Your New Breakfast BFF
Ever had a bacon craving as a vegetarian that hit you like a ton of bricks? (Trust me, I’ve been there!) Don’t worry, though—your plant-based dreams are about to come true. We’re talking crispy, crunchy vegan bacon made with eggplant (yup, you read that right!). Eggplant is like a flavor sponge, soaking up all the smoky, savory deliciousness we throw at it. All you have to do is slice and brush it with a simple marinade featuring smoked paprika and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Cook it in an air fryer or oven, and you’ll have an eggplant bacon alternative that’s ready in less than 30 minutes! It’s great for a vegan wedge salad, vegan BLT sandwich, or just snacking straight from the pan (I don’t judge).
Grab These Ingredients
Unlike many vegan bacon recipes, this eggplant bacon is made without liquid smoke. Instead, we rely on just a few pantry staples.
Eggplant: The base of our vegan bacon! It’s cut into thin strips and loaded with flavor. Most types of eggplant work well here, but we’re going with the classic Italian eggplant. Soy Sauce: This adds a salty component essential in a good bacon recipe (sub tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option). Oil: Olive oil helps achieve that crispy, crunchy texture to simulate bacon. Maple Syrup: A drizzle of sweetness from pure maple syrup transforms the flavor depth of this eggplant bacon! Worcestershire Sauce: Brings major umami flavor to the seasoning. Be sure to use plant-based Worcestershire sauce, as the traditional stuff contains anchovies. Spices: Finally, a blend of smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin gives the eggplant an extra savory, “bacon-y” flavor profile.
Making Vegan Bacon Is So Simple
Step 1: Slice The EggplantSlice your eggplant pretty thin (about 1/8 of an inch). I use a mandolin slicer to make this easier, but you could also try a large vegetable peeler. Step 2: Flavor It UpMix the seasoning ingredients and brush them onto the strips of eggplant. Step 3: Cook The EggplantYou’ve got two options for cooking: air-fry or bake the eggplant slices in the oven.
Plays Well With
Now that you’ve made the crispiest, most delicious eggplant bacon ever, serve it with these breakfast classics!
Vegan Breakfast Tacos: Made with crispy chickpeas, a hearty tofu scramble, and pillowy-soft tortillas. Paleo Banana Pancakes: Is there a better combo than bacon and pancakes? (Seriously, I’d love to know!) Eggless French Toast: Okay, this might be just the thing to top bacon and pancakes! (I’ll let you be the judge.)
