These vegan bacon bits are super crunchy, smoky and packed with flavor! Perfect topping for your salad or any meal needing some extra crunch.
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Nothing beats that delicious crunch of bacon bits on top of your salad. Am I right?! These vegan bacon bits are a delicious way to enjoy that texture and flavor in a vegan version.
Veggie bacon bits are delicious on anything from salads, soups, dips, hummus and more! So full of flavor, these might even be better than the original version!
And just in case you are looking for a delicious dessert to close out your meal, be sure to check out these Vegan Blondies, Vegan Cake Pops and Vegan Banana Bread!
Why this recipe works
- This vegan bacon substitute is a delicious and much healthier option. They are delicious on my Mediterranean Chickpea Salad and Chayote Salad.
- These veggie bacon bits super crispy and crunchy, with easy clean up!
- Making vegan bacon bits from home is FAST and you can make a whole batch to have on hand!
Ingredients for this recipe
- Textured Vegetable Protein: This ingredient can sometimes to be tricky to find. Sprouts or Whole Foods sometimes carry it. I purchase this textured vegetable protein online and am very happy with the quality and freshness.
- Soy sauce, Tamari or Coconut Aminos: You can use soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos in this veggie bacon bits recipe. Always be sure to double check your label to make sure it is vegan.
- Maple Syrup: You can use maple syrup or any vegan liquid sweetener.
- Liquid Smoke: You can purchase liquid smoke online or in most any grocery store. It is typically in the condiment aisle near the barbeque sauce and ketchup.
- Garlic Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Beet Juice or Vegan Food Coloring: This is optional but can be added if you would like to add some vibrant red color. For the beet juice, you can slice a small piece of beet and press it through a garlic press if you do not have a juicer.
How to make vegan bacon bits
- Preheat oven 350° F.
- In small bowl or jar (preferred), combine soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos with maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, smoked paprika and optional beet juice or vegan food coloring. Mix thoroughly.
- Add textured vegetable protein and stir or shake jar until thoroughly combined.
- Evenly spread vegan bacon bits in one single layer on baking sheet.
- Bake on 350°F for about 5 minutes. Cook in additional 1 minute increments until your veggie bacon bits reach your desired crispiness.
FAQ and expert tips
McCormick bacon bits advertises that their bacon bits are vegan. However, I prefer to make my own which limits unnecessary preservatives.
The best vegan bacon and bacon bits are typically made from textured vegetable protein, tempeh or coconut flakes. These meat substitutes can mimic a meaty mouth feel and can be flavored to taste similar to bacon.
Pizza Hut has confirmed that their bacon bits are vegan. However, it is always best to confirm prior to consumption as companies may change their products.
Looking for other delicious and healthy vegetarian or vegan options?
- Roasted Beet Salad
- Dragon Fruit Drink
- Rainbow Salad with Chinese Five Spice Salad Dressing sprinkled with veggie bacon bits.
- Be sure to check out my Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipes for other delicious vegetarian and vegan ideas!
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Vegan Bacon Bits
Equipment
- Jar, sheet pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup textured vegetable protein
- 3 teaspoon soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 small pinch garlic powder
- 1 small pinch smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon fresh beet juice or vegan food coloring (optional for red color)
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350° F.
- In small bowl or jar (preferred), combine soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos with maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, smoked paprika and optional beet juice or vegan food coloring. Mix thoroughly.
- Add textured vegetable protein and stir or shake jar until thoroughly combined.
- Evenly spread vegan bacon bits in one single layer on baking sheet.
- Bake on 350°F for about 5 minutes. Cook in additional 1 minute increments until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Bunny
Amazing recipe! Should the bacon bits be stored in the fridge or pantry?
Aubrey
Thanks Bunny! So happy you enjoyed. I typically store in fridge.
Dana
I didn’t even know vegan bacon bits were a thing. Who knew! Super yummy and easy.
Paige
I have tried a couple different recipes for vegan bacon bits and this was my fav! The balance of flavors was spot on and the cook gave the perfect crunchy texture. This will be my go to going forward. Thank you!!!
Courtney
I tried multiple recipes for vegan bacon bits and this was my favorite.
Anna
These vegan bacon bits were easy and delicious. Great recipe. Thank you!
Aubrey
Thanks Anna!
Sally R
These vegan bacon bits are amazing. I am in LOVE! They are so crunchy and delicious I have been eating them right out of the container before even putting them on my salad. Wish I had made more, but will be shortly. Thanks Aubrey for another great recipe!
Aubrey
Thanks Sally! I am so glad you enjoyed!