Smoky Sweet Carrot Bacon
Looking for a healthier, plant-based twist on classic bacon? These Smoky Sweet Carrot Bacon Strips are here to surprise and delight your taste buds! Packed with smoky flavor, a hint of sweetness, and a satisfying crunch, this recipe is perfect as a snack, salad topper, or even a breakfast side. Whether you're a committed vegan or just love exploring new culinary trends, this recipe will become a favorite in no time. Let’s dive into the details! 💖
Equipment
- Sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots – peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for that perfect roasted texture
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup – adds a touch of natural sweetness
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – delivers that signature smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – complements the smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a mild kick
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – enhances all the flavors
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper 🌶️ for those who like it spicy
Instructions
- Prep Your Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice the carrots into thin, even strips.
- Mix the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne (if using). This flavorful marinade is the magic behind the smoky-sweet taste!
- Coat the Carrots
- Toss the carrot strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- Arrange and Bake
- Spread the marinated strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve
- Once golden and crisp, remove the carrot bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Enjoy!
Notes
What to Serve with Carrot Bacon
Breakfast: Pair with avocado toast or pancakes.
Lunch: Add to salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Snacks: Serve with dips like hummus or guacamole.
Pro Tips for Perfect Carrot Bacon
Slice Evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Don’t Overlap: Arrange the strips in a single layer for the best texture.
Monitor Closely: Carrot bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it during the final minutes of baking.
Breakfast: Pair with avocado toast or pancakes.
Lunch: Add to salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Snacks: Serve with dips like hummus or guacamole.
Pro Tips for Perfect Carrot Bacon
Slice Evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Don’t Overlap: Arrange the strips in a single layer for the best texture.
Monitor Closely: Carrot bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it during the final minutes of baking.