Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

We’ve created the ultimate game plan for vegan appetizer perfection with these vegan jalapeño poppers. Cheesy, crispy, and spicy come together in all the right ways to make any occasion feel like a party!
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Jalapeno poppers on a white plate, with a small bowl of dip.
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When it comes to game day, snack spreads, or basically any excuse to serve up bold flavor, these vegan jalapeño poppers are here to bring the heat in the best possible way. With just five ingredients and a super-simple prep, and you’ve got spicy, cheesy bites that score big on taste with zero fuss. Think creamy, melty filling, a crispy breadcrumb topping, and that signature jalapeño kick. Everyone will be reaching for these faster than your team can score a touchdown!

Whether it’s a party (even better for your favorite sports game get together!), a cozy night in, or a last-minute snack craving, these poppers are ready to deliver. A few quick steps, and you’re looking at the easiest, dreamiest, vegan-approved app that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a spice-lover’s dream. Fair warning: these poppers have a habit of vanishing fast, so grab a few for yourself before they’re all gone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These poppers are here to bring a little heat and a lot of joy to your snack lineup. Just five ingredients, a quick bake, and boom—instant crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they’re bound to be a favorite:

  • Think Warm, Not Wild: These poppers bring the perfect level of spice without overwhelming your taste buds.
  • Perfect Creamy-Crunchy Combo: Soft, melty filling meets a crispy breadcrumb top for that magical creamy-crunchy bite. It’s the ultimate snack duo!
  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, you’re getting a snack that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did (we love that for you!).
  • Baked or Air Fried—Your Call: Versatility is the name of the game. Whether you’re in the mood to bake or air fry, these poppers play along.
  • Snack-Sized & Seriously Satisfying: Each popper is a tiny package of flavor that’s just big enough to satisfy. Perfect for sharing (or not!).
A plate of vegan jalapeno poppers with dip.

Key Ingredients

With just five ingredients, this recipe keeps it simple and packs a punch. Here’s what brings the creamy, spicy, crispy magic to these poppers—each one doing its part to bring the party vibes:

Ingredients for jalapeno poppers with labels.
  • Jalapeño Peppers: Are you ready for a little heat? When picking jalapeños, check for wrinkles! Those little lines along the pepper’s skin mean extra spice. Wrinkled peppers pack more punch, so grab those if you’re a heat seeker. If you’re more in the mood for mellow, choose smooth-skinned peppers—they’ll be milder on the spice scale.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese: Tofutti is our go-to here because it holds up beautifully in the oven. If you’re browsing, skip brands with a lot of coconut oil (they’ll melt a bit too much under high heat). This way, you’ll keep that perfect creamy texture.
  • Vegan Pepperjack or Cheddar Cheese Shreds: Not all vegan cheese melts the same, so choose a favorite you know will get nice and melty. Follow Your Heart works like a charm in this recipe, adding just the right amount of gooeyness to each popper.
  • Oregano: Fresh or dried oregano adds that perfect herby, peppery note to balance the spice. It’s a tiny addition but really makes the filling pop with flavor. Feel free to sprinkle generously!
  • Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko, it’s up to you! We love how the breadcrumbs crisp up in the oven, giving each popper a golden crunch that complements the creamy filling. Seasoned breadcrumbs can add a little extra flavor if you’re in the mood!

How To Make These Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Let’s get our game plan together and make this vegan appetizer pop! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cheesy, spicy bliss in no time. You have the option to bake or air-fry these—choose your own adventure. Scroll to the end of this post for full recipe details!

Halved jalapeno peppers with a bowl of vegan cheese shreds.

Step One: Slice, Scoop, and Handle with Care! Grab a sharp knife and halve each jalapeño, leaving a bit of the stem intact (built-in handle—nice, right?). Scoop out the seeds for a heat control moment. Pro tip: Gloves are your best friend here—those spicy oils love to linger! Once prepped, lay those pepper halves out on a baking sheet.

A bowl of vegan cheese, vegan cream cheese, and oregano.

Step Two: Mix It Up! In a medium bowl, stir together the vegan cream cheese, shredded cheese, and oregano until it’s all creamy, dreamy goodness.

A bowl with vegan cheese filling.

This is your cheesy filling magic right here!

A halved jalapeno pepper filled with creamy vegan cheese.

Step Three: Fill ’Em Up! Take a spoonful of that cheesy mixture and scoop it right into each jalapeño half, filling it about halfway. Aim for a nice mound of filling without it overflowing—think of it as the perfect cheesy pocket.

Jalapeno poppers lined up on a baking sheet.

Step Four: Top with Crunch and Bake!
Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs over the top for that crispy finish.

Baked jalapeno poppers on a cookie sheet.

Then pop them in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 minutes, and if you’re feeling fancy, broil for a minute to get that golden brown top. Watch as they turn into melty, spicy goodness!

Making These Vegan Jalapeño Poppers In The Air Fryer

While baking these beauties in the oven gives them a lovely crisp exterior, you can step up the crunch factor a notch and use your air fryer instead. Simply make the peppers as directed above, preheat your machine for 5 minutes, and then air fry at 325 degrees for about 12 minutes.

You’ll be amazed at the extra crispy texture! To make these peppery poppers even more delicious, add a strip of eggplant bacon or pre-packaged vegan bacon around the outside before air-frying or baking. It’s incredibly indulgent and mind-blowingly delicious!

Vegan poppers filled with vegan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

How to Serve These Vegan Poppers

These poppers are your ticket to snack-time greatness—perfect for parties, solo munching, or any time you’re craving something a little cheesy and spicy. Serve them up with dips, mix up the peppers, or get creative with toppings. However you plate them, these poppers are here to bring the flavor!

  • The Perfect Platter: Arrange your poppers around a bowl of your favorite dip (think vegan ranch or a creamy avocado sauce) for easy dipping. Lay them out in a circle with a few popping off the edge of the plate—instant party vibes, even if it’s just you and your couch.
  • Mix Up the Peppers: Not feeling the heat? Go mild with mini bell peppers or add smoky depth with poblano peppers.
  • Dip Duo: Switch things up with two dips—one creamy (vegan ranch) and one bold (sriracha-mayo or cilantro-lime). Bonus points if you serve them in cute little bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that just-a-little-extra touch.
  • Say Cheese: Start with the classic vegan cream cheese base, then let your cheese dreams run wild! Try mixing in mozzarella, a Fiesta blend, colby jack, or even a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for a fun flavor twist. And don’t stop there—swap out the oregano for chives, scallions, dill, or a dash of smoked paprika. Endless options, endless flavor!

FAQs

What is a non-spicy alternative to jalapeño poppers?

If you’re looking for a milder version, try using mini bell peppers or poblano peppers instead of jalapeños. They offer the same poppable shape and crunch but without the heat, making them perfect for anyone who prefers a gentler bite.

Can I air fry these vegan jalapeño poppers?

Absolutely! To air fry, prepare the poppers as directed and then air fry at 325°F for about 12 minutes. This method gives them an extra-crispy finish that’s hard to resist.

What dips pair well with vegan jalapeño poppers?

Vegan ranch, avocado-lime sauce, or a sriracha-mayo blend all make great dips to balance the heat and add creamy goodness. Feel free to mix it up with a bold, tangy dip or a cool, herby option—both work perfectly!

Ready, Set, Snack!

These poppers bring all the good stuff—cheesy, crispy, and a little bit of heat—for the ultimate snack-worthy bite. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself), they’re the kind of treat that makes any gathering feel like a party. So grab a plate, dive in, and let the snacking joy begin!

A close-up shot of jalapeno poppers.

If you make this vegan jalapeño poppers recipe, I’d love it if you would leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below!

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Easy Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Author: Michelle Cehn
5 from 8 votes
These vegan jalapeño poppers are all about easy, cheesy, spicy goodness with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for game day, cozy nights in, or anytime you’re craving a kick, they’re baked to crispy perfection with a creamy, plant-based filling. Bonus: they’re so simple to make, you’ll be serving up these poppers in no time!
Jalapeno poppers on a white plate, with a small bowl of dip.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings of 2 poppers

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 jalapeño peppers
  • 1 8-ounce tub vegan cream cheese, we use Tofutti
  • 1 8-ounce package vegan pepperjack or cheddar cheese, we use Follow Your Heart
  • 1 teaspoon oregano, fresh or dried
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • With a sharp knife, halve and de-seed each jalapeño and place them in a baking dish.
  • Mix the cream cheese, cheese shreds, and oregano together until well combined.
  • Scoop a dollop of the cheese mixture into the hollow of each jalapeño pepper to fill half-way.
  • Sprinkle generously with breadcrumbs, and bake for 25 minutes.
  • To brown the top, you can then broil for another minute.

Notes

  • Safety Tip: If you have rubber gloves, throw those babies on before handling the raw jalapeño peppers as protection from the volatile oils! This is especially important if you wear contact lenses. If not, just be careful not to touch the seeds, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and don’t touch your eyes for the next 24 hours.
  • These vegan jalapeño poppers can be baked or grilled—we’ve done both! Baking them enables you to whip these up for a vegan Super Bowl party appetizer, while tossing them on the grill makes them a perfect addition to any summer BBQ. Throwing a pool party? Pull out the barbecue for these gorgeous poolside snacks.
  • Simple Storage: Our jalapeño poppers recipe can easily be made ahead of time (Woo! Easy party prep!) and stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. On the day that you want to make the poppers, simply take them out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature while the oven is heating up. Bake as usual.
  • Freezing: Simply freeze any leftovers in an airtight, freezer safe container (or bag) for up to five months. Take the peppers out the night before you plan to reheat them.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 558mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 308IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg
Course — Side
Cuisine — Mexican
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5 from 8 votes

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Recipe Rating




8 comments
  1. 5 stars
    OMG too good! Love to see a vegan recipe for this! 🙂

  2. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Would love to try these in the airfryer!

  3. 5 stars
    I used to love these poppers growing up and I love that I can now enjoy them again! Yay! Definitely try this recipe!

  4. Beatriz Buono-Core says:

    5 stars
    They look delicious!!! 🙂

  5. 5 stars
    Wow these are so good. Ive always baked them but now that I am the proud owner of an air fryer can’t wait to try these in that!! Great appetizer for parties or movie night with friends!

  6. 5 stars
    So good and easy to make!! The breadcrumbs are truly the “cherry” on top 😉

  7. 5 stars
    Love making these vegan jalapeño poppers!! I used to make them all the time for our poolside barbecues when we lived in an apartment with a pool. Everyone loved them!

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