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Healthy Food Trend: Flavorful Bacon Alternatives

Healthy Food Trend: Flavorful Bacon Alternatives
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The following recipe was created by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek, RD,LD. Photography was provided by Christina Musgrave from Tasting with Tina.

If you’re thinking about adopting a plant-based diet and are wondering how you’ll live without bacon, you’ll definitely want to bookmark this post!

Whether it’s meats or sweets you’re trying to cut back on, the key to success is finding healthier alternatives with similar flavor and texture profiles. When it comes to bacon, it’s the smoky, chewy characteristics most of us desire, and both are captured perfectly in these Fx™-approved faux bacon recipes featuring shiitake mushrooms and unsweetened coconut flakes!

A Close up Image of Cooked Shiitake Mushroom Bacon Alternative
A Close Up Image of Crispy Coconut Bacon Alternative

I know what you’re probably thinking… mushrooms and coconut can replace bacon? There’s no way! I recognize how strange it sounds, but with the right seasonings and cooking methods you’ll be shocked at how they transform.

When it comes to seasonings, I recommend using Heinen’s smoked paprika as an Fx™-approved swap for liquid smoke. It’s much cleaner and the taste is just the same.

Scrambled Eggs and Shiitake Bacon Alternative in a Bowl with a Fork, a Bottle of Heinen's Extra VIrgin Olive Oil, and a Jar of Heinen's Smoked Paprika
Three Sliced BLT Sandwiches with Crispy Coconut Bacon Stacked Vertically

For serving, you can pair either alternative with any of your favorite recipes from breakfast scrambles to BLTs. Let’s dig in!

Healthy Food Trend: Flavorful Bacon Alternatives

Healthy Food Trend: Flavorful Bacon Alternatives

Cook time: 26min Prep time: 5min Total time: 31min

Ingredients

For the Shiitake Mushroom Bacon

  • 2 packages sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 tsp. Heinen’s smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. Heinen’s pure organic maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. Heinen’s extra virgin olive oil

For the Flaked Coconut Bacon

  • 3 cups Lets Do Organic unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 2 Tbsp. Heinen’s pure organic maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp. Bragg liquid aminos
  • 2 tsp. Heinen’s smoked paprika

Instructions

For the Shiitake Mushroom Bacon
Makes 10 servings

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Combine the mushrooms, smoked paprika, maple syrup, salt and extra virgin olive oil in a large bowl. Stir well.
  3. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve and enjoy.

Scrambled Eggs and Shiitake Bacon Alternative in a Bowl with a Fork, a Bottle of Heinen's Extra VIrgin Olive Oil, and a Jar of Heinen's Smoked Paprika

 

For the Flaked Coconut Bacon
Makes 6 servings

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  2. Combine the flaked coconut, maple syrup, liquid aminos and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Mix well.
  3. Transfer the coconut mixture onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.

Three Sliced BLT Sandwiches with Crispy Coconut Bacon Stacked Vertically

Melanie Jatsek RD, LD

By Melanie Jatsek RD, LD

Heinen's Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek, RD, LD believes that the answer to a strong, healthy and vibrant body lies within. As a published author with over 24 years of experience in wellness program development, health coaching and professional speaking, Melanie offers expert guidance through Heinen's Club Fx program to help customers take inspired action to build the healthy body they were meant to live in without giving up their favorite foods.

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