Copycat Which Wich Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub Recipe
|
| Bring home that sandwich-shop flavor with a copycat Which Wich black bean patty sub loaded with melty cheese, crisp toppings, and a warm toasted roll. |
If you love a hearty sandwich with bold flavor, this copycat Which Wich Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub is a great one to make at home. It has a savory black bean patty, melty cheese, crisp veggies, and a soft toasted roll that brings everything together.
This recipe is inspired by the popular sub from Which Wich, but it is made with simple grocery store ingredients and easy steps. That means you can skip the drive, save a little money, and still enjoy that warm, satisfying sandwich right in your own kitchen.
If you have ever wanted a restaurant-style vegetarian sandwich recipe that feels filling enough for dinner, this is it.
About Which Wich and Why This Sub Stands Out
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is known for letting customers build sandwiches just the way they like them. That custom sandwich idea helped the chain stand out. People enjoy choosing their bread, toppings, sauces, and extras, which makes each visit feel a little more personal.
The Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub is especially popular because it gives vegetarians a warm, satisfying option that still feels bold and indulgent. The patty is earthy, savory, and lightly spiced. Once it is tucked into a soft roll with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sharp onions, and creamy condiments, every bite has contrast. You get a little crunch, a little heat, a little richness, and a lot of comfort.
This recipe is a copycat-style sandwich inspired by that experience. It is not the original restaurant recipe, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Which Wich. But if you are craving that same kind of flavor and texture, this homemade version gets you very close.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Black Bean Patty Sub
- Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
- Budget-friendly compared to takeout
- Hearty and filling enough for lunch or dinner
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
- Great for meal prep if you make the patties ahead
I like recipes like this because they feel like comfort food without being fussy. It is the kind of sandwich that hits the spot on a busy weeknight, especially when you want something warm and satisfying but do not want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Servings: 4 subs
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 35 minutes
For the black bean patties:
- 2 cans black beans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the subs:
- 4 sandwich rolls or sub rolls
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Pickles, optional
- Mayonnaise, ranch, chipotle mayo, or mustard, to taste
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
This is an estimate for 1 fully assembled sub.
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 67 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Fiber: 14 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 980 milligrams
Nutrition will vary depending on the bread, cheese, and sauces you use.
How to Make This Which Wich Inspired Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub
Step 1: Dry the beans a little first.
After draining and rinsing the black beans, spread them on a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat them dry. This small step matters more than people think. If the beans are too wet, the patties can turn mushy and fall apart. Let them sit for a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mash the beans.
Place the beans in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them. You want most of the beans broken down, but not totally smooth. Leaving some pieces gives the patty a better bite and texture. Think of it like chunky guacamole instead of baby food.
Step 3: Mix the patty ingredients.
Add the breadcrumbs, diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, mayonnaise, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
The mixture should hold together when you press it with your hand. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of water.
Step 4: Shape the patties.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each one into an oval or round patty that will fit your sandwich roll. Press them firmly so they stay together during cooking.
If you have time, place the shaped patties on a plate and chill them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cook.
Step 5: Cook the patties.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties carefully. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then gently flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes on the second side.
The outside should be browned and lightly crisp, while the inside should be hot all the way through. Since this recipe uses egg, cook the patties to an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety. Use an instant-read thermometer if you have one.
Step 6: Melt the cheese.
Place one slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet loosely with a lid or sheet of foil to help the cheese melt faster.
Step 7: Toast the rolls.
While the patties finish cooking, slice the sub rolls and lightly toast them. You can do this in the oven, toaster oven, or in a dry skillet. Toasting gives the bread a little structure so it does not get soggy from sauces and vegetables.
Step 8: Build the subs.
Spread your choice of mayo, ranch, chipotle mayo, or mustard on the inside of the rolls. Add the cheesy black bean patty, then top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles if using.
Step 9: Serve warm.
Serve the subs right away while the patty is hot and the bread is still warm. These are great with oven fries, kettle chips, a pickle spear, or even a simple side salad.
Tips for the Best Black Bean Patty Sandwich
- Do not skip drying the beans. This helps prevent soft patties.
- Dice the vegetables finely. Big chunks can make the patties break apart.
- Chill the patties if you can. Even 10 minutes helps.
- Toast the bread. It gives the sandwich that better-than-homemade feel.
- Use a flavorful sauce. Chipotle mayo or ranch really brings the sandwich to life.
If your first patty feels a little delicate, do not panic. Black bean patties are softer than beef burgers. Handle them gently, and once they brown on the outside, they get much easier to flip.
Easy Shortcuts and Home Kitchen Options
Want to make this recipe even simpler? Here are a few easy ways.
- Use a food processor: Pulse the bean mixture a few times instead of mashing by hand. Just do not overblend.
- Use store-bought black bean patties: If you are short on time, cook frozen patties and build the sandwich with the toppings here.
- Air fryer option: Spray the patties lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven option: Bake patties on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- Meal prep: Make the patties ahead and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days before reheating.
The air fryer version is especially handy if you want less mess. It gives the outside a nice crust, kind of like a quick cheat code for texture.
Allergy, Diet, and Preference Modifications
One of the best things about a homemade vegetarian sub recipe is how easy it is to adjust. Here are plenty of ways to make it work for your table.
For gluten-free:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patties.
- Serve on a gluten-free roll or over a salad instead of bread.
- Double-check sauces and condiments for hidden gluten.
For dairy-free:
- Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free sliced cheese.
- Choose dairy-free mayo or a vegan chipotle spread.
- A creamy mashed avocado spread also works well.
For vegan:
- Replace the egg with a flax egg made from 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Use vegan mayo and vegan cheese or skip the cheese entirely.
- Check that your bread is vegan, since some rolls contain dairy or egg.
For egg-free:
- Use the flax egg method above.
- You can also try 2 tablespoons of mashed sweet potato or 2 tablespoons of refried beans as a binder, though texture may vary a bit.
For lower carb:
- Serve the patty in a lettuce wrap.
- Skip the roll and make it a black bean patty plate with salad and avocado.
For spicier flavor:
- Add chopped jalapeños to the patty mixture.
- Use pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo.
- Add hot sauce or sliced pickled jalapeños on top.
For more protein:
- Add a slice of cheese with higher protein like cheddar.
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt dip if dairy is okay for your diet.
- Use a high-protein sandwich roll if available.
For soy-free:
- Most of the patty ingredients are naturally soy-free, but check any packaged bread, cheese substitute, or sauces carefully.
For nut-free:
- This recipe can be nut-free, but always check your bread, vegan cheese, and condiments for cross-contact or hidden nut ingredients.
What to Serve with a Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Kettle chips
- Pasta salad
- Fresh fruit
- Coleslaw
- A cup of tomato soup
If you want the full deli-style meal at home, serve it with chips and a pickle. It is simple, classic, and always works.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To store: Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store sandwich toppings and bread separately for the best texture.
To reheat: Warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat, in the microwave, or in the air fryer until hot throughout. If reheating leftovers, make sure the patties reach 165°F.
To freeze: You can freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between them so they do not stick together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes. You can shape the patties and refrigerate them before cooking, or cook them fully and reheat later.
Can I grill these patties?
They are a little delicate for an outdoor grill unless they are very firm. A skillet, oven, or air fryer is the easier choice.
What sauce tastes most like a restaurant version?
A mix of mayo with a little chipotle or smoky ranch flavor gives that craveable sandwich-shop feel.
Can I make these smaller?
Absolutely. Turn them into burger-sized patties or even sliders for a fun party meal.
Final Thoughts
This copycat Which Wich Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub recipe is proof that a meatless sandwich can still be hearty, flavorful, and seriously satisfying. The black bean patty is savory and filling, the toppings add freshness and crunch, and the toasted roll makes it feel like a real sandwich shop treat.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how you made it your own. Did you go with chipotle mayo? Add pickles? Make it vegan? Leave a comment and share your version. And if this recipe helped you recreate a favorite at home, please share it with friends and family too.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavors of the Which Wich Vegetarian Black Bean Patty Sub. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of the actual restaurant recipe is implied. Which Wich is a registered trademark of its respective owner. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Which Wich.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. That means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
Comments
Post a Comment