Crispy, salty, sweet, and crunchy— Coconut Bacon is what dreams are made of! Sprinkle this on everything!
Coconut Bacon
I know, I know, I am not the first person under the sun to share a Coconut Bacon recipe. But you guys—it is SO good! These little flakes of goodness are crispy, crunchy, sweet and salty. They are SO delicious. Sprinkle them on EVERYTHING. Seriously. They are delicious in a salad, sprinkled on soup, on a sandwich, on avocado toast. They are YUMMY!!! The point is, you need Coconut Bacon in your life!!!
Mmmm….Bacon
Bacon. Yep, everyone loves bacon. But that doesn’t mean everyone loves “traditional” pork bacon. While not the original definition, bacon to me is something that is crispy, salty, sweet, and even a little crunchy. It’s the flavor that everyone loves—not the actual source. So get on board the vegan bacon train—there are so many options! You can make bacon out of tofu, seitan, eggplant, mushrooms, carrots, cashews, rice paper, and yes….coconut flakes! Coconut flakes are perfect for a bacon bit topping, as they already have a bit of crispness and a sweet mellow flavor. Add in a delicious marinade of maple syrup, vegan worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar and you’ve got it! Bacon! Made from a coconut! (I’m not yelling, I’m just excited!)
Smokey Flavor
The smokey flavor in my coconut bacon comes from two sources—liquid smoke and smoked paprika. They work really well together to give the bacon a nice mellow taste. Liquid smoke can be found at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, or don’t feel like running to the store, add an extra quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika to your marinade mix instead.
Sharing with friends!
I brought this coconut bacon to my weekly moms’ group as part of a brunch spread a few weeks ago. It’s second nature to me to hear things like coconut bacon, carrot bacon, etc. I kinda forgot that I was in the minority there, and when I said “coconut bacon” my friends all gave me a funny look! And then they tried it. Many a convert were made that day! Many vegan bacon recipes use soy sauce to give their bacon a salty bite. In this recipe I just use regular granulated salt instead, keeping this Coconut Bacon both soy free and gluten free, which makes it perfect to share with friends who may have different dietary restrictions or preferences.
Look how easy it is to make Coconut Bacon!
I hope you get a chance to try my coconut bacon recipe! It’s so delicious! When you do, be sure to snap a picture and share it on social media! Tag me! {#frieddandelions // @frieddandelions}
Coconut Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegan worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups large coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix all ingredients, except for the coconut flakes, together in a small bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the coconut flakes in a medium sized bowl.
- Mix the coconut and marinade mixture well, being sure to coat all of the coconut with the marinade. It will feel like there is not enough liquid, but it will come together. Be patient!
- Spread coconut bacon on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Do not let the coconut bacon overcook, or it will taste burnt. The bacon will continue crisping as it cools, so err on the side of less cooking time. 25 minutes should be just right!
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bacon to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container. Bacon will keep crispy for about a week.
Crunchy, delicious, healthy and really satisfying!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can these coconut chips be recrisped if needed? I’m only one person and can’t eat so much in a week.
Thanks.
Yes, you could toast them up again in a skillet! Or make a half batch if that was easier.
UMmm…ill have of make without the oil ? Anyone else try it that way?
You can probably eliminate the oil! It might not get quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be yummy. Give it a try and let us know how it goes!
I made this coconut bacon to go on a (vegan) potato salad yesterday, Sarah, and let me tell you, it was a lucky thing that there was any left for the salad. So delicious––could not stop eating. Thank you for the recipe (but not for the 1,000 pounds I gained after eating so much of it)!
Aw, I love this comment! Totally laughing right now! Thank you for coming back to tell me!!! So glad you loved it—I need to make a new batch asap!!!
Do you think the mixture will adhere to almond flakes? Or, can you suggest a substitute for coconut flakes? Thanks.
Ooh, I’m not sure! I bet you could mix it with some sliced almonds and do the same procedure! I haven’t tested it as my son is allergic to nuts, but I do think it would work, and be really tasty!!!
Do you think I can cook this in my electric skillet with the lid on? I know you can bake a cake in one. I just hate heating my old oven up.
Ooh, I have no idea! You might be able to. You just want it to go low and slow so that it crisps up before it burns!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tamari-less coconut bacon. What a good idea to make a soy-free version for those who can’t or choose not to eat soy. I adore coconut bacon. I usually order it from Phoney Baloney’s, but this would require no postage or wait time!
I will eat coconut chips in basically any form, but bacon brings them to a new high for me. Love this!
Yes! Trader Joe’s has some coconut sesame crunchy things and they are SO good! I can eat the whole bag!
This on salad. Perfect! I must try making it soon!
Yes! Perfect on a salad!
Love all the smoky flavors in there! So good! I will sprinkle this on everything!
That’s what we do!
I can think of so many things I’d like to add this coconut bacon to – salads, sandwiches, etc. I need to make a batch, stat!
For sure! So versatile!
Love me some coconut bacon! This looks amazing! Excited to throw this on everything!
It’s virtually confetti! 🙂
Oh my gosh, I had no idea it was this easy to make coconut bacon. This is SO happening, ASAP!
Seriously quick and easy!!!
I had the best coconut bacon when I was in Kauai. It really made the salad. I definitely need to make a batch!
Ooh yum! Sounds amazing!