Vegan Bacon Bits (TVP Style)

a hand holding vegan bacon bits over a pan of plant based bacon bits

These vegan bacon bits are crispy, smoky, and packed with plant protein. No protein powder, just TVP turned into a bacon bit topping that actually tastes good.

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan

Keyword high protein vegan topping, tvp bacon bits, vegan bacon bits

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 25kcal

Author Cindy Newland with Intentionally Eat

Ingredients

1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)
3/4 cup vegetable broth or water
2 Tbsp soy sauce, liquid aminos, or tamari
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp garlic powder

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Mix and hydrate: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Spread: Spread in a thin, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned and crispy.
Cool: Let cool completely on the pan. It crisps up more as it cools.

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information is only an estimate. The accuracy of this recipe may differ depending on the ingredients you use.

TIPS:

Keep the layer thin on the baking sheet — a crowded pan steams instead of crisping.
Stirring halfway through bake time is what prevents burnt edges and pale centers.
Don't taste-test right out of the oven — it's noticeably softer hot and firms up as it cools.
Want it smokier? Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke. Want it sweeter, more like real bacon? Add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup.
No liquid smoke on hand? Smoked paprika is the closest swap, though the flavor will be milder.

STORAGE AND REHEATING:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat: These are best served cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge. If you want them warm and extra crispy again, re-crisp in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 3-5 minutes.

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Nutrition

Serving: 2Tbsp | Calories: 25kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g