll need to chill your canned coconut cream overnight. This crucial step allows the rich, solid coconut fat to separate from the watery liquid, making it easy to scoop out the thick, creamy portion you need. When morning comes, or whenever you’re ready to proceed, carefully open the chilled can without shaking it. Gently scrape out only the solid, firm cream from the top, leaving the clear liquid behind. This solid cream is the base for your dairy-free spread.

Next, place this solid coconut cream into a cheesecloth or a clean nut milk bag. This is where the fun and a bit of arm work come in! Squeeze and strain out any remaining excess liquid. The more liquid you remove, the firmer and more cream-cheese-like your final product will be. This step is essential for achieving that delightful, spreadable consistency we all love.

Once strained, transfer the thickened coconut cream to a bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy kick, a pinch of Himalayan sea salt to balance the flavors, a touch of maple syrup for subtle sweetness, and the nutritional yeast if you desire that distinctive umami “cheesy” flavor. Using a whisk, beat all the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. Don’t rush this step; a well-whipped cream cheese will have the best texture.

Finally, return the cream cheese mixture to the fridge for another 1-2 hours. This second chilling period allows it to firm up further, resulting in a perfectly thick and spreadable consistency that will hold its own on any bagel. The end result is a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet vegan cream cheese that’s ready to transform your breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

The Perfect Canvas: Grain-Free “Everything” Bagels

Now that you’ve mastered the art of homemade coconut cream cheese, it’s time to find its perfect match. While this cream cheese is delicious on anything from crackers to toast, I highly recommend pairing it with my Grain-Free “Everything” Bagels. If you haven’t had the pleasure of making these yet, they are an absolute fan favorite in the Flora & Vino community, and for good reason!

These bagels are a game-changer for anyone seeking a gluten-free and grain-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. They boast a wonderfully chewy interior and a delightfully crispy crust, generously coated with the iconic “everything” seasoning blend – a savory mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt. The robust flavor and satisfying chewiness of these bagels provide an ideal counterpoint to the creamy, fresh toppings, creating a truly harmonious sandwich experience. Their homemade quality also adds an extra layer of love to your meal, making each bite feel special.

Assembling Your Ultimate Vegan Bagel Sandwich

With your homemade coconut cream cheese chilled to perfection and your grain-free bagels ready, it’s time for the fun part: assembly! This is where you get to unleash your creativity and build a sandwich that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and packed with nutrition.

Start by slicing your bagel in half, then generously spread a thick, luxurious layer of the coconut cream cheese on one (or both!) halves. Don’t be shy – the creaminess is key to a truly satisfying bagel sandwich. Next, it’s time for the fresh toppings. I absolutely adore a vibrant combination of heirloom tomato slices for their juicy sweetness, crisp cucumber rounds for a refreshing crunch, thinly sliced red onion for a zesty bite, and a generous handful of delicate sprouts for added texture and nutrients. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Endless Topping Possibilities for Your Plant-Based Bagel

While my preferred combination is a fantastic starting point, the beauty of these vegan bagel sandwiches lies in their versatility. Feel free to customize with any extra sandwich toppings you love! Consider adding slices of creamy avocado for extra richness, tender spinach or arugula for a peppery kick, or perhaps some capers and fresh dill if you’re aiming for a “lox and cream cheese” vibe with a vegan twist. For those who enjoy a bit more savory depth, a slice of vegan smoked salmon alternative or even a sprinkle of crumbled vegan “bacon bits” could be delightful additions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Once your toppings are piled high, gently place the second bagel halve on top and lightly press down to combine everything into a cohesive (and incredibly tempting) sandwich. The goal is a perfect marriage of textures and flavors in every bite – the soft chewiness of the bagel, the creamy spread, and the crisp, fresh vegetables.

Enjoying and Storing Your Vegan Bagel Sandwiches

These Coconut Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwiches are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for any meal of the day. Enjoy them as an easy, wholesome plant-based breakfast to kickstart your morning, a delightful brunch centerpiece for a weekend gathering, or a light yet satisfying lunch that keeps you energized throughout the afternoon.

To make meal prep a breeze and ensure you have delicious, healthy options on hand all week long, I recommend making a batch of your Grain-Free “Everything” Bagels and the Coconut Cream Cheese in advance. Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature (or freeze for longer storage) and keep the coconut cream cheese in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This way, you can assemble fresh bagel sandwiches whenever a craving strikes, saving you time and effort during busy weekdays.

I personally love to smash mine together into a traditional sandwich, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. However, you can also opt for open-faced sandwiches, which are equally delicious and visually stunning. This method allows you to appreciate each layer of topping and cream cheese, making for an elegant presentation, especially for brunch. Whether you prefer a classic closed sandwich or an artful open-faced creation, these vegan bagel sandwiches are guaranteed to please.

Why Choose Vegan Bagel Sandwiches?

Opting for plant-based meals like these vegan bagel sandwiches offers a multitude of benefits, both for your well-being and the planet. By using coconut cream cheese and fresh vegetables, you’re enjoying a meal that’s naturally dairy-free, often lower in saturated fat than traditional cream cheese, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The grain-free aspect of the bagels further enhances their appeal for those looking to reduce their grain intake or who have gluten sensitivities.

Beyond the health advantages, choosing vegan supports sustainable eating practices and animal welfare. It’s a flavorful way to explore new ingredients and expand your culinary horizons, proving that plant-based food can be just as, if not more, delicious and satisfying than its conventional counterparts. These sandwiches are a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and wholesome.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

If you embark on the journey of making these scrumptious Coconut Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwiches, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue creating more delicious recipes.

Please take a moment to leave a comment, a rating, and a review below so I can learn from your experience. Don’t forget to share your amazing creations on Instagram and tag #floraandvino so I can see your beautiful sandwiches!

For more plant-based inspiration and to save this recipe for later, head over to my Pinterest page. And if you’re craving more vegan sandwich ideas, be sure to check out my popular “Eggy” Veggie Chickpea Salad Sandwiches – another fantastic plant-powered option!

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