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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers / Small Bites

    Modified: Mar 21, 2025 · Published: Aug 11, 2023 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

    Almond Bacon

    Jump to Recipe Pin Video

    This easy vegan Almond Bacon is smoky with a touch of sweetness. It adds a nice crunchy texture to any dish you use it in.

    Almond Bacon spilling out of mason jar.

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "Since going vegan many years ago, I’ve cried at the loss of only one thing.... bacon. Well, thanks to you Willow, I cry no more. Finally, a substitute that has both the taste and the texture of my beloved junk food nemesis. You are my hero.
    Namaste, Amy"

    This Almond Bacon is smoky and slightly sweet. It's a great substitute for bacon bits.

    Add them to a salad or a baked potato. I like to eat them by the handful or add them to a trail mix.

    They also taste good on pasta, pizza, or sandwiches. They add a smoky crunchy flavor to anything you add them to.

    Vegan bacon made from coconut chips is another way to get the same flavor and texture. You may also like my Vegan Chocolate Covered Almonds with Spices.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🍽 Serving
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • Other Vegan Bacon Recipes
    • 🎥  Video
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You'll Love It

    • It is sweet, smoky, and savory.
    • You can use it any place where you would use bacon bits.
    • It is healthy and satisfying.

    🧾 Ingredients

    Ingredients on a cutting board with labels.
    • Sliced almonds: For the crunchy texture.
    • Tamari: Adds a salty umami flavor. I use low-sodium tamari because I like to control the amount of sodium. It is the gluten-free equivalent of soy sauce.
    • Maple syrup: For a sweet maple flavor. Balances out the other flavors.
    • Liquid smoke: Adds a smoky flavor.
    • Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy sour flavor. You could also use red wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
    • Coconut oil: For baking. Adds flavor.
    • Paprika: Adds a spicy smoky flavor.

    This is an overview of the ingredients. To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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    🔪 Instructions

    Marinade in a bowl and with sliced almonds.

    Step 1: Mix the marinade ingredients. Heat in the microwave if coconut oil is solid. Mix in sliced almonds.

    Almond Bacon on a sheet pan before and after baking.

    Step 2: Spread almonds on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until crispy, flipping every 5 minutes.

    🍽 Serving

    • Vegan salads, like my Crispy Tofu Salad
    • Vegan pasta, like my Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe
    • BBQ Pizza
    • Loaded potatoes
    • Vegan soup
    • Avocado toast
    • Trail mix
    • Any place you would want a substitute for bacon bits or want to add a savory, smoky taste.
    Almond Bacon in a mason jar.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    What is vegan bacon made of?

    This almond bacon recipe is made with sliced almonds, tamari, paprika, liquid smoke, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil.

    Is vegan bacon healthier than real bacon?

    Made with sliced almonds and other whole foods, this vegan bacon is a healthy alternative to real bacon.

    Other Vegan Bacon Recipes

    • Tofu bacon on an open faced sandwich.
      The Most Incredible Tofu Bacon
    • Coconut Bacon
      Coconut Bacon
    • Eggplant Bacon in a frying pan.
      Eggplant Bacon 3 Ways

    🎥  Video

    These flavored almonds can be used in any place where a recipe calls for bacon bits.

    If you tried this Almond Bacon Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!

    I originally posted this recipe on March 12, 2016. I added new photos, text, and a new video when I republished it.

    📋 Recipe

    Almond Bacon in a mason jar.
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    5 from 6 votes

    Almond Bacon

    This easy vegan Almond Bacon is smoky with a touch of sweetness. It adds a nice crunchy texture to any dish you use it in.
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 69kcal
    Author Willow Moon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon low-sodium gluten-free tamari
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 1 ½ cups sliced almonds
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325°F.
    • Mix all ingredients together except sliced almonds. Heat on the stove or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if coconut oil is solid.
    • Add sliced almonds and mix thoroughly. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Bake at 325°F, stirring every 5 minutes. The total baking time will take around 15 minutes.

    Notes

    This vegan almond bacon recipe will last several weeks in an airtight container in the pantry at room temperature or fridge.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    SIGN UP for my newsletter, get a FREE 30 Minute Vegan Dinners 7-Day Meal Plan as a welcome gift! 💌

    *Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

    More Easy Vegan Appetizers

    • Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls on a plate.
      Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls
    • Maple Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas on parchment paper.
      Maple Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas
    • Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
      Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms with Tofu Ricotta
    • Turmeric Energy Balls on parchment paper with turmeric and sliced coconut.
      Easy No-Bake Turmeric Energy Balls

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Samantha says

      July 09, 2018 at 9:53 am

      I love the smoky flavor! They taste great on salads!5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 10, 2018 at 2:03 pm

        Thanks Samantha!

        Reply
    2. theveganistafoodie says

      March 15, 2016 at 10:53 pm

      I find coconut bacon to be too sweat for savory dishes. This almond bacon sounds like it would be just right. Looks delicious.

      Reply
    3. Home by Jenn says

      March 15, 2016 at 8:18 am

      This would be the perfect salad topper! I love that you use almonds instead of coconut. I'm going to be trying this soon! Thanks so much for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 15, 2016 at 5:23 pm

        Thanks! I figured there are so many coconut bacon recipes out there, and I always have slivered almonds in my pantry (on hand for salads as a matter of fact), I thought why not!

        Reply
    4. Elaine Matthews says

      March 15, 2016 at 4:44 am

      I thought there was actually bacon in this...lol!! What a great flavor combination!!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 15, 2016 at 5:21 pm

        I was a little afraid of that! I named it such because you can buy "Coconut Bacon", so I figured vegans would be used to that.

        Reply
    5. Klauss says

      March 15, 2016 at 1:24 am

      never before I had ever seen, awesome recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 15, 2016 at 5:19 pm

        Thanks Klauss!

        Reply
    6. starrhealthyself says

      March 14, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      The title alone got my attention!!! 🙂 This recipe seems quite doable, and I can see this being a great snack. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 14, 2016 at 6:10 pm

        It's really easy, you just have to watch that the almonds don't over cook.

        Reply
    7. Mandi says

      March 14, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      Oh goodness, this looks WONDERFUL. Pinning to try! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 14, 2016 at 6:09 pm

        Thanks Mandi, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

        Reply
    8. Carlee says

      March 14, 2016 at 11:32 am

      These sound delicious! I love almonds and this sounds like a perfect mix of flavors!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 14, 2016 at 6:08 pm

        Thanks Carlee!

        Reply
    9. Leah says

      March 14, 2016 at 10:18 am

      Well, this sounds divine! And sounds like a fab snack for me in the afternoons!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 14, 2016 at 6:08 pm

        Thanks Leah! I could definitely over-snack on this!

        Reply
    10. choclette says

      March 13, 2016 at 10:15 am

      This sounds wonderful. I've no idea where I can track down liquid smoke, but I think I'll try.

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        March 13, 2016 at 3:39 pm

        I found it at my local grocery store, but I can't remember which aisle and what other items were around it.

        Reply
      • Trish says

        September 10, 2018 at 11:03 pm

        It can be found at Ralph’s and Vons, if they don’t carry it you may order it! Ask a store manager!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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