Carrot Bacon
Carrot Bacon! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Todd Linke on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $2.61 total, $0.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 large Carrots (peeled and sliced into thin flat strips)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup for sweetness and glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adds savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (enhances umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (provides smoky aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (intensifies smoky flavor; use sparingly)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper (freshly cracked for bite)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to fully preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 200°C
Prepare Carrots
Cut each carrot lengthwise in half, peel, then slice into thin, flat strips about ¼ inch thick, resembling bacon slices.
Time: PT10M
Mix Seasonings
In a mixing bowl combine maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, cracked black pepper, and salt. Add the carrot strips and toss with your hands until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned carrot strips in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
Time: PT5M
Bake and Flip
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through (after 10 minutes) to promote even browning.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 200°C
Cool and Crisp
Remove the carrot bacon from the oven and let it rest on the sheet for 5 minutes. The strips will crisp up as they cool.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips, sweet potatoes (thinly sliced)
- Instead of Maple Syrup: agave nectar, brown rice syrup
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced onion (1 tsp)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika + a drop of liquid smoke
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: smoked salt (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Cracked Black Pepper: ground black pepper (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cut carrots into uniform thin strips.
- Coat the carrots thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Watch the baking time to avoid burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter bacon, add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup.
Troubleshooting
Carrot strips are soggy after baking.
Increase oven temperature to 210°C and bake an extra 5‑7 minutes, flipping halfway.
Strips are burnt on the edges but soft in the middle.
Arrange strips in a single layer with space between them and lower the temperature to 190°C, extending total bake time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Re‑crisp in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours; keep in a cool, dry place.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the carrot bacon a day ahead and store in the fridge; reheat briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of vegan carrot bacon in American plant‑based cuisine?
Vegan carrot bacon emerged as part of the broader plant‑based movement in the United States, offering a cruelty‑free alternative to traditional pork bacon. It reflects the growing demand for sustainable, health‑conscious foods that still deliver familiar comfort flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of carrot‑based bacon substitutes in American cuisine?
While carrot bacon itself is a modern invention, regional variations include using tempeh, coconut flakes, or mushroom strips seasoned similarly. Each region adapts the base ingredient to local produce and flavor preferences.
How is carrot bacon traditionally served in vegan brunches in the United States?
Carrot bacon is often served alongside tofu scramble, avocado toast, or piled on top of vegan breakfast bowls. It adds a salty‑sweet crunch that mimics classic bacon in brunch settings.
What occasions or celebrations is vegan carrot bacon commonly associated with in American vegan culture?
It appears at vegan holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, and as a party snack during events like National Vegan Day. Its eye‑catching appearance makes it popular for Instagram‑ready plates.
What makes vegan carrot bacon special compared to other plant‑based bacon alternatives?
Carrot bacon offers a naturally sweet base that caramelizes during baking, creating a unique flavor‑texture balance. It’s also low‑cost, widely available, and requires no specialized equipment beyond a standard oven.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan carrot bacon?
Common errors include cutting the carrots too thick, which prevents crisping, and overcrowding the baking sheet, which leads to steaming. Also, baking at too low a temperature can result in soggy strips.
Why does this vegan carrot bacon recipe use liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika alone?
Liquid smoke provides an intense, authentic smoky aroma that paprika alone cannot achieve. The combination of both gives depth: paprika adds color and mild flavor, while liquid smoke delivers the characteristic bacon smokiness.
Can I make vegan carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the strips fully, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Re‑crisp before serving by warming briefly in a 180°C oven.
What texture and appearance should I look for when my carrot bacon is done?
The strips should be deep amber‑brown, slightly curled at the edges, and feel crisp to the touch. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them just before they become too dark.
What does the YouTube channel Todd Linke specialize in?
The YouTube channel Todd Linke focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, often featuring quick, budget‑friendly recipes and creative twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Todd Linke's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Todd Linke emphasizes minimal equipment, straightforward ingredient lists, and real‑world testing (like the TikTok‑inspired carrot bacon), making his vegan recipes feel accessible to everyday home cooks rather than gourmet chefs.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
