These vegan baked Jalapeño Poppers use a dairy-free cream cheese filling with garlic, spices, and potato chips for an easy appetizer in just 30 minutes. Gluten-free!
Some of the best appetizers double as comfort food and that gets 100% in my book. Spinach and artichoke dip, totchos, and queso all fill that category.
If you love a little heat, then you're going to want to make these poppers.
Simple and full of flavor, this vegan version of jalapeño poppers makes for delicious appetizers or snacks too.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- The jalapeño pepper is the perfect pepper because it offers limited heat.
- These are super easy to assemble without any dredging station.
- Dairy-free means they will fit everyone's diet.
- The perfect appetizer for the big game, holidays, Super Bowl, and any gathering.
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Raw fresh jalapeños - Removing the seeds and white membrane takes out most of the heat, making them easy to enjoy.
Check out this guide on how to cut spicy jalapeño peppers the right way.
Dairy-free cream cheese - The secret to our creamy filling is sometimes found in the dairy section and sometimes found in the produce at grocery stores.
Nutritional yeast - Not familiar with this ingredient? It adds a cheesy flavor. In lieu of adding vegan cheese to the mix, this ingredient works just as well!
Lemon juice - Adding lemon to the "cheese" helps create a really tangy, flavorful filling.
Potato chips - Select your favorite flavor here, just check labels to ensure they are vegan or dairy-free (like cheese-flavored chips) to fit your dietary requirements.
No panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs here. Chips give that perfect extra crunch!
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Preheat the oven and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Set out all ingredients as this comes together quickly. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Slice jalapeños lengthwise and scoop the seeds and membranes out. Place the jalapeno halves in rows on a baking sheet, skin side down.
Step 2: Combine vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Stir to mix.
Step 3: Fill jalapeños with cream cheese and sprinkle crushed potato chips.
Step 4: Bake the stuffed jalapeños until the chip topping is golden brown and serve immediately!
Storage
This vegan appetizer is best eaten right after baking, cream cheese jalapeño poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Make ahead
You can prep your jalapeños a day ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator.
Prep the jalapeños and/or stuff them, but leave off the topping until ready to bake.
Tips
- Wear gloves while you slice and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This will help avoid getting any heat from the jalapeño in your eyes and keep your fingers clean.
- In order to give these vegan jalapeño poppers that cheesy taste without the extra cheese, nutritional yeast plays a small but important role. Together with lemon juice and spices, that cheesy tang is replicated.
- Crushed potato chips are a great alternative to gluten-free breadcrumbs for various dishes. Use jalapeño or spicy chips to top your peppers for an even better kick!
- Want to take these jalapeño bites to the next level? Use vegan ranch dressing as a dipping sauce!
FAQs
Jalapeño peppers are often considered fairly mild in spice level. Scooping everything out from the inside with a small spoon will help remove any heat. You can also leave out the added cayenne if you'd like.
These are best eaten immediately after cooking. You can prepare the peppers and mix up the filling and store that bowl in the fridge before your guests arrive. Then when it's time to eat you can easily assemble while the oven preheats and then bake.
Absolutely. The poppers can be reheated in the microwave. It is recommended to reheat them in the oven so that the crispy topping remains crispy.
More gluten-free appetizers
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 10 fresh jalapeños
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup potato chips, crushed check label to ensure vegan/gluten-free
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wearing gloves to protect your hands, slice jalapeños lengthwise. Scoop the seeds and membranes out. Place jalapeño halves in even rows on baking sheet skin side down.
- In a medium bowl, combine vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Fill jalapeños with cream cheese mixture and sprinkle crushed potato chips on top. Bake for 10-13 minutes, careful not to burn chips on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Wear gloves while you slice and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This will help avoid getting any heat from the jalapeño in your eyes and keep your fingers clean.
- Crushed potato chips are a great alternative to breadcrumbs for various dishes. Use jalapeño or spicy chips to top your peppers for an even better kick! Just be sure to check labels to ensure chips are gluten-free and/or vegan-safe.
Ali
Amazing and super easy!
Tessa
So easy! :)