Crispy Mushroom Bacon

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 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 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

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

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

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

More Recipes with Mushrooms

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!

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