Spicy Crispy Tofu Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy tofu and melty vegan cheese layered between toasted sourdough for a spicy and satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tofu Preparation

01 - 7 oz firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 0.4 inch slabs
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)

→ Sandwich Assembly

08 - 4 slices sourdough bread
09 - 4 slices vegan cheddar-style cheese
10 - 2 tbsp vegan butter or margarine
11 - 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise, optional
12 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat tofu slices dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
02 - Combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow bowl; dredge tofu in mixture until evenly coated.
03 - Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; fry tofu slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
04 - Spread vegan butter on one side of each bread slice. Optionally, spread vegan mayonnaise on unbuttered side of two slices.
05 - Place bread slice buttered side down, layer vegan cheese, crispy tofu, jalapeño slices if using, additional cheese, then top with second bread slice buttered side up.
06 - Clean skillet and heat over medium; grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese melts.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The tofu gets genuinely crispy and flavorful, not rubbery or bland like so many plant-based swaps.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • That spicy kick transforms a childhood favorite into something that feels bold and grown-up.
02 -
  • Pressing tofu is non-negotiable—it's the difference between crispy and disappointing, and it takes two extra minutes.
  • Don't turn the sandwich too early; that golden crust needs time to form, and rushing it creates pale, sad bread.
03 -
  • If your vegan cheese isn't melting well, lower your heat slightly and cover the pan briefly with a lid to trap steam—it melts faster.
  • The jalapeño slices stay fresher and more flavorful if you add them right before grilling rather than during assembly.
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