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You can make mushroom bacon at home with just a few simple ingredients and a hot oven.
This plant-based twist on classic bacon delivers that smoky, salty, crispy goodness you crave.
If you’ve been wondering how to make mushroom bacon, you’re in the right place because it’s easier than you think.
Mushroom bacon is made from shiitake or portobello mushrooms, and the process turns them into chewy, savory strips.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make mushroom bacon from start to finish, including the best mushrooms to use, the perfect marinade, and cooking tips.
Let’s dive into this delicious, vegan-friendly alternative that even meat lovers will enjoy.
Why You Should Learn How To Make Mushroom Bacon
Learning how to make mushroom bacon is a game-changer for your kitchen because it’s versatile and healthy.
Unlike pork bacon, mushroom bacon is low in fat and free of cholesterol, making it a heart-smart swap.
It’s also packed with umami flavor, which gives it that deep, savory punch you expect from bacon.
If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just cutting back on meat, mushroom bacon fits right into your meal plan.
Plus, mushroom bacon is incredibly easy to batch-prepare, so you can have crispy strips ready all week.
1. It’s Surprisingly Simple To Make
The process of how to make mushroom bacon requires no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
You just slice mushrooms thin, marinate them, and bake until crispy.
That’s really the whole method, and it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Once you nail the basics, you can experiment with different spice blends to customize your mushroom bacon.
2. It’s A Healthier Bacon Alternative
If you’re trying to eat cleaner, mushroom bacon is a fantastic choice because it’s nutrient-dense.
Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants, which support your immune system.
And since you control the oil and salt, you can make mushroom bacon as light or as indulgent as you like.
So when someone asks how to make mushroom bacon healthier, the answer is simple: use less oil and low-sodium tamari.
3. It Tastes Amazing In So Many Dishes
Once you know how to make mushroom bacon, you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything.
Crumble it over salads, add it to pasta, layer it in sandwiches, or serve it alongside tofu scramble.
Mushroom bacon also makes a killer topping for baked potatoes or creamy soups.
The smoky, salty flavor elevates any dish, making it a pantry staple in plant-based kitchens.
The Best Mushrooms For Making Mushroom Bacon
Choosing the right mushroom is key to how to make mushroom bacon that actually tastes like bacon.
Shiitake mushrooms are the top choice because they’re naturally meaty and hold their shape well.
Portobello mushrooms are another great option if you prefer wider, chewier strips.
Button mushrooms work too, but they’re less flavorful and tend to shrink more during cooking.
Oyster mushrooms are a fun alternative because they have a delicate, frilly texture that crisps up nicely.
1. Shiitake Mushrooms Are The Gold Standard
When learning how to make mushroom bacon, start with shiitake because they have the strongest umami flavor.
Their caps are thick and slightly chewy, which mimics the texture of bacon strips after baking.
You can find shiitake fresh or dried, but fresh ones are easier to slice thinly for even crisping.
If you use dried shiitake, rehydrate them in hot water for 20 minutes before slicing.
2. Portobello Mushrooms Offer A Heartier Bite
Portobello mushrooms are perfect if you want mushroom bacon that feels more substantial in your mouth.
Their large caps let you cut long, bacon-like slices that are great for BLT sandwiches.
Just remove the stems and gills first, as they can make the mushroom bacon taste bitter.
Then slice the caps about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly and get crispy edges.
3. Cremini Mushrooms Are An Easy Substitute
Cremini mushrooms, also called baby bellas, are a handy choice when you can’t find shiitake.
They have a mild earthy flavor that pairs well with smoky spices like paprika and liquid smoke.
Cremini are smaller, so your mushroom bacon strips will be shorter, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Use them if you want a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on texture.
Step-By-Step How To Make Mushroom Bacon
Now let’s get into the actual how to make mushroom bacon process, and it’s foolproof with these steps.
You’ll need about 8 ounces of mushrooms, which makes roughly 2 cups of crispy mushroom bacon.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Slice your mushrooms thin, aiming for uniform thickness so they cook at the same rate.
1. Whisk Up The Smoky Marinade
The marinade is where all the bacon flavor comes from, so don’t skip this step.
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a few drops of liquid smoke.
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
This marinade gives your mushroom bacon that sweet, salty, smoky balance you’re after.
2. Toss The Mushrooms In The Marinade
Place your sliced mushrooms in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the top.
Use your hands to gently toss the mushrooms until every slice is coated evenly.
Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes so they absorb all that delicious flavor.
Don’t let them soak too long or they’ll become soggy and won’t crisp up well.
3. Arrange Them In A Single Layer
Spread the marinated mushroom slices onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Make sure the slices don’t overlap, or they’ll steam instead of getting crispy.
If you have a lot of mushrooms, use two baking sheets so each slice has breathing room.
This step is crucial for how to make mushroom bacon with that perfect crunch.
4. Bake And Flip Halfway Through
Bake the mushroom bacon for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each slice with tongs.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes because they can burn quickly.
The mushroom bacon is done when the edges are dark and crispy, and the centers are slightly chewy.
5. Let Them Cool To Get Extra Crispy
Once the mushroom bacon is out of the oven, let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
As it cools, the moisture evaporates and the strips firm up to a bacon-like crispness.
Don’t transfer them to a plate right away, or they’ll trap steam and turn soft.
After cooling, your mushroom bacon is ready to eat and enjoy.
Flavor Variations For Your Mushroom Bacon
Once you master the basic how to make mushroom bacon, feel free to play with different seasonings.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or some black pepper for extra bite.
You can swap maple syrup for brown sugar if you want a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
Try using apple cider vinegar instead of soy sauce for a tangier, brighter flavor profile.
The beauty of mushroom bacon is that it takes on any flavor you throw at it.
1. Spicy Chipotle Mushroom Bacon
For a smoky heat, add 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder to your marinade.
This gives your mushroom bacon a bold, southwestern flavor that’s perfect on tacos or burrito bowls.
Pair it with a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, zesty contrast.
2. Sweet And Smoky Maple Mushroom Bacon
If you have a sweet tooth, double the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons in your marinade.
This creates a caramelized, sticky coating that reminds you of candied bacon.
It’s amazing crumbled over pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat.
3. Savory Herb Mushroom Bacon
Skip the liquid smoke and add dried thyme, rosemary, and a touch of sage instead.
This herb-forward version tastes more like a gourmet side dish than traditional bacon.
Use it to top grain bowls or mix into roasted vegetables for extra depth.
So, How Do You Make Mushroom Bacon?
You can make mushroom bacon easily by marinating sliced mushrooms and baking them until crisp.
The key to how to make mushroom bacon perfectly is thin slices, a smoky marinade, and even baking.
Start with shiitake mushrooms for the best flavor, and always flip them at the halfway mark.
Remember to let your mushroom bacon cool so it reaches that ideal crispy texture.
Once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought stuff.
Now that you know how to make mushroom bacon, get in the kitchen and whip up a batch today.
Your salads, sandwiches, and breakfast plates will thank you for it.