Carrot bacon is a great bacon substitute

Carrot bacon is a great bacon substitute is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 430 calories per serving. Recipe by Tabitha Brown on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $13.52 total, $6.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 large carrots Carrots (peeled and shaved into very thin strips)
  • 1 tsp Liquid Smoke (adds smoky flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp Honey (optional for extra sweetness)
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (ground)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for smoky depth)
  • 0.5 tsp Onion Powder (ground)
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 pieces Sun‑Dried Tomato Wraps (large, flexible)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular)
  • 0.25 cup Microgreens (mixed varieties)
  • 2 tbsp Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Dill Pickle Slices (thin slices)
  • 1 medium Avocado (ripe, sliced)
  • 1 tsp Honey (for avocado drizzle) (optional)

Instructions

  1. Shave Carrots

    Peel the carrots and shave them into paper‑thin strips using a sharp knife, mandoline, or vegetable peeler.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Seasonings

    In a mixing bowl whisk together liquid smoke, maple syrup, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Season Carrot Strips

    Add the shaved carrot strips to the bowl and toss with tongs until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Preheat Cooking Device

    Preheat your oven to 380°F or set the air fryer to 380°F.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 380°F

  5. Bake Carrot Bacon

    Spread the coated carrot strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5 minutes, checking for crispness; flip halfway if needed.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 380°F

  6. Slice and Prep Fillings

    While the carrot bacon cooks, thinly slice the red onion and dill pickles, slice the avocado, rinse the microgreens, and have the mayo ready.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Assemble BLT Wrap

    Lay a sun‑dried tomato wrap flat, spread 1 tbsp mayo, layer carrot bacon, avocado slices, microgreens, red onion, and pickle slices. Drizzle honey over avocado if desired. Fold the sides and roll tightly.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Slice and Plate

    Cut each wrap diagonally in half and arrange on a plate. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
430
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free wrap), Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Eggs (mayonnaise), Honey

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Carrot bacon is a great bacon substitute

Recipe by Tabitha Brown

A plant‑based twist on the classic BLT, featuring thinly shaved carrots seasoned and crisped to mimic bacon, wrapped in a sun‑dried tomato tortilla with avocado, microgreens, pickles, and mayo. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying lunch.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.52
Total cost
$6.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shave carrots into paper‑thin strips.
  • Evenly coat carrot strips with the smoky seasoning mixture.
  • Cook carrot bacon just until crisp without burning.
  • Assemble the wrap tightly to keep all fillings secure.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling the hot oven or air fryer.
  • Sharp knives can cause cuts; keep fingers tucked while shaving carrots.
  • Liquid smoke is concentrated; avoid inhaling directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in American plant‑based cuisine?

A

Carrot bacon is a modern vegan adaptation of traditional bacon, created to give plant‑based eaters a smoky, crunchy alternative. It reflects the growing interest in sustainable, vegetable‑forward dishes within American home cooking.

cultural
Q

How does carrot bacon differ from traditional pork bacon in flavor and texture?

A

Carrot bacon mimics the smoky aroma and crisp texture of pork bacon using liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and a thin cut of carrot. While it lacks the fatty richness of pork, the sweet‑savory balance and crunch provide a satisfying bite.

cultural
Q

What traditional American dishes pair well with a carrot bacon BLT wrap?

A

The carrot bacon BLT wrap pairs nicely with classic sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the smoky flavors.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a carrot bacon BLT wrap traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, the wrap is popular for casual lunches, picnics, and brunch gatherings where quick, wholesome, and crowd‑pleasing meals are desired.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for carrot bacon versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional carrot bacon uses carrots, liquid smoke, maple syrup, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Acceptable substitutes include using agave instead of honey, smoked salt for extra depth, or a different thin vegetable like zucchini.

cultural
Q

What makes carrot bacon special or unique in American plant‑based cuisine?

A

Carrot bacon stands out because it transforms a humble root vegetable into a smoky, crispy component that mimics a beloved meat product, showcasing creativity and the versatility of plant‑based cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon at home?

A

Common mistakes include shaving carrots too thick, which prevents crisping, and using too much liquid in the seasoning, which makes the strips soggy. Also, over‑cooking can burn the delicate strips.

technical
Q

Why does this carrot bacon recipe use liquid smoke and smoked paprika instead of actual smoked carrots?

A

Liquid smoke and smoked paprika provide a concentrated smoky flavor without needing a smoker. Real smoked carrots would require long, low‑heat smoking, which is impractical for a quick home recipe.

technical
Q

Can I make the carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it before assembling the wrap?

A

Yes, you can prepare carrot bacon up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer before adding to the wrap to regain crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tabitha Brown focuses on comforting, plant‑based comfort food, sharing soulful recipes, vegan cooking tips, and uplifting lifestyle content with a warm, personable style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Tabitha Brown blends heartfelt storytelling with simple, accessible recipes, emphasizing wholesome ingredients and emotional connection, whereas many other vegan channels focus more on technical culinary techniques or high‑performance cooking.

channel

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