Quinoa Bacon Bits
Bacon is universally loved for its smoky, savory flavor – and vegans are no exception! While it’s not an everyday must-have for everyone, the smoky taste can elevate all kinds of dishes. Enter: Quinoa Bacon Bits. This plant-based version packs in all that umami goodness and is a great topper for soups, salads, pastas, or even just as a crunchy snack.

Created especially for the Loaded Baked Potato Soup, these bits are so good you’ll find yourself doubling or tripling the batch to have on hand!
Why You’ll Love Quinoa Bacon Bits
- Quick & Simple: With just a few ingredients and a quick cook in the skillet, these bacon bits come together in no time.
- Smoky, Savory Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, smoked paprika, and ketchup brings that classic bacon taste without any meat.
- Versatile: Sprinkle them over soups, salads, roasted veggies, or baked potatoes for a smoky crunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store extras in the fridge to sprinkle on your meals all week long.
What You Need to Make Quinoa Bacon Bits
- Quinoa: ½ cup, prepared (cooked as per package instructions).
- Soy Sauce: 1 ½ teaspoons for that umami saltiness.
- Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon to add some richness and help crisp up the quinoa.
- Ketchup: 1 teaspoon for a touch of sweetness and flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon for the smoky, bacon-y flavor.
- Sea Salt: ¼ teaspoon to season.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon for a touch of heat and depth.
How to Make Quinoa Bacon Bits
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, soy sauce, olive oil, ketchup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the quinoa is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the quinoa mixture, spreading it out into a single layer.
- Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow it to crisp up. It may be tempting, but resist the urge to stir!
- After 2 minutes, use a firm spatula to scrape the quinoa off the skillet, mix it around, and press it back into a single layer.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then transfer the crispy quinoa to a bowl. Make sure to scrape up all the crunchy bits – they’re the best part!
Tips for the Best Quinoa Bacon Bits
- Get Crispy: Allowing the quinoa to cook in a single layer without stirring is key to achieving that perfect crunch.
- Store for Later: Store leftover quinoa bacon bits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Sprinkle them on anything and everything!
- Double Up: Make extra because these bits go quickly. They’re perfect for adding flavor to so many dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this oil-free?
Yes! You can omit the olive oil if you prefer, though the quinoa may not be as crispy without it.
What else can I use these bacon bits on?
These quinoa bacon bits are great on salads, baked potatoes, avocado toast, pizza, pasta, and roasted veggies!
How do I prepare the quinoa?
Follow the instructions on the package for cooking quinoa. Typically, it’s a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio, brought to a boil and then simmered for 15-20 minutes.

Quinoa Bacon Bits
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa prepared
- 1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together the quinoa, soy sauce, olive oil, ketchup, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the quinoa mixture and spread in one layer on the skillet. Let cook for two minutes, don’t touch it, it will be hard to resist. After two minutes, using a firm or wooden spatula, scrape the quinoa off the pan and mix it around and situate it into another single layer and let cook for an additional two minutes. Transfer the quinoa to a bowl, scraping the pan to get the crispy tasty bits.
These Quinoa Bacon Bits are sure to become a go-to staple in your kitchen, adding that smoky, crispy flavor you crave. Easy to make and so versatile, they’re a perfect plant-based topping for almost any dish. Try them out, and you might find yourself sprinkling them on everything!