Tabitha Brown's Carrot Bacon
Tabitha Brown's Carrot Bacon is a easy American recipe that serves 3. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Sneakers and Forks on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $3.65 total, $1.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 Carrots (large, washed and peeled)
- 2 Tbsp Liquid Smoke (low‑sodium, gluten‑free)
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Miss Butterworth's brand preferred)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Bread Spice Blend (used in place of garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Ground Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the carrots.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Trim and Slice Carrots
Wash the carrots, peel if desired, then cut off the first outer layer of each carrot. Slice the carrots lengthwise into thin strips about 1/8‑inch thick, resembling bacon strips.
Time: PT7M
Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine 2 Tbsp liquid smoke, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic‑bread spice blend, 1 tsp ground paprika, and ½ tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Coat Carrot Strips
Add the carrot strips to the bowl and toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the glaze.
Time: PT3M
Arrange on Parchment
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the coated carrot strips in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap or pile.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Carrot Bacon
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 35‑40 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through, until the edges are crisp and the glaze is caramelized.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheet, let the carrot bacon cool on the parchment for 5 minutes. The strips will crisp up further as they cool. Serve immediately or store as directed.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, Sweet potatoes (cut thin)
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: Smoked paprika (for flavor), Smoked salt
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, Brown rice syrup
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion, Finely minced fresh onion (use less)
- Instead of Garlic Bread Spice Blend: Garlic powder, Garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Ground Paprika: Smoked paprika, Sweet paprika
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice carrots thin and uniformly.
- Lay strips in a single, non‑overlapping layer on parchment.
- Do not over‑apply maple syrup; excess moisture prevents crisping.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A mandoline slicer yields perfectly even carrot ribbons for consistent crispness.
- If you can find smoked paprika, substitute half of the regular paprika for deeper smoky flavor.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the strips just before the final 5 minutes of baking.
Troubleshooting
Strips are soggy after baking.
Make sure the strips are thin, avoid overlapping, and reduce the amount of maple syrup. Increase baking time or finish with a brief broil.
Strips burn before becoming crisp.
Lower oven temperature to 375°F and extend baking time, or flip more frequently.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a dry skillet or oven to restore crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Best eaten same day; can become soggy after 2‑3 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the carrot bacon a day ahead and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
- Store cooled strips in a paper‑towel‑lined container to absorb excess moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in American vegan cuisine?
Carrot bacon emerged as part of the plant‑based movement in the United States, offering a cruelty‑free alternative to pork bacon while mimicking its smoky, salty flavor. It reflects a broader trend of re‑imagining classic comfort foods with vegetables to accommodate vegans and health‑conscious eaters.
What traditional regional variations of carrot bacon exist in American cuisine?
While carrot bacon itself is a modern invention, regional twists include using maple syrup in the Northeast, chipotle‑smoked paprika in the Southwest, and adding a splash of soy sauce for a Midwest‑style umami boost. Each variation tailors the flavor profile to local taste preferences.
How is carrot bacon traditionally served in vegan gatherings in the United States?
At vegan brunches and potlucks, carrot bacon is often served alongside tofu scrambles, avocado toast, or as a crunchy topping for salads and grain bowls. It’s also popular as a snack on its own, paired with dips like vegan ranch or hummus.
What occasions or celebrations is carrot bacon commonly associated with in vegan culture?
Carrot bacon is a favorite for holiday breakfasts such as Thanksgiving or Christmas brunches, where it adds a festive, smoky element without meat. It’s also popular for Earth Day events and vegan festivals as a showcase of creative plant‑based cooking.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Savitha Brown‑style carrot bacon versus common substitutes?
Savitha Brown’s version relies on liquid smoke, maple syrup, and a garlic‑bread spice blend for depth. If you can’t find liquid smoke, a dash of smoked paprika works, and agave nectar can replace maple syrup. The garlic‑bread blend can be swapped with regular garlic powder plus dried herbs.
What other American dishes pair well with carrot bacon?
Carrot bacon pairs beautifully with vegan pancakes, avocado toast, quinoa salads, and baked sweet potatoes. Its smoky crunch also complements vegan mac and cheese and hearty grain bowls.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon?
Common errors include cutting the carrots too thick, overlapping strips on the baking sheet, and using too much maple syrup, which creates steam and prevents crisping. Follow the critical steps: thin slices, single‑layer layout, and moderate glaze.
Why does this carrot bacon recipe use liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika for the smoky flavor?
Liquid smoke delivers an intense, immediate smoky aroma without needing a long cooking time, which is ideal for thin carrot strips that bake quickly. Smoked paprika adds flavor but is less potent and can affect the color of the glaze.
Can I make carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the carrot bacon a day ahead, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes or quickly in a dry skillet to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the carrot bacon is done cooking?
The strips should be deep amber‑brown, slightly curled at the edges, and feel crisp to the touch. They will firm up further as they cool. If they still feel pliable, bake a few minutes longer.
What does the YouTube channel Sneakers and Forks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sneakers and Forks focuses on creative, plant‑based comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and inventive twists on classic dishes, often emphasizing budget‑friendly ingredients and accessible cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Sneakers and Forks' approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Sneakers and Forks blends street‑style storytelling with home‑cooking practicality, offering bold flavor experiments like carrot bacon while keeping recipes simple enough for beginners. Unlike many channels that focus on gourmet plating, Sneakers and Forks prioritizes flavor, fun, and everyday kitchen tools.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
