Gluten-Free Eggplant Bacon Recipe
Craving crispy, savory bacon but avoiding gluten? This gluten-free eggplant bacon recipe is your answer! It delivers a surprisingly similar texture and smoky flavor using humble eggplant as the star ingredient. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a crunchy topping for salads, this vegan and gluten-free alternative is sure to become a new favorite.
Why Eggplant Bacon?
Eggplant’s naturally meaty texture makes it an ideal substitute for bacon. When thinly sliced and properly seasoned, it crisps up beautifully in the oven, mimicking the satisfying crunch of real bacon. Plus, it’s a healthier and more sustainable option.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the eggplant and slice it very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works best for even slices.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Arrange the marinated eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Let the eggplant bacon cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. It will crisp up even more as it cools.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Experiment with different spices, such as chili powder or onion powder, to customize the flavor.
- Store leftover eggplant bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Enjoy this delicious and easy gluten-free eggplant bacon! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of bacon without the gluten or the meat. Share your creations with us!
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil), 2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce), 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tags:
Gluten-Free, Eggplant, Bacon, Vegan, Recipe, Vegetarian, Plant-Based, Healthy, Breakfast, Sandwich, Salad Topping, Smoked Paprika, Maple Syrup, Tamari, Baking, Oven, Easy Recipe, Crispy, Side Dish, Meat Substitute, Eggplant Bacon, Gluten-Free Bacon, Vegan Bacon