Baked Crispy Carrot Bacon, Vegan & Gluten Free

Prep: 19 minCook: 10 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Baked Crispy Carrot Bacon, Vegan & Gluten Free

Thinly peeled carrot strips marinated in olive oil, maple syrup, coconut aminos, and smoked paprika, then baked until crispy. A plant-based bacon alternative that's naturally vegan and gluten-free, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 large carrots, peeled into thin strips
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
    agave nectar1:1vegan

    lighter flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
    tamari1:1soy-freegluten-free

    adds similar umami depth

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    avocado oil1:1veganneutral-flavor

    higher smoke point

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Cut ends off carrots and peel with a vegetable peeler, removing several layers to obtain thin bacon-like strips.

  3. 3

    In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, coconut aminos, and smoked paprika and stir.

  4. 4

    Add carrot strips to the marinade and stir. Let sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

  5. 5

    Lay strips out on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 7 to 8 minutes, checking during cooking.

  6. 6

    Remove from the oven and reduce heat to 350 degrees. Flip strips and cook another 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer them crispier.

Tips

Tip 1

Peel several layers from each carrot to obtain strips that resemble bacon texture and thickness.

Good to Know

Storage

Airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Make Ahead

Marinate carrot strips up to 2 hours in advance. Bake fresh before serving for best crispness.

Serve With

Serve as a snack, side dish, or in salads and grain bowls.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not peel too thinly or strips will shred during baking.

Watch

Do not skip the marinating step to avoid bland, dry results.

Watch

Do not extend initial bake time beyond 8 minutes to avoid burning before strips crisp.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

olive oil
avocado oil1:1veganneutral-flavor

higher smoke point

Full guide →
maple syrup
agave nectar1:1vegan

lighter flavor

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

coconut aminos
tamari1:1soy-freegluten-free

adds similar umami depth

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →