Vegetarian Candied Bacon
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory with this irresistible Vegetarian Candied Bacon recipe, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Crafted with thinly sliced eggplant, this eggplant bacon is marinated in a rich mixture of maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and a hint of liquid smoke for that authentic bacon-like flavor. Baked to crisp perfection, these caramelized strips are packed with bold flavor and are completely vegan-friendly. Whether served as a snack, added to sandwiches, or used as a topping for salads, this unique recipe delivers all the indulgent joys of candied bacon with none of the meat. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to explore creative plant-based alternatives.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the large eggplant into very thin strips, approximately 1/8-inch thick, mimicking the size and shape of bacon strips.
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a marinade.
Lay the eggplant strips into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring each strip is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Arrange the marinated eggplant strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the strips halfway through to ensure even baking.
After 20 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the strips are crispy and caramelized, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let the vegetarian candied bacon strips cool for a few minutes. They will become crispier as they cool.
Serve the candied bacon as a sweet and savory snack or use it as a topping for salads and sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1920 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.7 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1987 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 396.0 g | 144% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.6 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 375.8 g | ||
| Protein | 9.7 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 201 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 1859 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
