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. With that being said, vegan jalapeno poppers are a much healthier alternative to eating traditional jalapeno poppers. 

How to make healthy vegan 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, which are removed prior to making the poppers. 

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

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

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

Vegan jalapeno popper cheese

'Cheese' Ingredients

• Raw Cashews
• 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

Vegan Jalapeno Popper Breading Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs
• Nutritional Yeast 

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

Now, it's time to cook the poppers. To accommodate everyone's kitchen, I baked and air-fried the vegan jalapeno popper recipe.

Baking 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. 

Tips:

• Always use gloves while cooking with jalapenos.
• When air-frying, remember the second batch cooks more quickly 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?

Well, my family loves Vegan Ranch Dressing, but 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

Are jalapeno poppers vegan-friendly?

• No, but 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. Reheat individual poppers or several poppers at one time. 

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

Yield: 8 servings

Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

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!

Print

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
• 3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 teaspoons white or yellow miso paste
• I 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

• 1/4 cup oil-free bread crumbs
• 3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast

Dip

• 1/4 cup vegan ranch dressing or dip of choice

Instructions

Vegan Jalapeno Popper Cheese

1. In a food processor, combine cashews (drained), nutritional yeast, miso paste, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
2. 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.
3. Pour the agar- agar into the food processor, mixing until combined.
4. Now, add the adobo chili pepper
5. Transfer the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined or plastic wrap-lined small bowl.
6. Cover and chill for 1-2 hours or until firm.

Preparing the jalapenos

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

Filling the Poppers

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

Baking Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

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

Air-fried Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

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

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Jackie's Kitchen Onion Powder, 2.75 Ounce
• 
  McCormick Classic Garlic Powder, Value Size, 8.75 oz
• 
  Agar Agar Powder. Organic Vegan (Vegetarian) Gelatin. Non GMO, Gluten Free and Nutrient Rich. 8 oz Bag, Unflavored.
• 
  San Marcos Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce, 28 oz
• 
  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

Nutrition Information

Yield

8 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 228Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 297mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 7g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

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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