How to Make Coconut Bacon
Make your own baked coconut bacon at home! It's super easy and totally irresistible. This coconut bacon recipe is gluten free and vegan.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on September 5, 2024
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 until 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). You can freeze the 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
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 ingredients aisle. Look for liquid smoke near the barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
What method do you use to “flip” an entire baking sheet of stuff on parchment paper?
I assume you mean flipping it over, and not rotating the tray 180 degrees?
Hi Michael! You can achieve flipping them with a good spatula. I hope that helps!
I can’t find large flaked coconut ANYWHERE. Please help. Sources? Brand names?
Thanks.
Oh no! I haven’t tried to get some in awhile. I have got some from Let’s Do Coconut and Bob’s Red Mill in the past.
Thank you so much for this and for the adorable pics of the pup. Those made my day!!
You’re welcome! She is always waiting for something to drop. I appreciate your review.
This is ridiculously good. The texture really makes this seem bacon like. It is super easy to make too. My son hates coconut and he thought this was delicious. Thumbs up!!
Thank you, Brooke! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
“This coconut Bacon is just delicious! My entire family loves it .We just made your Vegan Pizza tonight and this was just perfect on it.
You can also try Pimp my salad’s Coconut Bacon – ready to eat & perfect toppings for your pizza and salad”
Of all the vegan bacon recipes, this recipe is the one I always use and have made this over and over for the last few years now. It is great in my tomato sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups etc…
When I prepare it I find it easier to mix the wet ingredients first and then pour over the coconut in a bowl and mix everything before placing on baking sheet.
Thanks so much!
I’m glad this one is the one you go-to, Christina! I appreciate your review.
\hello! Could you please tell me how to make coconut flakes from a whole coconut? I’m trying to cut down on pre-packaged foods. Many thanks! Kika
Hi Kika, I don’t have a recipe. Sorry!
These were actually really good–nice bacon taste. Thank you.
Question: would they be alright unrefrigerated?
I recommend freezer. I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, CT!
I have not made this yet, because I have a question: how much smoked paprika would you suggest in place of the liquid smoke?Liquid smoke is not a healthy ingredient as it contains harmful compounds like PAHs, which is carcinogenic so I cannot use it. I’d really like to try this recipe. Thanks!
I’m not 100% sure, but perhaps smoked paprika would offer similar flavor. Reducing the liquid may also reduce the baking time, so please keep an extra-careful eye on it.
Delicious! Satisfied my BLT craving perfectly!
I was intimidated to make these so held on to the recipe for a few months. I am so glad I finally tried I today. Extremely easy to follow you direction and super easy to make. They have a great flavor as well.
One question. Some of the largest flakes still tasted of coconut. Will soaking them help resolve?
Hi Kaye, yes you just need to make sure that all the flakes get evenly coated. I hope this helps!