Are you ready to have your mind blown?
You can turn carrots into bacon.
I wasn't a believer until I did it, and now I'm going to show you how too!
Crispy, smoky, and unbelievably delicious!
They will still taste like carrots, but the marinade gives it a nice bacon flavor. So yummy!
I first saw how to do this on TikTok from Tabitha Brown. She doesn't give you exact measurements, so this is my version of it!
How to make carrot bacon
It is a rather easy process. Simply slice your carrots thinly with either a mandoline slicer or a peeler. Marinade them in a mixture of maple syrup, liquid smoke, soy sauce, and spices for a few minutes. Then bake them until they start bubbling like bacon.
An air-fryer works best but I made mine in a regular gas oven and was able to achieve delicious results.
Serving suggestions
Eat this as a side with tofu scramble, a stack of pancakes, a breakfast hash, in a vegan BLT or any sandwich for that matter—the possibilities are endless!
If you enjoyed this recipe please leave a comment below and give it 5 stars! Or on Pinterest (don't forget to follow me!) you can now add pictures into reviews, too, and be sure to help me share on facebook!
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 tbsps maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos work too
- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) if using a regular oven. If using an air-fryer set it to 380°F (190°C).
- Wash carrots and peel thinly lengthwise with a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the remainder of the ingredients.
- Marinate the carrot strips in the sauce for at least 5 minutes. Work in batches if needed so that the carrots are fully covered.
- Place carrots on a lined baking sheet evenly spread out. Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes (or in an air-fryer for 5 minutes), flipping halfway through. When they are wavy they are ready. Don't worry if they're not crunchy yet, they will harden more as they cool. Sprinkle with salt if you want them to dry out faster and become crispier.
Nutrition Per Serving
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Maria
I think other commenters are being a little harsh. Did they really expect carrots to taste EXACTLY like bacon?? This recipe is delicious, crispy, and smoky with a nice sweet/salty flavor and is exactly what I was looking for to replace bacon (and yes it still has a carrot flavor but so what?) I love that it's a healthier bacon alternative than storebought options. I also found it super easy to make, and made mine in the air fryer to make it even easier. Thank you for this recipe, I will be making it often!
Rachel
Thank you, Maria! I strive to be honest about my recipes and what people can realistically expect and do explain in the article that it will still taste like carrots. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying the recipe for what it is: a tasty, healthier plant-based bacon substitute made from carrots!
Lindsey
This carrot bacon turned out great! I love how crispy and flavorful it is. I added a little extra liquid smoke and it was perfect!
Rachel
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Can never have too much liquid smoke 😉
Julia
As a bacon replacement, no. These should just be called carrot chips. Not worth the effort if you're looking for that real smoky taste, but they are tasty.
D. Crandall
Great substitute for port or turkey bacon!
Rachel
Aw thank you! I think so too 🙂
Ms. B
Didn’t get the smokey taste that I was looking for. If there is a next time for me making this recipe, I would definitely increase the amount of liquid smoke. I also agree with one commenter it’s more like a carrot chip.
Dennis Butler
This sounds quite interesting, but what if you're allergic to soy products? What can be substituted for soy sauce?
Health My Lifestyle
Hi Dennis, you can use liquid aminos instead. You could also possibly omit and add a pinch of salt instead but may need a splash of water or more maple syrup to have enough liquid to coat the carrots.
Angelica
Coconut aminos taste exactly the same. Less sodium and no soy! I literally cannot taste a difference between the two.
April
I was pretty disappointed with the carrot bacon. Did I expect it to taste exactly like bacon? Of course not (it's a carrot!). I was, however, expecting it to be a bit more smoky and savory (I marinated the carrot strips overnight to get a more intense flavor too). These are pretty dang good carrot CHIPS, but I wouldn't compare it to bacon.
Health My Lifestyle
Calling it carrot chips is fair. It's bacon flavored carrots but it does provide a nice flavor and crunch! Hard to mimic real bacon but I'm glad you still found them enjoyable!
Zara M. Gurganious
Wow, Carrot bacon, I will try do that. Wow.
Health My Lifestyle
Thanks, Zara! Hope you like it 🙂
Toni
My mind is officially blown. I made some for my vegetarian best friend this morning. Unbelievably good!
Health My Lifestyle
I'm so glad! Pretty incredible what we can do with just veggies 🙂
Bre
Carrot bacon?? Now THIS I have to try!
Health My Lifestyle
You really do! It's so flavorful. My new favorite way to enjoy carrots! 🙂
Luci
Delicious! I think carrot bacon is my new favorite breakfast! It's so tasty and crunchy I couldn't believe it!
Health My Lifestyle
Right? Truly incredible what we can do with veggies. So glad you enjoyed it!
veenaazmanov
Sounds so very interesting and unique too. Have to check on your recipe for sure.
Health My Lifestyle
Thanks so much! It's such a yummy way to enjoy carrots! Hope you enjoy it 🙂