Carrot Bacon Recipe: Delicious Crispy Vegan Bacon

Carrot Bacon Recipe: A Delicious Vegan Alternative to Bacon

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a new way to enjoy bacon? Look no further than carrot bacon! We’re talking crispy slices of carrots wrapped in salty, smoky bacon flavor and baked to crispy-soft perfection. This vegan-friendly alternative to traditional bacon is made from thinly sliced carrots that are seasoned and baked to crispy perfection. Not only is it a healthier option, but it’s also a tasty way to switch up your breakfast routine.

Wrap these vegan bacon slices around juicy Medjool dates, grilled pears, or whatever else you can think of, and make the most mouthwatering vegan bacon-wrapped treats that everyone and your whole family will enjoy!

To make carrot bacon, all you need are a few simple ingredients: carrots, olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Slice the carrots thinly and mix them with the other ingredients before baking in the oven until crispy. You can enjoy carrot bacon on its own, or use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or even pizza. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds a smoky, savory flavor to any dish.

In this easy maple bacon carrots recipe we’re covering

• What is carrot bacon
• 5 tips and tricks for making the best vegan bacon 
• Equipment needed to make carrot bacon 
• Carrot bacon ingredients 
• How to make carrot bacon in the oven
• Easy way to make carrot bacon in an air fryer 
• How to grill carrot bacon 
• BBQ sauce for vegan bacon 
• Ways to serve vegan bacon 
• FAQs 

What is Carrot Bacon?

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you might have heard of carrot bacon as a meat-free alternative to traditional bacon. Carrot bacon is a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional bacon, which is made from pork belly. This plant-based alternative is made from thinly sliced carrots that are seasoned and cooked to mimic the flavor and texture of bacon. It’s a delicious vegan carrot bacon recipe that closely mimics the delicious crispy texture of bacon. It’s a delicious recipe for vegan diet and plant-based diets and can be used for any recipes where you would normally use bacon.

I decided to make Carrot Bacon in three different ways to see which method of cooking would give me the most bacon-like taste and texture. I found that all three ways worked: oven baking makes the vegan carrot bacon strips deliciously crispy on the outside while still being a little tender on the inside. Air fryer baking made the carrot bacon extra crispy and gives the bacon that snapping crackle when you chew it. Grilling the carrot bacon was my favorite way to get a crispy bacon-like texture. For me, the best results that created the most delicious crispy vegan carrot bacon was grilling. I foudn it the perfect way to get as close to the regular bacon crispiness from the first time. No matter which cooking method you choose the result will be delicious crispy carrot bacon…some of the pieces will be crispy, crunchy, and look like real bacon while other bacon slices will look like grilled carrots – but all of them will be delicious!

Does carrot bacon taste like real bacon?

No, not really. You get the delicious bacon crunch and the smoky and salty bacon flavor…and it makes for very tasty vegan bacon! But it doesn’t taste like actual real bacon with the greasy fat and meat flavor. It is pretty close to tasting like the real thing though!

5 tips and tricks for making crispy carrot bacon

Here are some easy chef tips and tricks for making crispy carrot bacon every time 

1. Choose the right kind of carrot: You’ll want to choose a healthy carrot that is long and thin, as opposed to short and fat, for better results.

2. Cut the carrot thinly: The thinner you slice the carrot, the crispier it will become when cooked.

3. Marinate the carrot: You can marinate the carrot in a mixture of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup to add flavor and help it crisp up when cooked.

4. Use high heat: To get the crispiest carrot bacon, you’ll want to cook it over high heat, either in a skillet or in the oven.

5. Keep an eye on it: Carrot bacon can go from crispy to burnt very quickly, so be sure to keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking.

6. Cool on a cooling rack: To get the most crispy carrot ribbons that are as close to regular bacon, place carrot strips on a cooling rack rather than a plate after cooking.

Equipment needed to make vegan carrot bacon slices

• Medium-Sized Bowl & Whisk or jar with lid
• Measuring Spoons
• Vegetable peeler
• Oven or Airfryer or grill (optional)
• Baking sheet

How to slice carrots using a vegetable peeler

You can slice the carrots with a regular vegetable peeler or a julienne peeler. Both ways will give you uniform carrot slices perfect for making vegan carrot bacon.

Here are the steps to slice carrots using a vegetable peeler:

1. Wash and peel your carrot: Rinse the carrot under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of skin.

2. Cut off the ends: Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the carrot.

3. Hold the carrot steady: Hold the carrot in one hand and the vegetable peeler in the other hand.

4. Start slicing: Place the blade of the vegetable peeler at the top of the carrot and gently press down while pulling the peeler towards you. This will create a thin, flat strip of carrot.

5. Continue slicing: Keep slicing the carrot in this way, rotating it as needed, until you have sliced the entire carrot into long, thin strips.

6. Use the strips as desired: You can use these strips of carrot in a variety of dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, or garnish.

That’s it! Slicing carrots with a vegetable peeler is an easy and efficient way to get thin, uniform strips of carrots.

Easy vegan delicious carrot bacon recipe Ingredients

To make carrot bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4-5 large carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation – preparing your carrot bacon

To prepare the plant-based bacon, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Wash and peel the carrots, and slice them into thin slices/strips.

3. In a shallow dish, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the carrot strips to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade.

5. Place the carrot strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the carrot strips start to brown and crisp up.

7. Remove the carrot bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to keep the crispy texture.

Carrot bacon is a great alternative for vegetarians and vegans who miss the taste and texture of traditional bacon. It’s also a healthier option since it’s made from carrots instead of pork belly. Try it out and see if it satisfies your bacon cravings!

How to bake vegan carrot bacon in an air fryer

Easy way to make plant-based air fryer carrot bacon Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

2. Peel the carrots and then slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the liquid smoke, maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

4. Dip each carrot strip into the liquid mixture, making sure it’s coated on both sides.

5. Place the carrot strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches.

6. Air fry the carrot bacon for 8-10 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

7. Remove the carrot bacon from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Enjoy your vegan carrot bacon!

How to grill vegan carrot bacon on a barbecue or grill

Easy way to grill carrot bacon Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Peel the carrots and then slice them lengthwise into thin long strips, about 1/8 inch thick.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the liquid smoke, maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

4. Dip each carrot strip into the liquid mixture, making sure it’s coated on both sides.

5. Place the carrot strips on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy.

6. Remove the carrot bacon from the grill and serve immediately.

Enjoy your grilled vegan carrot bacon!

Don’t have liquid smokes? You can make your own easy vegan BBQ Sauce without liquid smoke 

Easy vegan BBQ sauce without liquid smoke recipe

Here is a simple and delicious vegan BBQ sauce recipe:

No liquid smoke plant based barbecue sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to make vegan Barbecue sauce Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

This sauce is perfect for making carrot bacon…but it’s also great for marinating tofu, tempeh, or veggies for the grill, or as a dipping sauce for plant-based nuggets or fries. Enjoy!

Why Make Carrot Bacon?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, then carrot bacon may be the perfect solution for you. Not only is it a delicious meat-free option, but it also has some impressive health benefits and is more environmentally friendly.

Health Benefits of carrots

Carrots are packed with vitamins and nutrients that are essential for maintaining good health. They are rich in vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. Carrots are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate your digestive system and keep you feeling fuller for longer periods.

Compared to traditional bacon, carrot bacon is lower in calories, fat, and sodium. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. It’s also a great option for people who are looking to reduce their intake of processed meats, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.

Ways to serve vegan bacon

There are so many delicious ways to serve vegan bacon. Here are some ideas:

1. Classic breakfast: Serve vegan bacon alongside scrambled tofu or vegan eggs, toast, hashbrowns, and fresh fruit.

2. BLT: Use vegan bacon in place of traditional bacon to make a classic BLT sandwich.

3. Vegan bacon bits: Crumble your vegan bacon into small pieces and use as a topping for salads, soups, and baked potatoes.

4. Vegan bacon-wrapped dates: Wrap vegan bacon around pitted dates and bake in the oven for a delicious sweet and savory appetizer.

5. Vegan bacon cheeseburger: Top your favorite vegan burger with vegan bacon, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you prefer.

6. Vegan bacon-wrapped asparagus: Wrap vegan bacon around asparagus spears and bake in the oven for a tasty side dish.

7. Vegan bacon-wrapped tofu: Wrap vegan bacon around tofu slices and grill or bake for a hearty entree.

8. Vegan carbonara: Use vegan bacon in place of traditional bacon to make a delicious vegan carbonara pasta dish.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are endless ways to enjoy vegan bacon. Enjoy!

Environmental Impact

The production of traditional bacon has a significant impact on the environment. The meat industry is one of the leading causes of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the use of antibiotics and other chemicals in animal agriculture is contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

By choosing to make carrot bacon instead of traditional bacon, you can help reduce your environmental footprint. Carrots require less water and land to grow than pigs, and they don’t produce as much waste. Plus, by using plant-based ingredients, you’re avoiding the negative impacts of animal agriculture.

Overall, making carrot bacon is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bacon while also doing your part to protect the environment.

Delicious sides and ways to serve the best crispy plant based bacon

1. Vegan BLT Sandwich: This classic sandwich can easily be made vegan by using vegan bacon, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayonnaise.

2. Vegan Creamy Pasta: This pasta dish is traditionally made with bacon, but vegan version uses vegan bacon bits instead.

3. Vegan Quiche: This recipe uses vegan bacon bits to add flavor to the filling.

4. Vegan Mac and Cheese: Make your favorite vegan mac and cheese recipe and add these vegan bacon bits as a topping for extra flavor and texture.

5. Delicious tofu scramble – This easy recipe for vegan tofu egg scramble is delicious topped with vegan bacon

FAQs – all your carrot bacon questions answered

How to store vegan carrot bacon