My dear, sweet, coconut bacon skeptics, hear me out. This vegan “bacon” is amazing! It’s crispy, sweet, salty and tastes just like the real deal, so don’t knock it til you try it! I could go on about it, but I think Cookie’s coconut bacon desperation says it all.
Granted, my dog loves kale and ate half a pack of gum when I was at yoga last week, but I’ve honestly never seen her work so hard for crumbs that aren’t meat. (And look at those irresistible fuzzy ears! She kills me.)
I shared coconut bacon last year with my heirloom BLT salad recipe, but this stuff is so good that I decided it needed its own post. You can use it as an accent in any recipe that calls for crumbled bacon—salads, BLTs, you name it. It’s incredibly easy to make (it’ll take you 15 minutes, max) and you can freeze extra for later. Although, it’s hard not to eat all of this bacon as it comes out the oven. I dare you to try it!
How to Make Coconut Bacon
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 13 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 Cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Fake bacon that tastes like the real thing. Use it in salads, BLTs, or anywhere else that you would add bacon. This coconut bacon is vegan and gluten free, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari). Recipe yields 3 cups coconut bacon.
Ingredients
- 3 cups large, unsweetened coconut flakes (not regular shredded coconut!)
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari (or other soy sauce)
- 2 ½ tablespoons liquid smoke (any flavor, choose your favorite)
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (optional).
- Measure the coconut flakes out onto the baking sheet. Drizzle the coconut flakes with tamari, liquid smoke and maple syrup. Mix well. Spread the flakes into an even layer on the parchment paper.
- Bake on the middle rack for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until flakes are mostly dry and turning golden on the edges. (Keep an eye on the coconut as it can go from golden brown to deep burnt brown fairly quickly. For softer bacon, you’ll probably only need to bake for 12 minutes. For crispy bacon, aim for 14.) The coconut flakes will further crisp up as they cool.
- Let the coconut bacon cool, then use it immediately or transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Coconut bacon keeps well in the freezer for several months. No need to defrost!
Notes
Recipe originally seen on my heirloom BLT salad (looove that salad!).
Make it gluten free: This dish is gluten free as long as you use gluten-free tamari, which is a variety of soy sauce that is usually (but not always, check the label) gluten free. I always use tamari instead of soy sauce because I prefer the flavor of it!
Where to buy: Look for coconut flakes in the baking aisle or health food section at well-stocked grocery stores. Look for tamari next to the soy sauce in the Asian aisle. Look for liquid smoke near the barbecue sauce.
Katya @ Little Broken
What an interesting combo! Never even heard of coconut bacon. Looks like a perfect topping for a salad. and your dog is cute :)
po
I liked the recipe, but it lacked two of the main qualities of real bacon: salt and fat. So! I added oil after the cooking, along with a bit more tamari and smoke, plus salt. Now it’s a lot closer to the real deal without the suffering of an innocent animal. Yum!
Kate
Good ideas! Thanks, po.
Maryea {happy healthy mama}
Well you’ve got me absolutely intrigued. How can I not try this? Next trip to the grocery store I will be seeking large coconut flakes. (Hard to find?)
Kate
Hey Maryea! They’re pretty readily available these days. I got mine at Whole Foods in the baking aisle. I’ve also found them at well-stocked grocery stores. Good luck!
jenna @ just j.faye
I am so intrigued! I need to try this out ASAP!
Keli Smith
Never heard of coconut bacon, but I can’t wait to make some and not share with anyone!
Raquel @ My California Roots
I’ve always been anti coconut bacon, because really, you just can’t beat the real thing! I was a baco-vegetarian for a long time… I think you can deduce what that means :) but you may have convinced me it may be worth the try! Also, you should definitely include more pictures of Cookie in your posts. She is so cute!
Kate
Honestly, I’m anti meat substitutes *except* for coconut bacon! It’s really good! I used to be a baco-vegetarian but I gave it up after Cookie’s accident this year. More Cookie pics, coming up!
Liren
You are so clever! I especially think my coconut crazed daughter who recently decided to stop eating pork will be especially happy with this!
Kate
Thanks, Liren! I think she’ll love it!
Matt Robinson
Bacon is a huge problem of mine, so I love seeing this idea. Never knew! So cool.
Simone
It’s going to be interesting to see if our cats are as eager to eat the coconut bacon…:) it sure looks delicious and Cookie is sooooo cute! Great shots (big of the bacon and the dog…:)
Emma
Well I have all the ingredients in my pantry just waiting to be transformed… I will have to try this!
PS. Cookie is such a sweetie, I love that little face
Kate
Thanks, Emma! I hope you’re enjoying the coconut bacon!
Jenny @ BAKE
I feel like my lunch time salad will be sorely missing this coconut bacon, I will have to try to make some at the weekend.
Holly
Those pics of Cookie are absolutely precious! Keep ’em coming! I made coconut bacon for the first time about a month ago, and my carnivorous husband LOVED it! It disappeared very quickly.
Kate
Thank you, Holly! Glad to hear you’re both on the coconut bacon train! :)
Cris
It looks so awesome. I will definitely give it a shot :)
windingspiralcase
What a clever idea! I’ll have to look out for those big pieces of coconut (the “shredded” variety is all I have on hand). Great photographs.
Kate
Thanks! If you have any leftover coconut flakes, they’re great in granola.
Mary
Gah! Cookie is so freaking cute! :o) I’ve never made coconut bacon before…I might just have to try it!
Kate
Thanks, Mary! I hope you enjoy the coconut bacon!
Meg Sylvia
Well this is super cool! NEVER would have thought coconut could be a good substitute for bacon, but now I am incredibly curious to try this!
Kate
Thanks, Meg! Hope you give coconut bacon a try—it’s pretty shocking how much it tastes like the real deal!
kristin @ W [H] A T C H
this sounds too good to be true, but i am definitely willing to give it a try!
lis
I’m not a vegetarian and I actually don’t care for coconut and yet I’m tempted to try this out! Probably because Cookie looks so adorable. I hope she shows up in posts more often!
Kate
Hmm, well, you might still like the coconut bacon! The coconut flakes are really a different experience than the shredded/sweetened stuff. They have a more mild flavor and a cool texture. Cookie is always happy to model for me, so I’ll try to publish pics of her more often! I used to be afraid of overdoing it, but I really just hear requests for more. :)
Sini | My Blue&White Kitchen
Awww…Cookie is way too cute! I’ve been really intrigued by the idea of coconut bacon but haven’t yet managed to make some. It looks like I really should! First I need to find some liquid smoke though but I don’t think it will be an impossible task.
Kate
Thanks, Sini! I hope you can find Liquid Smoke. It’s usually near the barbecue sauce here in the states… but I’m not sure you can buy barbecue sauce over there! Let me know if you can’t find any. I’ll mail you some. :)
Miss Violet Love
I’m really stoked about this! Like, really! I hadn’t eaten any meat in 18 years. Up until 2 years I go, I started dabbling in the consumption of bacon and feel totally awful about it. I’m going to try this and hope it hits the spot. Btw-those pictures of Cookie are just adorable!!! LOVE!
Kate
Miss Violet, I hope you love the bacon! I used to eat bacon on occasion, but I stopped after Cookie’s accident earlier this year. Just can’t do it. Fortunately, coconut bacon is a delicious alternative!
Barbara Davidge
Pup is ADORABLE! We have made a similar version of this and called it vegan crack :)
Kate
Thanks, Barbara! I can see why you would call this stuff crack. I’m about to go snack on some more…
Kate
Brilliant!!!
Kate
Thanks, Kate! :)
Judie
This sounds amazing and will definitely try, but I adore the photos of your pup, how adorable!
Kate
Thanks, Judie! I hope you enjoy the coconut bacon. Cookie says hi!
Susanne
Aaaaah Cookie is soooo cute! She really looks like my dog Jip :)
Totally love the idea of turning coconut into bacon!
Fauna
I always hesitate with using liquid smoke, but here’s a good video on a trusted website that explains the harms (or not so much) of liquid smoke as a carcinogen and more importantly (more harmful) is smoking meat!
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/is-liquid-smoke-flavoring-carcinogenic/
I look forward to trying this recipe!
Kate
Fauna, thank you for sharing your link! I’m going to go watch it now.
Sophie
I remember reading this last year and thinking that I wasn’t enough of a bacon-lover to go this far. But, it’s so easy! And must add some really great depth of flavor to just about everything. I’m going to try it! I’m sure my poor omnivore husband would appreciate even a vegetarian attempt at a BLT once in a while :)
COOKIE IS KILLING ME! With cuteness! Soooo adorable. I die.
Kate
Sophie, hope you give coconut bacon a shot! It’s so easy and really good, I promise!
dana
I tried to make BEET bacon yesterday and it totally didn’t work. Going to give your coconut version a try!
Kate
Beet bacon would’ve been interesting. Your beautiful beet chips you posted a few days ago made me wish I liked beets! Eeps.
Christine
This looks so delicious! Now to track down liquid smoke … can’t wait to give it a try!
Kate
Thanks, Christine! Liquid Smoke is usually near the barbecue sauce in grocery stores. Good luck!
erin {yummy supper}
Crazy genius recipe. This I need to try. My kids will freak too!
xoxox
E
Kate
Thanks, Erin! Hope you all love the coconut bacon as much as Cookie and I do! :)
Janet
Cookie is unbelievably adorable!
Kate
Thanks, Janet!
Sarah @ People, Places & Plates
Such an interesting idea! The vegetarian brother is coming for dinner tonight and this might just find its way into the salad!
Marie @
Huh – I am skeptical indeed…which is why I will try it right away!
Jessica
I would love to try however unsure where to find unsweetened coconut flakes?? Anyone – please let me know!!! I see dried coconut chips at Trader Joe’s but they are already baked and sweet. I would love a source to locate the needed ingredient!!!! Thanks
Kate
Jessica, I’m sorry I didn’t provide details on where to find the coconut flakes! I’ve updated the post with details, including a link to Amazon, if you want to buy online. I found my flakes at Whole Foods, in the baking aisle. I’ve also found them at well-stocked grocery stores and other health food stores.
Lorna
Jessica, I found them in the baking aisle at Whole Foods. Just made this and it is pretty gosh-darn amazing. Even though I haven’t eaten bacon in about ten years, this definitely tasted familiar to me. Next time I will lower the temp on my oven and keep a closer eye on it, though, because it started to burn about five minutes in. I never learn.
Kate
Thanks, Lorna! Glad you liked the bacon. Were you baking at a higher temp than 350? Mine has burnt quickly at 375 and up.
Lorna
I had it at 350; I’m pretty sure my oven is just weird because I’ve burned other things in it, too. You’d think I would learn my lesson, but no. I plan on making another batch very soon, though, so I’ll be more careful!
Kate
Hmm, sounds like your oven is acting up! I’ve made this stuff in two different ovens and all batches have turned out well at 350. You might want to invest in an oven thermometer—they cost about ten dollars, and they’re especially helpful if your oven has a viewing pan and a light. I leave mine in the oven and it’s nice reassurance that the temperature is where it should be.
Rekka
I actually had the same problem, mine burned after 350F. I usually don’t have this problem with my oven so it’s pretty strange.
It’s still eatable despite there being a lot of black pieces ;).
Kate
Oh no, I’m sorry! Were your coconut pieces on the small side? Maybe try 325 next time and keep an eye on it!
Kate
correction: viewing pane
Gaby
What a great idea!! Perfect for salads!!
Kathy
Great idea. I’ve got all the ingredients in my kitchen. BLT’s for lunch…can hardly wait.
Great pictures of Cookie!!! Adorable!
Kate
Thanks, Kathy! Hope you loved the “B”LT’s!
Padaek
Oh dear Cookie. If only she had tongs. :) These look absolutely delicious!
Jonathan
If its a good as it sounds I have to try it!
Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen
What a creative idea! l love all the Cookie pictures too…I think that’s a testament to how delicious this must have smelled! I do have to admit that I miss bacon from time to time, so I’m excited to try this substitute. Are unsweetened coconut flakes easy to find?
Kate
Hey Julia! I’m sorry I didn’t mention where to buy the ingredients. Coconut flakes are pretty easy for me to find these days, in well-stocked grocery stores and natural food stores. I found it most recently at Whole Foods, in the baking aisle.
Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen
Thanks, Kate! Isn’t Whole Foods the best? I’m excited to try this!
Kate
Indeed! Hope you love the “bacon”!
Laura
So many adorable photos of Cookie! How could I NOT make this?! We do that silly thing where we put a little crust of toast or something on the table corner and our pup Maggie is so, SO persistent in pawing at it or doing her little jumps to get closer.
Now I want coconut bacon for breakfast :))
Kate
Cookie has a crazy vertical. She’s always stealing stuff from the edge of the kitchen counters when I’m not looking. The other day, I was spinning in circles in my kitchen, looking for the small loaf of artisan bread I’d *just* set down. That’s when I noticed Cookie trying to skulk past my feet with the loaf of bread securely planted between her jaws. Those dogs! I wish Maggie and Cookie could have a play date. :)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
I’ve been obsessed with coconut bacon since another blogger mentioned it earlier this year. SO GOOD!!! (Clearly Cookie agrees!) I’m trying your recipe next. :)
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats
So interesting! I will admit I am a bit skeptical but I will have to give it a try – after all your coconut milk based ice cream tips did wonders for me:) I am thinking of doing a vegetarian cobb salad with tempeh and this could sub in for the bacon!
Kate
Trust me on this one! :) Your tempeh cobb salad sounds awesome!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
OMG, KATE, this is genius! Love the pictures of the dog trying to eat the bacon, cuteness overload!
Kate
Thank you, Phi! :)
Susan
I can’t wait to try out this recipe. Cookie is absolutely adorable! Love the pics you added of her. If it is good enough for Cookie, I’m sure it will be delicious.
Kate
Thank you, Susan! Cookie is a coconut bacon fiend, for sure. Hope you love it, too!
Lisa @ Simple Pairings
I’m so intrigued! Bacon is so incredibly delicious (especially the new-found natural kind without nitrates/nitrites!) but I love the idea of using coconut if it still hits the spot. Pinning!
Lindsey
cookie is the cutest! our pup, quint is such a crumb chaser, and he always surprises us with eating (and liking) the oddest things! i remember your salad from last year and thinking that coconut bacon sounded so intriguing. looking forward to giving a try soon!
Kate
Thanks, Lindsey! Glad to know your pup’s name now. He’s so cute!
Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life
Oh my goodness, Cookie’s face says it all. Those bacon-crazy eyes and the cutest little grabby paws :)
If it’s Cookie Approved then I’ll have to give it a try. For some reason the first thing I thought of was: doughnuts. Everyone seems to have a recipe for bacon salted caramel doughnuts, and now I can eat one too :)
Thanks Kate!
Kate
This bacon definitely earned Cookie’s stamp of approval, yes! :) Now I want to try coconut bacon doughnuts!!!
Lauren
Holy moly. I can’t wait to try this!
thefolia
Interesting…Cookie has convinced me to try this. I’m officially on the hunt for Liquid Smoke. Happy Nesting!
Kate
Thanks! Liquid Smoke is pretty readily available in stores, near the barbecue sauce!
laurasmess
Ohhhh that sweet furry Cookie! Love! This post definitely sells it Kate, I cannot wait to try this gorgeously bacon-y coconut wonder! Haha… Oh dear. Half a pack of gum? Was she okay (I’m imagining tummy troubles, though I do know that dog digestion is much better than ours!) xx
Kate
Ha, thanks Laura! She was fine after she ate the gum. I had to call poison control to make sure one of the ingredients wasn’t dangerous (it wasn’t). Sometimes she steals the chapstick out of my purse, so I make sure they’re non-toxic. Sheesh!
Joanne
I’ve been a little hesitant to jump on the coconut bacon bandwagon, just because I wasn’t sure if it was worth it. But you’re really selling it!
Tracy
Just tried it. really tastes like bacon. not thrilled with the hickory flavor from the liquid smoke so will try to find the pecan flavor for my next batch.
Kate
Glad it tastes like bacon to you! Hope you like the pecan flavor better.
Ravi Kulasekere
If you want larger pieces of this you can get a bag of dry coconut slices from your local Indian grocery store. Then you will have thin strips of bacon :-)
Kate
I did not know that coconut slices exist! I’ll keep an eye out for them! Thanks, Ravi.
Deborah Davis
Wow! Coconut bacon really meets a lot of vegan flavor cravings. So glad I found your recipe and easy to follow photos. Great recipe and post!
Sara Martin
Oh man, I’ve been buying coconut bacon and didn’t think to make it myself. Can’t wait to try this! I’m sure my dogs will be just as underfoot. (Cookie is adorable).
Oxana
I can’t look at your dog without smile:) It’s absolutely adorable!!!!
Kate
She makes me smile all day long! Thanks, Oxana. :)
Katie (Veggie and the Beast)
Kate – I just made my first batch of coconut bacon, and it is SO addictive! Awesome, awesome recipe. My mom (also a vegetarian) always buys those fake bacon strips and the ingredient list just kills me…definitely going to try to move her over to this alternative :)
Monika
I so want to try this, but i can’t find the coconut flakes. I unfortunately live in a more rural area, and no one carries them. Is there any way to make this using fresh coconut, shaved?
Thanks!
Monika
Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
Monika
UPDATE: I just made this and it turned out great! I couldn’t find the coconut flakes (I live in a rural area), so I just used fresh coconut. I made two batches as an experiment. For the first batch, I shaved the fresh coconut with a veggie peeler into strips and then dehydrated the coconut strips in a dehydrator. For the second batch, I left the coconut strips raw. I marinated both in the marinade and spices and baked as per instructions. Both batches came out great. The first batch (with the dehydrated coconut) came out crispy, as I imagine it would if one used the bought coconut flakes. The second batch, using fresh coconut, came out great as well, but had a softer texture, more like bacon. While both were equally yummy, my husband preferred the batch with fresh coconut, as the texture for him was closer to bacon. As a side note, some of the strips of coconut were thicker, as I had to cut some by hand. These thicker pieces were actually tastier than the ones where I used a veggie peeler. So for next time, I plan on using fresh coconut, and cut the strips by hand, so they are a tad thicker than if using a peeler. Just wanted to post this for those people who are having a hard time finding the coconut flakes. Plus, one fresh coconut makes about 3 cups of product, and only costs a little over a dollar!
Kate
Thanks for reporting back, Monika! Your fresh coconut versions sound amazing. Thank you for sharing your results!!!
Sisley from www.thepurelife.ca
Hi Kate (And cookie!)
Is there an alternative to liquid smoke? I’ve actually never even heard of this…
But this “bacon” sounds absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try it! X
Kate
Hey Sisley, Bragg’s amino acids might work! You might be surprised to find liquid smoke in your grocery store, though. It’s usually by the barbecue sauce.
Kris
Smoked paprika!
Kate Montana
OK, my mind is officially blown! I just made this as a Christmas gift for my paleo brother (I’m vegan so it’s fun to make fake bacon for him) AND IT IS SOOOO GOOD – I might have to make another batch for myself. Thank you!!!!
Also, Cookie is absolutely adorable! She looks a little like my crazy Catahoula rescue pup. :)
Kate
Awesome! Hope your brother likes the coconut bacon, too. Now I want to make some for my brother who hunts to see his reaction. :) I used to wonder if Cookie is part catahoula, but she’s actually part Australian coolie!
Shannon
Hey, I just made these, followed the recipe exactly, and after 5 minutes they were burnt to a crisp… My oven thermometer also said it was 330F so I’m baffled! Has this happened to anyone else?
Kate
Hmm, Shannon, I’m sorry that happened to you! No, that hasn’t happened to me. Were you using large flakes of coconut instead of tiny coconut pieces?
Lindsay
Made this today and loved it. I need to perfect this somehow because when I took it out at 8 minutes to flip it was starting to burn! Glad I caught it.
Thanks for a tasty addition to my salads and sandwiches!!
Kate
I’m glad you caught the bacon before it was too late! Thanks, Lindsay!
Sherry Owens
ah, Bacon is my downfall… coconut might follow closely behind. I’ve contemplated buying a bag of coconut bacon from whole foods, but this sounds so much more rewarding. I have a question that could throw you, would you have a suggestion for a soy free alternative?
Kate
Hey Sherry, I think you could try Bragg’s liquid aminos instead.
Claire
Hi :) I just found your site as I was looking for a recipe for coconut bacon after a friend recommended it, and it looks great :) I have what might be a really stupid question….. I bought 2 bags of coconut flakes to try this out – but got already-toasted ones… Will they completely burn instantly, or do you think it will work? :( I can’t believe I didn’t realise – mind was elsewhere!
Kate
Hey Claire! I hate it when that happens. I don’t think they will burn instantly since you’re adding liquid. I would just keep an eye on the coconut while it’s in the oven!
Natalie
I’m simply desperate to try this it looks amazing. Would it work with fresh coconut cut on a mandolin? I live in Japan and it’s a nightmare finding ingredients. Even buying online is a nightmare so I don’t think dried coconut flakes are an option… Please help!
Kate
Hey Natalie, I haven’t tried making this with fresh coconut. I believe another commenter had success with fresh coconut, though. You might scan the previous comments for her feedback.
Kim
This is epic! Sorry to ask a stupid question, but to use after freezing, do you just allow to defrost at room temperature or do you need to re-heat?
Kate
That’s not a stupid question. You can eat it right out of the freezer!
Christina Arasmo Beymer
Love your blog and your dog, you’re cute too. This recipe is very, very nice. I make one with thin sliced Tempeh and coconut fat. Haven’t made it in a while, it was gobbled up quickly.
Kate
Thanks, Christina!
Dave
Wow. I just made a batch of this and I’m pretty amazed at how much it tastes like bacon, especially the crispy rather than chewy pieces. Thanks for sharing!
Kate
Right?! Thanks, Dave!
Stephanie
Just made my first batch of this…and all I can say is, it is AMAZING!
This is the perfect substitute for all of my bacon cravings. I have been buying a coconut bacon product at the store, but this is much better! Thank you Kate for this delicious alternative!
Kate
Awesome! Thank you, Stephanie!
Sarah
Can you keep this stored in the pantry or the fridge for any amount of time, or do leftovers need to be frozen right away?
Kate
Yes, it’ll do just fine in the pantry/refrigerator for a few days (longer in the fridge), but the best way to preserve the flavor and texture is by storing it in the freezer. It doesn’t require any defrosting, so you can just grab it and use it!
Emily
I made this today following the ingredient list and instructions precisely including the use of parchment paper. It turned out great – total cooking time about 11 minutes. We made delicious BLTs – a food I would never have eaten with ‘real’ bacon. Thank-you.
Kate
Thank you, Emily! Glad to hear it!
Pongodhall
I cannot remember bacon, 50 years since I gave all that up!
I hate liquid smoke so is it fairly decent without, I do have someone who gave it up recently ( about a year or so…pining!). He hates liquid smoke too you see?
Pongodhall
And… Staying strictly on the subject….. I have fallen completely in love with that beautiful dog!
Melissa Hedal
OMG, thank you for this recipe. I just had my first “B”LT in over 15 months and it was so delicious.
Kate
Yay!
Jessica
This was delicious! Thank you!!
Kate
Yay, thanks Jessica!
meredith
I just made this and it is great!
Kate
Yay! Thanks, Meredith!
Vicki
can’t wait to try this! do you think these will hold up in recipes calling for cooked bacon (e.g., a quiche or cookies)? if so, this could be the equivalent of the holy grail!
Kate
Hi Vicki! Great question. I *think* it will hold up pretty well!
Moira
I had a BLT at a vegan restaurant earlier this week and came looking for a coconut bacon recipe! I’m so happy I found yours! Do you think that coconut aminos would have the same effect for the taste that soy sauce does? (I’m allergic to soy)
Thank you!
Moira
Kate
Hi Moira! I bet so! Please let me know if you give it a shot.
Marlena
I am really impressed with this.. I have been trying to eat more vegan and would like to become a full time vegan and it has been difficult due to my love for dairy products as well as being married to a man who eats nothing but meat. I find that coconut in all forms is the most excellent replacement for dairy however I would of never thought it could replace meat. Especially bacon! Where would I be able to find liquid smoke?
Kate
Thanks, Marlena! Liquid Smoke is actually pretty readily available at grocery stores. Look for it near the barbecue sauce.
Jada
This turned out so well! I never comment on blogs, but I was just really really happy with this. I’ve eaten about half the pan as is, but I look forward to putting this on salads, sandwiches, & more! Thank you!
Kate
Thank you so much, Jada!
Anni
Thank you for sharing this recipe! Is there a specific brand of liquid smoke that you use? I bought one from a small chain grocery store, but it has additives like the caramel coloring and molasses. I’m still going to try it but I thought maybe you had as suggestion of a brand that was more natural?
Also, slightly unrelated – the rug in the photos with your pup is so nice. Would you mind sharing where its from? It’s so pretty!
Kate
Hi Anni! I used Colgin’s Liquid Smoke. It does have molasses, which is natural and good for you. I wish it didn’t have caramel coloring in it, but it does. Thank you for the rug compliments! It’s a family hand-me-down, originally purchased on eBay.
Julia
I love this recipe :) Thank you!
Kate
Yay, thanks Julia!
Kathi Johnson Rock
Does it taste at all like coconut or have the texture of shredded coconut? My husband really hates coconut. Interesting recipe!
Kate
Hi Kathi! I caught a light hint of coconut in a few bites. It doesn’t have the texture of shredded coconut since you’re using larger coconut flakes.
Emile
Hi.
I’ve just tried your recipe and it did not worked. I’m mistified! I’m fairly good in the kitchen.
After 5 minutes, the flakes were already pretty brown and those on the edges had started to turn black. The oven was at 325 fahrenheit as indicated and i put the exact same quantity of ingredients as you said. The flakes seem to be the same size as those on the picture.
Physically, they look relatively the same as yours but the taste isn’t really there. It tastes burntand much more coconuty than bacony. I really don’t know where it went wrong!
Thanks and sorry for my english :) !
Kate
Hi Emile, I’m sad your coconut bacon didn’t turn out well. I am not sure how your coconut got so toasted after 5 minutes. Maybe our coconut flakes are made differently, somehow? Are you sure your oven doesn’t run hot? Maybe 300 degrees Fahrenheit would work better for you.
thefolia
Oddly, I don’t have the bacon fever my vice is coffee, but this looks interesting to try. If it’s good enough for cookie, it must be worth it.
Beth
Before I try this recipe, I wanted to know if there’s any distinct coconut undertone to this. I really dislike coconut but would be willing to try this bacon substitute if the sauce and liquid smoke completely mask the fruit’s flavor.
Kanani
I love coconut but honestly- coconut bacon? really? REALLY!
OMGS so yummy! And so easy to make.
I did not have enough tamari so I used some braggs. Yummy!
The only thing i would advise to others who try this recipe is to use parchment and watch the time. At 10 minutes the ‘bacon’ off the side of parchment was starting to burn. One more minute and perfect crispy cruelty free yumminess! Mahalo nui for this great recipe!
Jess
Wow, this stuff is tasty! I was never a huge fan of bacon, so I haven’t really missed having it as a vegetarian. However, this stuff is addictive! Savory, sweet, salty, and just plain yummy. I’ve been snacking on it for a few days now, and can’t wait to try it in a “BLT”.
D'Arla
Wow, Kate! This “bacon” is amazing! Bacon has always been a weakness for me, and is one of the few things I really missed after becoming vegetarian. I’ve previously tried making three different kinds of veggie bacon — one using eggplant, one using tofu, and one making making your own seitan. They were less than spectacular, to be kind. They were also a lot of trouble to make. Your recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for the recipe and pictures. I’m looking forward to topping a salad with it, if I don’t eat it all first. Cookie is adorable!
D'Arla
Sorry, forgot to rate it.
naomi
I can’t wait to try this! I just want to add to watch the ingredients in the gum you purchase. Half a pack just sent sent my 100 lb lab mix to the er vet over the weekend :/ I think they said it was the xylotol(?) In it? Anyway a dollar pack of gum left me with a $3000 vet bill
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve been craving bacon since becoming a vegan. On my way to the store now!
Marisol Puga
Do you think that I could use lightly toasted unsweetened coconut flakes to make this?
Jane
What are the ingredients in liquid smoke? I’m assuming that it’s healthy, but I’ve never tried it before.
Looking forward to making the coconut bacon!
Laurel
Hi Jane, I used Wright’s All Natural liquid smoke. Ingredients are: water, natural Hickory smoke concentrate.
I purchased it at my local Safeway grocery store in the BBQ aisle. I hope that helps you out.
Mary Rockwell
I was a little skeptical so only made a half batch. Not next time! It was great. One does have to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Kerri
Omg love your website and your dog is soooooo cute. He still looks like a puppy lol. Thanks for sharing
Laurel Janardhan
Hi Kate,
I LOVE your site and thank you for the delicious recipes and fun pics. :) I made the coconut bacon and have to say it really is delicious! That says a lot coming from a person who thought I could not give up bacon ever. This is my new, healthy alternative. I can’t promise I won’t ever eat it again but health over taste these days. Since I’m the only meat eater in the family it’s always a happy day to find an alternative that my family will enjoy as well as me. Especially when like you we DO NOT do meat alternatives since they are so processed.
My Baconut experience: I followed the recipe but took my “bacon” out of the oven in 10 minutes and it continued to crisp up wonderfully from the residual heat. I don’t know if my oven is off but it was a quick cook like you warned. I followed your recipe verbatim using hickory smoke. I honestly love it as is but may use a little less smoke next time as my husband and daughter felt it was too much for them (they’ve never had meat…ever) and I think this was their first time having something with liquid smoke. I’ve shared your recipe/site with my family and hopefully they will become fans as well.
Thank you again for sharing your craft and your adorable pup. Like so many others, keep the pictures coming.
LaReine
Does this have to be stored in the freezer? Can it be left out or would it need to be refrigerated?
I made this before and it was amazing but I kept it on the counter in a mason jar for about a week and it seemed fine! About to make another batch right now. Let me know your thoughts on storage :) my freezer is tiny.
Kate
It should be fine at room temp for a couple of weeks! I think you’d know if it went bad.
Zan
This is so RAD…I went to Amazon and got the smoke liquid…THANK you for this turn on…I can’t wait to make a batch..and experiment…I so appreciate your creative and well-detailed suggestions for ingredients for food choices…My CSA starts up Tuesday…until mid-October…and I just can’t wait to experiment with all the beautiful produce I will receive…Way to go, Kate…AND *LOVE* your pooch…Give ’em a hug for me…Zan
mrymauldin@sbcglobal.net
Great recipe. Even the cat thought it was bacon1
Katie
Hi Kate, just a quick note to tell you how much I love your site!! The recipes are amazing, your photos are beautiful and I love the way you write. I must admit that my favourite part though is Cookie, I loved the photo of her with the broccoli stem so much, I printed it out and put it on the wall in my office! (Along side photos of my own fur babies too) Keep up the amazing work xx
Mildred
For those on a budget or who want to make less. The $.99 store has organic coconut smiles that work well also.