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
Shave Carrots
Peel the carrots and shave them into paper‑thin strips using a sharp knife, mandoline, or vegetable peeler.
Time: PT5M
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
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
Preheat Cooking Device
Preheat your oven to 380°F or set the air fryer to 380°F.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 380°F
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Zucchini, Parsnip
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: Smoked paprika alone, Smoked salt
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, Brown sugar syrup
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + liquid smoke
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced onion (dry)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomato Wraps: Flour tortilla, Lettuce leaves
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayo
- Instead of Microgreens: Baby spinach, Arugula
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion
- Instead of Dill Pickle Slices: Bread and butter pickles
- Instead of Avocado: Guacamole, Sliced cucumber
- Instead of Honey (for avocado drizzle): Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Air Fryer or Oven
- Tongs
- Small Brush or Spoon (optional)
- Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked salt to the seasoning for an extra depth of smoky flavor.
- Drizzle a little lemon juice over avocado slices to keep them green.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Troubleshooting
Carrot bacon is not crisp.
Make sure the carrot strips are very thin and bake an additional 1‑2 minutes, or increase temperature to 400°F for a short burst.
Carrot bacon is soggy.
Pat the shaved carrots dry with paper towels before coating, and avoid excess liquid in the seasoning mix.
Wrap falls apart when rolling.
Warm the wrap briefly to make it more flexible, or use a sturdier tortilla or lettuce leaf.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked carrot bacon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze carrot bacon in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; assemble and eat within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare carrot bacon a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; reheat briefly before assembling.
- Mix mayo with a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor and keep refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in American plant‑based cuisine?
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.
How does carrot bacon differ from traditional pork bacon in flavor and texture?
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.
What traditional American dishes pair well with a carrot bacon BLT wrap?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is a carrot bacon BLT wrap traditionally associated with in American culture?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for carrot bacon versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What makes carrot bacon special or unique in American plant‑based cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon at home?
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.
Why does this carrot bacon recipe use liquid smoke and smoked paprika instead of actual smoked carrots?
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.
Can I make the carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it before assembling the wrap?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Tabitha Brown's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
