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    Home / Recipes / Small Bites

    Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    Published: Feb 12, 2022 · Modified: Jun 10, 2022 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    vegan jalapeno poppers

    Whenever football season approaches, my husband asks about "football food," and I start thinking of ways to wow the boys. So today, in the spirit of the upcoming football season, I made vegan jalapeno poppers. Since jalapeno poppers aren't technically vegan, I veganized them with a new vegan jalapeno popper recipe. As a result, the jalapeno poppers disappeared in minutes. 

    Because jalapeno poppers aren't typically considered vegan food, making healthy vegan jalapeno poppers is the best way to enjoy the foods we love without sacrificing health. That said, vegan jalapeno poppers are a much healthier alternative to eating traditional jalapeno poppers. 

    How to make healthy vegan jalapeno poppers

    jalapeno poppers

    The first step in making delicious vegan jalapeno poppers is cutting and de-seeding the jalapenos. Although jalapenos have a reputation for being spicy, the actual spice comes from the seeds removed before making the poppers. 

    How to cut jalapeños

    To avoid burning the skin, eyes, or other body parts, always wear gloves. Then, cut the stems off the ends of the jalapenos and cut lengthwise down each jalapeno. 

    Removing the seeds

    Next, using the gloves or the sharp edge of the knife, carefully remove each jalapeno piece's seeds and veins. 

    Now, set each carved-out jalapeno halves on a cookie sheet or sided plan to prevent rolling. 

    vegan jalapeno popper cheese

    Vegan jalapeno popper cheese

    'Cheese' Ingredients

    • Raw Cashews or substitute white beans
    • Nutritional yeast
    • White or yellow miso paste
    • Lemon, juiced & zested
    • Salt
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Agar-Agar powder (flakes will also work)
    • Water
    • Adobo Chili pepper

     Popper Breading Ingredients

    • Breadcrumbs
    • Nutritional Yeast 

    jalapeno popper breading

    Once the cheese firms up in the refrigerator (about an hour) and hardens, it's time to fill the poppers. Fill each half of the carved-out jalapenos using a spoon and sprinkle with the bread topping. 

    Now, it's time to cook the poppers. Then bake or air-fry the vegan jalapeno popper recipe. 

    baked vegan jalapeno poppers

    How to bake jalapeno poppers

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    • Using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, line a baking sheet. 
    • Bake the jalapeno poppers for 16 minutes.
    • Transfer to a serving platter and serve with your favorite vegan dipping sauce. 

    Air-fried vegan jalapeno poppers

    How to air-fry vegan jalapeno poppers 

    • Cooking in batches, place individual filled poppers in the base of the air-fryer. 
    • Cook at 325 degrees for 8 minutes.
    • Repeat to cook all the poppers in a second batch.
    • Choose your favorite dipping sauce and serve popper on a platter or plate. 

    Tips:

    • Always use gloves while cooking with jalapenos.
    • Remember, the second batch cooks more quickly when air-frying because the air-fryer is preheated.
    • Try to select jalapeno peppers of similar size, so they cook evenly
    • Prepare the poppers up to two days before cooking
    • When freezing poppers, cook them first

    What is the best dipping sauce for jalapeno poppers?

    vegan ranch dressing

    My family loves Vegan Ranch Dressing, however, if you aren't a ranch fan, there are many other dipping options. 

    • Mustard Dipping Sauce
    • Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
    • French Dressing
    • Blackberry Dijon Sauce
    • Maple Dijon Dressing
    • Vegan Southwest Dressing

    FAQ

    Our jalapeno poppers vegan-friendly?

    • No, making jalapeno poppers vegan is easy, and they taste cheesy and fabulous. 

    How long are jalapenos good for in the refrigerator?

    • Fresh jalapenos last 1-2 weeks refrigerated. 

    Can I freeze jalapeno poppers after baking?

    • Yes, I prefer to flash freeze the jalapeno poppers individually on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a freezer-friendly container or bag. Next, reheat individual poppers or several poppers at one time. 

    healthy vegan jalapeno poppers

    Are you looking for fun vegan snacks and appetizers? Check out these recipes! 

    • Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • How to Make Vegan Zucchini Fries With Homemade Dips - Breaded & Baked
    • How to Make Vegan Portobello Mushroom Fries
    • Tater Tot Nachos
    • Greek Nachos
    • Vegan Layered Greek Dip
    • Vegan French Onion Dip
    • Buffalo Cauliflower
    • How to Make Meatless Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • Avocado Hummus
    • Skinny Vegan Potato Skins
    • Mexican Meatballs
    healthy vegan jalapeno poppers

    Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    Kathy Carmichael
    Vegan jalapeno poppers are filled with creamy, spicy vegan cheese and topped with a light breading. Baked or air-fried, these bite-sized treats are the perfect appetizer for game-day!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 28 mins
    Course Small Bites
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 169 kcal

    Equipment

    • Agar Agar Powder. Organic Vegan (Vegetarian) Gelatin. Non GMO, Gluten Free and Nutrient Rich. 8 oz Bag, Unflavored.
    • Anthony's Premium Nutritional Yeast Flakes, 1lb, Fortified, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan
    • Raw Cashews, 1 Pound – Deluxe Whole Nuts, Unsalted, Unroasted Fancy Snack, Size W-320, Kosher, Vegan, Bulk, A good source of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper & Manganese

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 jalapeno peppers deveined and seeds removed; cut in halves making 16 pieces (choose jalapenos approximately the same size.

    Vegan jalapeno popper cheese

    • 1 /2 cup cashews soaked in water overnight or substitute white beans
    • 3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
    • 2 teaspoons white or yellow miso paste
    • 1 clove garlic
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 adobo chili pepper

    Agar-Agar Mixture for Cheese thickening

    • 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder
    • 3 Tablespoons water

    Popper Breading

    • ¼ cup oil-free bread crumbs
    • 3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast

    Dip

    • ¼ cup vegan ranch dressing or dip of choice

    Instructions
     

    Vegan Jalapeno Popper Cheese

    • Combine cashews (drained), nutritional yeast, miso paste, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice in a food processor. Mix until smooth.
    • In a separate small glass measuring cup, combine the agar- agar with 3 tablespoons of water. Microwave for 30 seconds, and then stir until dissolved.
    • Pour the agar- agar into the food processor, mixing until combined.
    • Now, add the adobo chili pepper.
    • Transfer the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined or plastic wrap-lined small bowl.
    • Cover and chill for 1-2 hours or until firm.

    Preparing the jalapenos

    • Wearing gloves, cut the ends off each jalapeno, and cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise.
    • Using a s=knife or gloved hands, remove the veins and seeds from each jalapeno.
    • Place each jalapeno piece opening side up on a baking sheet or dish with edges.

    Filling the Poppers

    • Using a spoon, fill each jalapeno half and press with a spoon using your hands.
    • Combine the bread crumbs and nutritional yeast
    • Then, add a sprinkle of the breadcrumb/nutritional yeast mixture.

    Baking Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    • Using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, line a baking sheet. 
    • Bake the jalapeno poppers for 16 minutes.
    • Transfer to a serving platter and serve with your favorite vegan dipping sauce. 

    Air-fried Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    • Cooking in batches, place individual filled poppers in the base of the air-fryer. 
    • Cook at 325 degrees for 8 minutes.
    • Repeat to cook all the poppers in a second batch.
    • Choose your favorite dipping sauce and serve popper on a platter or plate. 

    Notes

    Tips:

    1. Always use gloves while cooking with jalapenos.
    2. Remember, the second batch cooks more quickly when air-frying because the air-fryer is preheated.
    3. Try to select jalapeno peppers of similar size, so they cook evenly
    4. Prepare the poppers up to two days before cooking
    5. When freezing poppers, cook them first

    Other Dipping Options

      Mustard Dipping Sauce
      Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
      French Dressing
      Blackberry Dijon Sauce
      Maple Dijon Dressing
      Vegan Southwest Dressing

      Nutrition

      Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 612mgPotassium: 284mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 249IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg
      Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
      Kathy Carmichael

      Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

      www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/
      « Valentine's Day Recipes
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Paul Bailey

        August 21, 2021 at 9:25 am

        can tapioca flour/starch be used in place of agar-agar? Thx

        Reply
        • Kathy Carmichael

          August 22, 2021 at 8:52 am

          Paul, yes tapioca starch, corn starch, and agar agar are all plant-based starches used for thickening. I hope you enjoy the jalapeno poppers.

          Reply
      2. Lucille Seay

        February 12, 2022 at 9:50 am

        Thank you for sharing your recipe with me I am vegan for 17 years and I love being a vegan Strictly vegan thank you again

        Reply
        • Kathy Carmichael

          February 13, 2022 at 5:39 am

          Hi Lucille, I'm so glad you are enjoying the recipes. I love the vegan lifestyle! Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it.

          Reply

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