13 Vegan Bacon Recipes You Absolutely Need to Try (2024)

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These vegan bacon recipes are going to blow your mind! Who knew you could recreate the delicious flavor of bacon in so many ways? If you miss bacon, you need to try out these recipes!

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“But bacon” is a common response I often hear when people first find out that I’m vegan. Yes, yes, bacon is delicious, I get it. Most people don’t go vegan because they hate the taste of meat.

There’s just something about that crispy, sweet, smoky goodness that makes it so hard to give up. The good news is there are plenty of options to make your own vegan and vegetarian bacon.

There’s always the store-bought route but trust me, you’re going to want to try some of these homemade bacons! It’s actually really easy and more affordable to make your own at home. Plus you can control how sweet or smoky you like it.

There are so many good vegan bacon recipes out there but I rounded up the best ones to share with you here. Work your way through them and let us know in the comments which ones you try!

Veggie Bacon

These faux bacons are made with vegetables as the base. Some vegetables make a great base when sliced thinly. They crisp up nicely and work well with the flavors to make a truly delicious bacon alternative.

Carrot Bacon

Smoky and delicious bacon made from carrots. This recipe is based off the viral TikTok video and will not disappoint! Make vegan bacon in a matter of minutes and serve with breakfast, brunch, or even in a vegan BLT.

Check out this recipe

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Smoky Sweet Vegan Eggplant Bacon

Cook up crispy delicious eggplant bacon strips for your vegan bacon fix. A quick marinade lends a bacon-y flavor to strips of eggplant that actually resemble bacon.

Check out this recipe

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Vegan Zucchini Bacon

This crispy zucchini with a smoky flavor is a great option!Zucchini absorbs flavor well for a truly delicious bacon substitute!

Check out this recipe

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Tofu and Tempeh Bacon

Tofu and tempeh are both soy products that are perfect for making bacon with. They’re best when you want a flat piece of bacon like for a BLT. They both also absorb the flavor well, making them a great bacon substitute.

Tempeh Bacon (Oil Free)

Vegan Tempeh Bacon is quick and easy to make at home. Build a vegan BLT for a delicious lunch or serve it on the side of a tofu scramble for a savory breakfast.

Check out this recipe

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Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon

This Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon is the perfect addition to your breakfast table. You can also use it to make a sandwich such as a vegan BLT, or chop it up and add it to your salad. This vegan bacon is full of flavor, easy to make and gluten-free! Stovetop and oven methods are also included.

Check out this recipe

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Tofu Bacon

This tofu bacon is salty, smoky, and chewy. Firm tofu works great as a vegan bacon because it soaks up flavor so well and is rich in protein.

Check out this recipe

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Smoked Tempeh Maple Bacon Bits

These vegan bacon bits are made of tempeh and only require 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time. They’re salty, sweet, and smoky – everything bacon bits should be!

Check out this recipe

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This next one is not technically tofu or tempeh but it is made with soy. TVP, or Textured Vegetable Protein, is made from defatted soy flour that has been cooked under pressure and then dried. It makes a great bacon replacement as well!

Vegan Bacon Bits

A little smoky, and a little spicy, these vegan bacon bits made from TVP are an easy and healthy fix for your ‘bacon’ flavor cravings! Super yummy topping for baked potatoes, soups, salads, and more!

Check out this recipe

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Coconut Bacon

Coconut bacon is a great alternative to bacon bits. They already have a touch of sweetness and crisp up easily.

Coconut Bacon

Vegan bacon made from coconut? OH YES! Crispy, smoky, just a tad sweet, and so amazingly delicious, you’ll never miss the real thing!

Check out this recipe

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Almond Bacon

Yep, even nuts can be turned into bacon! And nuts provide a nice crunch.

Almond Bacon

This Almond Bacon is super easy to make, full of flavor and perfect for adding to vegan scrambles for a healthy brunch. It’s also refined sugar free and gluten-free.

Check out this recipe

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Rice Paper Bacon

Rice paper makes a nice neutral based for vegan bacon. It also doesn’t require as much prep as preparing vegetables.

Rice Paper Vegan Bacon

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bacon? This Rice Paper Vegan Bacon is crispy, chewy, sweet, salty, smoky, and just as tasty as the original.

Check out this recipe

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Banana Peel Bacon

Banana Peel Bacon

Yes, you read that right, this is banana peel bacon. A vegan bacon recipe made from the banana peels that you would otherwise toss away. Am I crazy? Maybe a little. Does it taste good? Yes, it does. It really, really does!

Check out this recipe

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So which are your favorite fakin bacons? Or facons if you will. Let us know below which ones you try. We make carrot bacon often and even use it in this delicious carrot bacon wrapped apple bites vegan appetizer. Use these veggie bacons just as you would real bacon—the possibilities are endless!

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Rachel

Welcome to HML, I'm Rachel! I'm here to help you transition to a healthy plant-based diet in the easiest way possible. I share simple recipes and tips you can implement today to make it practical and approachable.

13 Vegan Bacon Recipes You Absolutely Need to Try (2024)

FAQs

Is vegan bacon healthier than real bacon? ›

Plant-based meats tend to be lower in saturated fat and calories compared to their traditional counterparts. They tend to be high in sodium, but are generally healthier than animal-derived meat when eaten in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.

What is in fake bacon? ›

Ingredients: Water, soybean oil, modified corn starch, egg whites, soy flour, wheat gluten, hydrolyzed corn protein, contains 2% or less of vegetable glycerin, salt, soy protein isolate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, sugar, yeast, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, monocalcium phosphate, sodium ...

Is tempeh bacon healthy? ›

Tempeh bacon is a good source of protein and fiber. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those who are watching their weight. Tempeh bacon is also a good source of iron and magnesium.

Is there a vegan replacement for bacon? ›

Coconut bacon is quick and easy to make – just toss unsweetened coconut flakes with tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika, and pop them in the oven until they're golden brown and slightly crispy (they'll crisp up more as they cool). It's totally delicious, but it's also totally addictive.

What tastes like bacon but isn't bacon? ›

There are a variety of ways to make vegetarian bacon, but it is often made from ingredients such as soy, tempeh, or mushrooms, which are flavored and processed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional bacon. Some brands may also use pea protein, rice, or wheat gluten to make vegetarian bacon.

Does fake bacon taste like bacon? ›

There were sweet and smoky notes from natural smoke flavoring and maple syrup. There was also a good balance of salt and fat. The fatty pork flavor was just slightly muted compared to the real thing.

Do McDonald's use real bacon? ›

Back Bacon*

Made with more than 140g of pork per 100g of finished product. OR: Pork, Water, Salt, Antioxidant (Sodium Ascorbate), Preservative (Sodium Nitrite). *This bacon is smoked using beechwood.

Is Mcdonald's bacon real pork? ›

Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon

Ingredients: Pork Bellies Cured With Water, Salt, Sugar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.

Does Burger King have fake bacon? ›

La Vie™️ vegan bacon is the star of the new Veggie Steakhouse from Burger King. If you follow us on Insta, you've definitely already heard the news: Our vegan bacon is now featuring in the iconic Veggie Steakhouse from Burger King.

What is the downside of tempeh? ›

You should avoid tempeh if you have a soy allergy. There is some concern that soy may affect how your thyroid works or how you absorb thyroid medication. To be safe, you should talk to your doctor about eating tempeh or other soy products if you have a thyroid disorder.

Is seitan good or bad for you? ›

Is Seitan Healthy? In many ways, yes, seitan is quite a healthy option. The seitan nutrition facts are hard to argue with: notable amounts of protein, iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. This combination of macro- and micronutrients can result in some pretty impressive health benefits.

Which is better tofu or tempeh? ›

Both tempeh and tofu are highly nutritious and an AMAZING addition to any meal. Tempeh has a higher protein content than tofu (over 40g of protein per pack!) and is higher in fibre (since the whole bean is used). Whereas tofu is slightly lower in calories and fat.

What is vegan bacon called? ›

Vegetarian bacon, also referred to as veggie bacon, vegan bacon, vegan rashers, vacon, or facon, is a plant-based version of bacon.

Can vegans eat rice? ›

Yes, absolutely! Rice is a common grain in all cooking and has a significant place in the plant-based world too. Some rice dishes may not be suitable for vegans though, so if you're eating out or following a recipe make sure there are no meat, fish or other animal products being used before you tuck in!

How do you mimic the taste of bacon? ›

For this recipe, I used a hickory-smoke as it's closest to real bacon flavour. Look for liquid smoke in the condiment section of your grocery store. Maple syrup: Any kind will do. Smoked paprika: This adds another smoky undertone.

Is vegan bacon better for you? ›

Vegan bacon could therefore be seen as a better alternative to pig bacon, but that's not to say it's a healthy food product. Plant-based meats are ultra processed foods, and they also tend to be high in salt. They are, however, lower in saturated fat, and don't contain the same preservatives as pig bacon.

What is the healthiest bacon to eat? ›

Turkey bacon is likely healthier for you than conventional bacon since it's not red meat. Turkey bacon, however, is still processed meat. Stick to small portions, pair it with nutrient-rich foods, and choose nitrate-free versions if you enjoy turkey bacon and want to keep eating it. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What is the healthiest option for bacon? ›

Turkey Bacon

This is a slightly healthier option from your average pork bacon. It contains a lot less fat and harmful ingredients than your average bacon. You can also go one step further and buy the low sodium version for an even better alternative!

What are the health benefits of vegan bacon? ›

Vegan Bacon Is Low In Fat And Salt

Another benefit of Vegan Bacon is that it's low in fat and salt. On their own, fat and salt aren't inherently bad for you, but in large amounts, they can cause health issues. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure.

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