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Home » Recipes » Breakfast

Crispy Mushroom Bacon

Make crispy, smoky, savory mushroom bacon in the oven. A delicious vegan, high-flavor alternative to bacon. Perfect for breakfast or sandwiches.

Strips of veggie bacon against parchment paper
by Aly Michell Dated: September 18, 2019 Last Modified: June 3, 2025 49 Comments
51975 shares
(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.)
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Craving something salty, crunchy, and smoky? This mushroom bacon is my go-to recipe when I want bold flavor without the meat. It hits all the right notes: savory, crispy, and satisfying. It’s perfect for tossing into a breakfast plate or layering into a sandwich.

Made with king oyster mushrooms, this plant-based alternative delivers the chewy texture and smoky flavor of traditional bacon. Whether it’s stacked on avocado toast or served with a tofu scramble, it brings serious flavor.

Best of all, there’s no need for a complicated marinade or a long ingredient list. Just a few pantry staples and an oven, and you’re set. I promise - you will NOT be disappointed with this recipe! 

Jump to:
  • What is King Oyster Mushroom?
  • Why You’ll Love This
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • Step-By-Step Recipe
  • Tips for the Best Mushroom Bacon
  • What to Serve with King Oyster Mushroom Bacon
  • How to Store Mushroom Bacon
  • Mushroom Bacon FAQs
  • More Recipes with Mushrooms
  • Crispy Mushroom Bacon

What is King Oyster Mushroom?

King oyster mushroom.

King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, are thick, meaty mushrooms with a mild, umami flavor. Unlike most mushrooms, the stem is the main attraction. It’s dense, chewy, and perfect for slicing. They’re popular in Asian cooking but have become a favorite in plant-based recipes for their texture and versatility.

These mushrooms hold up well to pan-frying, roasting, or grilling and easily absorb marinades and spices. Their hearty bite makes them a great meat substitute in dishes like vegan scallops, pulled “pork,” or bacon. 

Why Use King Oyster Mushrooms for Bacon? 

King oyster mushrooms are ideal for plant-based bacon because of their thick, chewy stems. When thinly sliced and marinated with smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, they crisp up beautifully in a hot pan or oven.

Their neutral taste absorbs seasoning well, creating a savory, bacon-like flavor. Plus, they’re unprocessed, whole-food, and easy to prepare. Whether added to breakfast or layered in a sandwich, king oyster mushroom bacon delivers the texture and taste you’re craving, without the meat.

Why You’ll Love This

  1. It’s smoky, crispy, and totally vegan. Each strip has a deep, savory flavor and a crisp texture, without needing meat or long marinades.
  2. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients. You’ll only need five pantry-friendly ingredients to make this mushroom bacon.
  3. It’s versatile and works in any meal. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this king oyster mushroom bacon fits right in.

Ingredients & Substitutions

King oyster mushroom, smoked paprika powder, canola oil, maple syrup, and black pepper
Ingredients: mushroom, salt, smoked paprika, oil, maple syrup, black pepper
  • King oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms have a thick, meaty stem that crisps up perfectly in the oven. If you can’t find them, try shiitake or portobello, though the texture will be different.
  • Canola or vegetable oil. Both are neutral oils that help the mushrooms crisp up. You can also use avocado oil for a slightly richer flavor.
  • Real maple syrup. Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt and smoke. Agave syrup can work as a substitute, but maple offers the best flavor.
  • Smoked paprika. Gives the bacon its signature smoky flavor. If you’re out, chipotle powder adds both smoke and a little heat.
  • Salt. Essential for bringing out the savory flavor. Adjust to taste.
  • Black pepper (optional). Adds a subtle kick. Feel free to skip or swap with red pepper flakes for more heat.

Step-By-Step Recipe

Steps on how to make mushroom bacon.
  1. Slice the mushrooms. Chop off the caps and carefully slice the mushroom stems lengthwise into thin strips—aiming for about ⅙ inch thickness.
  2. Make the bacon mix. In a bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush or coat both sides of the mushroom slices with the mixture.
  3. Bake until crisp. Place slices on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Cool on a rack for at least 5 minutes to allow them to crisp up.

Tips for the Best Mushroom Bacon

Cooked mushroom bacon cooling on a cooling tray
  1. Slice mushrooms evenly. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and prevent burning or soggy pieces.
  2. Use a cooling rack after baking. Letting the slices cool on a rack helps them crisp up fully by allowing airflow underneath.
  3. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Space out the slices on your baking tray so they roast instead of steam.
  4. Keep an eye on the oven. Check in around the 15-minute mark. These slices can go from crispy to burnt fast.
  5. Adjust flavors to your liking. Taste the sauce before brushing and add more maple syrup for sweetness or paprika for smokiness.

What to Serve with King Oyster Mushroom Bacon

This mushroom bacon isn’t just for breakfast. It’s the kind of thing you’ll want to toss onto all kinds of meals. It adds a smoky crunch that works with both savory and sweet dishes.

Try it with tofu scramble, buttery oat bran, or gluten-free pancakes. Feeling a little extra? Wrap it up in a breakfast burrito or toss it on top of carrot soup for that crispy finish. It’s also really good in sandwiches with creamy avocado, sprouts, and a slice of vegan cheese.

You can also get creative: crumble it over soy sauce and green onion oats, layer it into cucumber tea sandwiches. However you use it, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to.

How to Store Mushroom Bacon

Cooked oyster mushroom bacon on parchment paper.

Once completely cooled, store mushroom bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day.

For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back the crisp. Avoid microwaving and it’ll make the slices soggy.

Mushroom Bacon FAQs

Is mushroom bacon healthy?

Yes, mushroom bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon—it's low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, especially when made with minimal oil.

What does mushroom bacon taste like?

Mushroom bacon is savory, smoky, and slightly crispy, with an umami-rich flavor that mimics the essence of traditional bacon.

More Recipes with Mushrooms

  • Vegan pernil made with king oyster mushroms with a side of white rice and beans.
    Vegan Mushroom Pernil
  • Sliced mushroom lentil loaf with glaze and topped with parsley.
    Mushroom Lentil Loaf
  • Creamy oat bran porridge topped with mushrooms in a gray bowl.
    Mushroom Oat Bran
  • Oil-free mushroom gravy on top a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.
    Oil-Free Mushroom Gravy

Did you try out this mushroom bacon recipe? Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us!


Golden king oyster mushroom bacon on parchment paper. Pinnable for Pinterest.
Strips of veggie bacon against parchment paper

Crispy Mushroom Bacon

Aly Michell
Make crispy, smoky, savory mushroom bacon in the oven. A delicious vegan, high-flavor alternative to bacon. Perfect for breakfast or sandwiches.
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Breakfast, Vegetarian
Servings 4 people
Calories 118 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces king oyster mushrooms
  • 3 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon real maple syrup 
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Chop off the mushroom caps and carefully slice the king oyster mushrooms into about ⅙-inch thick pieces. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the canola oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mushroom slices evenly with the sauce on both sides.
  • Place the mushroom pieces on the parchment paper, leaving space between each slice to avoid crowding. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your oven. They’re done once the edges start to darken.
  • To air fry, cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.
  • Remove the mushroom bacon from the oven or air fryer and let the slices sit for at least 5 minutes to crisp up before serving.

Video

Notes

  1. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Taste the spice mix to see if it’s to your liking. For example, if you want more sweetness, add more maple syrup.
This recipe pairs perfectly with tofu scramble. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1-ServingCalories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 301mgPotassium: 255mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 274IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and show it off to us!
51975 shares
Category: All, Breakfast, Plant-Based Christmas Recipes, Popular, Snacks, Valentine's Day

About Aly Michell

Over 10+ years of plant-based eating and cooking on a budget!

Previous Post:Vegan Breakfast Burrito Recipe
Next Post:Let's Talk: My Plant-Based Diet JourneyAly Michell

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura Brown

    October 06, 2024 at 6:50 pm

    5 stars
    Hey Judy, thank you so much for this recipe. Did you discard the king oyster mushroom caps or bake them as well? I’m wondering if I could season them like i would breakfast sausage and use these as a meat substitute. Thanks for your time!

    Reply
  2. Sara

    February 07, 2024 at 7:02 am

    5 stars
    This is the best vegan bacon I’ve ever had! I made BLTs last night for dinner and this bacon was the perfect mix of crispy, smoky, and salty. I thought I’d have some leftover for lunch today but we polished off the whole tray. It was so good!!!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      February 20, 2024 at 10:08 am

      I love that you loved this recipe! This mushroom bacon recipe is a winner, that's for sure!

      Reply
    • Laura

      April 24, 2025 at 4:55 pm

      Hi there! I see you mentioned removing the cap- wondering if you also cut off any of the bottom/woody portion of the stem, or if you intentionally left it all?
      Thank you! 🙏

      Reply
      • Aly Michell

        May 02, 2025 at 3:48 pm

        Thanks for pointing that out! In this recipe, I left the bottom of the stem on for extra texture and to reduce waste, but feel free to trim it if you find it too tough—totally up to your preference!

        Reply
  3. Natalie

    August 09, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe - I’m heading back to plant based from a period of keto and looking for great breakfast/snack alts. This was delicious and now I have more ways to use the king oysters that sit in my fridge for ages

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 09, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      Nice! Welcome back to the world of plant-based eating. Glad you loved the mushroom bacon recipe!

      Reply
  4. Heather

    September 20, 2022 at 8:32 am

    This is fantastic! I made a few changes so that I could make a large batch for the whole week. But one thing is for sure, you're not kidding when you say they go from toasty to charred in the blink of an eye! This is definitely not a project for when you're multitasking. Take the time to do them right and you will be rewarded with a delicious, salty, chewy, crispy treat 😀

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      October 07, 2022 at 9:24 am

      Yes, they are so worth it! Especially if you're craving bacon - but want to go meat-free. Very happy you loved the recipe!

      Reply
  5. Judy

    April 09, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    Just made it this am...It was very good!! I was wonder how portabella mushrooms would work?? Anyway this was excellent!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      April 11, 2022 at 8:27 am

      Hi Judy! Thanks for trying out the recipe. Yes, portabella mushroom would work, the texture just won't be quite the same.

      Reply
      • Dani

        January 27, 2024 at 6:19 am

        Can I use olive oil instead and achieve the same results?

        Reply
        • Aly Michell

          January 27, 2024 at 8:36 pm

          Hey Dani! I recommend using a high smoke point oil, like avocado oil.

          Reply
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Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

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