Vegan Bacon: 11 Ways to Make and Use It

Simple recipes for vegetable-based sweet and smoky goodness.

The first time I tried vegan bacon, it was made of mushrooms. It was sprinkled atop a melty cashew mac ‘n cheese, and because vegan meat isn’t typically too noteworthy, I was surprised that it actually looked and tasted the part.

Bacon is one of those flavors that’s hard to replicate — somehow it’s both chewy and crispy, and embodies that magical umami blend of smoky, sweet, salty, savory and, of course, fat. No food lab can accurately get this complex taste, smell and texture experience quite right. But the completely homemade, vegetable-based varieties that I’ve seen in vegan restaurants, through some vegetable wizardry, make it happen! The best part is, you can easily make it at home.

Below are about a dozen ways that you can make vegan bacon out of whole foods. Get your hands on some liquid smoke and get sizzlin!

A post shared by Tracee (@plant_fit_family) on

How to Make Mushroom Chips by Bon Apetit

Crispy Vegan Smoked Mushroom “Bacon” by Serious Eats

Portobello Mushroom Bacon from Veganosity

Jackfruit Bacon from One Green Planet

Vegan Rice Paper Bacon from Yup it’s Vegan

Tempeh Bacon from Simple Vegan Blog

Easy Tofu Bacon from Eat Within Your Means

Beet Bacon from One Green Planet

Carrot Bacon from Yumsome

Eggplant Bacon from Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Coconut Bacon from Cookie and Kate

Keep on Noshing

This Instant Pot Shakshuka Is a Game Changer

The perfect tool for poaching eggs.

Israeli-Inspired Avocado Toast, Three Ways

These easy toasts are satisfying, healthful and even a little trendy.