Barbecue sandwiches are a quintessential comfort food, but they’re often associated with heavy meats and rich sauces. However, with a little creativity, you can enjoy all the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue in a vegan-friendly way. Make a mouthwatering Vegan BBQ Sandwich using spaghetti squash as the star ingredient. Packed with plant-based goodness and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meatless meal plan.
What can I Substitute for Pulled Pork?
Most vegan BBQ recipes use jackfruit, but I find spaghetti squash to be tastier and easier to cook. Spaghetti squash is a versatile winter squash known for its stringy, noodle-like flesh. It’s a fantastic substitute for pasta in many dishes and works beautifully as the base for our Vegan BBQ Sandwich. Not only does spaghetti squash provide a light and nutritious alternative to bread, but it also absorbs the flavors of the barbecue sauce, creating a satisfyingly savory and tender filling that’s perfect for sandwiches.
How to Make a Vegan BBQ Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- 1 bottle of your favorite Barbecue Sauce (I use Organicville’s Original BBQ Sauce)
- 1 package buns (we use gluten-free buns)
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Spaghetti Squash
Begin by preparing the spaghetti squash as mentioned HERE.
Step 2 – Remove and cool
Now carefully remove squash from the Crock Pot and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3 – Rake
Use a fork to rake out the spaghetti squash and put it in a small skillet.
Step 4 – Pour Sauce
Pour you favorite barbecue sauce over the squash and mix well.
Step – 5
Once all the sauce to mix well with the squash then scoop it onto buns.
Serve
These Vegan BBQ Sandwiches are perfect for a pot luck. You could even return the BBQ Spaghetti Squash to the Crock Pot for transport and to keep it warm. Serve leftover on top of baked potatoes. We enjoyed these sandwiches with pasta salad on the side.
Customization Tips
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to make the sandwiches saucier or less saucy, depending on your preference. Personally, I’m partial to my Homemade BBQ Sauce.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add depth of flavor to the barbecue sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
Get creative with your sandwich toppings! Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor, while pickles provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky barbecue sauce. Sliced onions add a sharp bite and additional layers of flavor to the sandwiches.
More Plant Based Recipes
If you like this recipe, you are sure to enjoy these plant based ideas too:
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
- Black Bean Corn Salad with Avocado
- Chickpea Nuggets
- BBQ Cauliflower Bites
- Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
Vegan BBQ Sandwich

Savor the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue in a vegan-friendly way with our mouthwatering Vegan BBQ Sandwich recipe! Made with tender spaghetti squash and flavorful barbecue sauce, this plant-based delight is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- 1 bottle of your favorite Barbecue Sauce (I use Organicville’s Original BBQ Sauce)
- 1 package buns (we use gluten-free buns)
Instructions
- Prepare Spaghetti Squash as mentioned HERE.
- Carefully remove squash from the Crock Pot and allow to cool slightly.
- Use a fork to rake out the spaghetti squash and put it in a small skillet.
- Pour you favorite barbecue sauce over the squash and mix well.
- All the sauce to mix well with the squash then scoop it onto buns.
While I have never been a fan of spaghetti squash this recipe and cooking it in the crockpot actually sounds good…especially putting it on top of a baked potato…will be giving this a try soon. Don’t know how you come up with these amazing recipes but very glad you do and its very much appreciated!
Thank you so much Kathleen! Let’s just say my mind works kinda weird. ha ha. We had a lot of leftover squash so you may want to only make half with BBQ sauce.
I LOVE spaghetti squash. I’ve never thought of using it in a BBQ recipe. Great idea.
Thanks Lauren, It’s a great texture to fill in for BBQ Sandwiches. I was surprised at how well it stayed on the bun. It’s such an easy meal too.
What a great idea. We love spaghetti squash but I get tired of the same ole recipes! Will have to try this one out.
I hope you like it! It’s my favorite way to eat spaghetti squash. I have a basil intolerance so I have to be careful with Italian recipes.
LooKA good and will give it a try. Can you tell me the brand of the gluten free buns you use? I have yet to find one that is vegan. The ones I have found have egg whites. Thanks.
Susan, I think Schar brand has gluten-free and vegan buns. They are a very allergy-friendly company. More stores around me are carrying their items too. We’ve used Udi’s which contain egg before I found Schar brand.
Thanks, Holly. I do buy Schar bread through Amazon, baguettes and chibatta rolls but will look for the burger buns. I’ve only found the pizza crust in the grocery store I use and then not so often. Price for living in a very rural area.
Schar may call them rolls instead of buns, btw. I use my Amazon Prime account a lot of GF items. I love having 2 day deliver with no shipping.
We live near a large city but I’d rather buy online than go to the store. 🙂
LOL! Since we moved to the country over 15 years ago I tell people I have a personal shopper and he drives a large brown truck.. 😉
I love that! He always brings what you need! LOL
One Easter I was making little chick cupcakes and if Hector shows up on baking days I like to share the treats with him. I knew he was coming that day so I made up 4 cupcakes and put them in clear plastic cups. He was thrilled. Next time he came by he said his wife wanted to know where I got the clear cupcake boxes, my reply was, “From you.”
One Easter I was making little chick cupcakes and if Hector shows up on baking days I like to share the treats with him. I knew he was coming that day so I made up 4 cupcakes and put them in clear plastic cups. He was thrilled. Next time he came by he said his wife wanted to know where I got the clear cupcake boxes, my reply was, “From you.”
This sounds really good. My only issue is that I am on a high protein diet and there is minimal protein in spaghetti squash. What would you do to add protein to this? Thanks
Hi Lisa,
To add protein I would serve 1:1 spaghetti squash and cooked lentils. Lentils are high in protein and fiber while being low in fat with zero cholesterol.
How many calories per serving?
Hi Nicole, I’m not sure. I don’t count or calculate calories. You could look up calories in spaghetti squash, then add the BBQ sauce and bun calories.
A lot of people in the plant-based world don’t count calories but encourage plenty of healthy, plant-based foods.
Made this for dinner tonight, including the BBQ sauce recipe. It was super easy and awesome!
I’m glad you liked it! It’s great for potlucks and BBQ season!
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