Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

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 a 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.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients and substitutions
• Step-by-step instructions
• Storage
• Tips
• FAQs
• More gluten-free appetizers
• 📖 Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

• The jalapeño pepper is the perfect pepper because they offer 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.

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

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