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    Home / Recipes / Small Bites

    Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    Published: Jan 29, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Filled with creamy, spicy vegan cheese and topped with light breading, Vegan jalapeno poppers taste incredible. Baked or air-fried, these bite-sized treats are the perfect appetizer for game day! You will love this vegan jalapeno poppers recipe.

    Vegan jalapeno poppers recipe served with vegan ranch dressing on a plate garnished with parsley on the table.

    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 championship games to determine the Super Bowl contenders, 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. 

    Jump to:
    • How to Make Healthy Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
    • Vegan Jalapeno Popper Ingredients
    • Vegan Jalapeno Popper Ingredient Substitutions
    • Baking Instructions
    • Air Frying Instructions
    • Vegan Jalapeno Popper Dipping Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips:
    • FAQ
    • Great Appetizers for Game Days  
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    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

    Vegan jalapeno poppers on a round plate on the table with vegan ranch dressing in a bowl n the center of the plate.

    The first step in making delicious vegan jalapeno poppers is cutting and de-seeding the jalapenos. Removing the seeds from jalapenos reduces the spiciness.

    Jalapenos on a cutting board.  I am holding a knife to cut them with gloves on.

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

    Jalapenos are cut in half on a cutting board on the counter.

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

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

    Vegan Jalapeno Popper Ingredients

    Raw jalapenos with vegan cheese stuffing inside the hollowed-out jalapenos in a pan.
    • Jalapenos: Like people, peppers wrinkle as they age, and as they do, they are more likely to be spicy. So if you're after heat, choose peppers with fine lines and perhaps slacker skin for more kick. Likewise, look for younger, smooth-skinned jalapeños for a tamer bite.
    • Raw Cashews: Raw cashews are used to create a creamy vegan cheese stuffing.
    • Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is full of vitamin B 12 and tastes vegan cheesy.
    • Lemon Juice & Zest: I prefer using fresh lemon and lemon zest.
    • White Miso Paste: White miso paste supplies the umami flavoring to the cheese mixture.
    • Salt: I like seas salt to enhance the flavors in the vegan jalapeno poppers recipe.
    • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is dried ground garlic. It is much stronger than fresh garlic.
    • Onion Powder: Onion powder is ground-dried onion.
    • Agar-Agar: Agar-Agar powder is a gelling agent extracted from red algae, which is mainly used for setting jellies. Because gelatine is made from animal collagen, agar makes a viable vegetarian alternative. 
    • Water: Water thins the mixture.
    • Adobo Chili Pepper: Chipotles in adobo are smoked and dried jalapeños rehydrated and canned in a sweet and tangy purée of tomato, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.
    • Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are available canned, but I make mine by toasting brad and grinding in a small food processor.

    Vegan Jalapeno Popper Ingredient Substitutions

    • Serrano peppers are similar in flavor as well as size.
    • If you don't like spicy, try stuffing baby bell peppers instead. Baby bell peppers are sweet, not spicy, and come in various bright colors.
    • For a nut-free option, substitute the cashews with sunflower seeds, white beans or silken tofu.
    • Use bottled lemon juice if you don't have fresh juice. To make up for the lemon zest, add an additional teaspoon of lemon juice.
    • If you don't have any nutritional yeast, try adding more miso paste or substituting with soy sauce or Tamari for a gluten-free option.
    • Yellow miso paste is an excellent substitute for white miso paste.
    • Use 1 medium garlic clove to substitute for ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
    • Instead of onion powder, use about ½ cup of fresh onion for every tablespoon of onion powder.
    • Agar agar is an algae-based thickener that acts like a vegan form of gelatin. It requires a little more prep than most replacements, but you can swap it with xanthan gum in a 1:1 ratio.
    • Or, substitute 1:1 for cornstarch. Agar agar flakes are odorless, tasteless sea vegetable gelatin. Substitute 1 tablespoon of agar for 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
    • The best substitutes for Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are poblano peppers, ancho chilies, and any other smoked red pepper you can find.
    • Make bread crumbs by toasting bread and crumbling it in a small food processor. This works for gluten-free bread as well.
    Stuffed jalapenos with vegan cheese and topped with bread crumbs in a pan.

    Once the cheese firms up in the refrigerator (about an hour) and hardens, it's time to fill the poppers. Next, 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. 

    Baking Instructions

    Vegan jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet.
    • 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 Frying Instructions

    Jalapeno poppers in the base of an air fryer.
    • 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. 
    Air fried jalapeno poppers on a plate with ranch dressing.

    Vegan Jalapeno Popper Dipping Suggestions

    Vegan ranch dressing in a ball jar with a spoon on the table.

    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

    Recipe FAQs

    What are jalapeno poppers made from?

    At its simplest, a jalapeño popper is a type of stuffed pepper. The pepper in question naturally is a jalapeño, which has been cored and hollowed out. The interior of the pepper is then filled with stuffing.

    Where did jalapeno peppers come from?

    The core ingredient — the jalapeño pepper — originated in what is now Central America and Mexico. The name jalapeño was given to the pepper by the Spanish. Jalapeño literally “from Xalapa,” which is the capital of Veracruz.

    When were jalapeno poppers originated?

    Jalapeño poppers as you know them now probably originated sometime in the 1980s. What is certain is that, on April 30, 1992, the phrase “jalapeño popper” was trademarked by Anchor Food Products. Heinz later acquired the name, and began to distribute pre-made jalapeño poppers in a frozen form. All consumers had to do was deep fry the peppers until cooked.

    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.
    • If you don't like jalapenos or spice, use baby bell peppers instead of jalapenos and skip the adobo chili peppers in the cheese mix.
    • 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. 
    • Fresh jalapenos last 1-2 weeks refrigerated.

    FAQ

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    If you love this vegan jalapeno popper recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    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 8 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

    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, silken tofu, or sunflower seeds
    • 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.
    • Combine the agar-agar with 3 tablespoons of water in a separate small glass measuring cup. 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 in half lengthwise.
    • Remove the veins and seeds from each jalapeno using a knife or gloved hands.
    • 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

    • 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.
    • If you don't like jalapenos or spice, use baby bell peppers instead of jalapenos and skip the adobo chili peppers in the cheese mix.
    • 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. 
    • Fresh jalapenos last 1-2 weeks refrigerated.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8gCalories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 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/

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    1. Peg M

      January 30, 2023 at 9:20 am

      I will try this out with the mini peppers. Sounds delicious. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        January 30, 2023 at 10:28 am

        Hi Peg, it is delicious in baby bell peppers. Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.

        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
    3. 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

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