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    Home » Vegan Recipes

    Crunchy Cashew Bacon Bits

    Published Mar 15, 2017 · Updated Jan 12, 2021 · 14 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    I can't count how many times I have heard "I'd go vegan...but BACON!" Yup, bacon is pretty delicious. Most vegans didn't go vegan because they hated the taste of bacon. To be honest, I don't miss bacon at all despite loving it before - Because there a ton of vegan alternatives out there. I am obsessed with these crunchy cashew bacon bits.

    Crunchy Cashew Vegan Bacon Bits

    Crunchy Cashew Bacon Bits

    A little while ago, I shared with you my vegan bacon bits recipe that is made with sunflower seeds. It's a delicious topping for salads, but I knew there had to a better alternative that was more versatile and resembled bacon bits even more.

    There is such thing as coconut bacon - and it's alright - but I'm not a huge fan.

    I decided to test out a bacon bits recipe using nuts. I tried different variations and flavors using walnuts and cashews. Cashews were definitely the better option, having a more neutral flavor.

    This recipe uses liquid smoke, liquid aminos (or light soy sauce), smoked paprika and maple syrup to achieve that bacon-y taste. (P.S. Try to find a natural liquid smoke - many brands contain artificial coloring and flavors.)

    The second best about these cashew bacon bites, aside from the flavor, is how EASY they are to make. They're not finicky, no crazy steps.

    To get them into "bit" size, pulse the cashews in a blender or food processor. I use a mesh strainer to get out the powdery bits, but that's totally optional. Then, mix together all of the ingredients and bake in the oven. Seriously easy.

    Crunchy Cashew Vegan Bacon Bits

    Use them atop homemade pizza, loaded baked potatoes, in a sandwich, and whatever else you can dream of.

    I tried them on a bagel chip that was smeared with chickpea salad. OMG. New fav snack!

    Crunchy Cashew Vegan Bacon Bits

    Did you know: those weirdly-textured Bac'n Pieces are accidentally vegan - but full of artificial flavors and coloring. Ew. These homemade bacon bits are way healthier and - oil-free.

    Recipe

    Crunchy Cashew Bacon Bits

    Karissa Besaw
    This recipe is a delicious vegan alternative to bacon bits! Prepped and cooked in just 15 mins.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Salad Topping
    Cuisine Vegan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup raw cashews
    • 2 teaspoon liquid smoke
    • 2 teaspoon liquid aminos or light soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon maple syrup

    Instructions
     

    • Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Add cashews in a blender or food processor and pulse until broken down into smaller bits. 
    • In a small bowl, mix the cashew bits and remaining ingredients together.
    • Spread the seasoned cashews onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, taking out halfway to stir around to ensure even baking.
    • Remove from oven. Let cool. Put on top of a salad, baking potato, etc!

    Video

    Did you try this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    about karissa

    About Karissa

    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sharon Ritchie says

      February 03, 2021 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      Karissa: I just want to tell you that your recipes, presentation style and videos are the best I've encountered in the vegan world so far. The extensiveness of categories in which to make delicious vegan foods, snacks, dressing, etc. is amazing. You are my go-to vegan chef. Thanks for all the work and creativity obvious in the dishes, etc. you present.

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        February 05, 2021 at 6:11 pm

        You are kind. Thank you so much!

        Reply
    2. Dorothy says

      May 20, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      After having some epic vegan fails this week, this recipe is a KEEPER! These are SO good, but when I topped off a bowl of your corn chowder (DELISH, btw) with them, I found the cashews were quickly “unmasked” by the hot soup. So I’ll probably use these mainly on salads, but am so glad to have found this recipe! Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Kathy S says

      March 29, 2020 at 10:00 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! These taste way better than TVP bits you buy at the store. Also quick and easy to make.

      Reply
    4. Chefshany says

      January 13, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for sharing this, they are in the oven now and smell delicious!

      Reply
    5. Jennifer says

      July 25, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      These are FANTASTIC!! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    6. Sandy says

      March 11, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Raw cashews I assume?

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        March 12, 2019 at 10:25 am

        Yes, raw are best.

        Reply
    7. Kassandra says

      August 12, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      How long do these last? And can I freeze them??

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        August 17, 2018 at 10:35 am

        I store mine in the fridge and have kept them for a week and they're good. Yes, you can freeze them!

        Reply
    8. Hannah says

      March 27, 2017 at 9:30 pm

      Wow, these are such a great idea! I can't wait to try them, thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:56 pm

        Thank you! Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      March 15, 2017 at 2:35 pm

      O my goodness, I love it! Another fantastic way to use the BEST nut <3

      Reply
      • Karissa says

        March 16, 2017 at 10:51 am

        Yes! Cashews are amazing.

        Reply

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