Vegan Jalapeño Poppers are baked cheesy goodness using dairy-free cream cheese, shredded cheese, and toasted panko breadcrumbs.
These spicy and cheesy poppers are perfect for parties, game day, and other gatherings. Vegan Jalapeño Poppers are handheld snacks that are a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
An easy and delicious appetizer that bakes in 30 minutes – what more could you ask for? There’s no dredging and no frying, just a few ingredients baked to perfection then topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs.
One of my favorite types of recipes to make are veganized classics. Lately, I have been experimenting with new vegan substitutes. I have always advised that when you’re transitioning to a dairy-free or vegan diet, to try all the options you have available to you. A few of my favorite brands for cream cheese and shreds are Go Veggie, Daiya, So Delicious, and Tofutti. A lot of people also recommend Mikyoko and Follow Your Heart. It’s all about figuring out what works for you!
Start by cutting each jalapeño in half, lengthwise. Then using a spoon, scrape the seeds out and be carefully not to touch your eyes. Rinse the jalapeño halves then pat dry with a paper towel.
Next, you’ll combine the vegan cream cheese and seasoning together in a small bowl. If you want to add a little something extra, throw in some sliced green onion! Once the mixture comes together, stuff the jalapeño halves, then top with vegan shredded cheese.
Arrange on a prepared baking sheet then cook for about 30 minutes. I recommend keeping your eye on them as ovens can vary and different vegan cheeses melt differently. As the jalapeño poppers bake, toast the panko breadcrumb topping.
When the jalapeños poppers are done cooking, remove from oven, transfer to a serving dish, top with panko and enjoy! Should you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator up to 3-5 days.These work great for all occasions, if you give this recipe a try please tag me on Instagram @theurbenlife and use the hashtag #theurbenlife.

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers
Vegan Jalapeño Poppers are baked cheesy goodness using dairy-free cream cheese, shredded cheese, and toasted panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 6 large jalapeños halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 8 ounce container vegan cream cheese softened
- ½ cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: Toasted panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, combine about 6 ounces vegan cream cheese, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Stuff the jalapeños with the vegan cream cheese mixture and top with vegan shredded cheese.
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Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small nonstick pan. Add about ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs and toast over low heat until golden. Set aside.
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Once the jalapeños are cooked and the cheese is melty, remove from oven. Transfer to a serving dish and top with toasted panko breadcrumbs.
make me hungry.. beautiful photos
Thanks so much, Linda 🙂 I really appreciate it!
So so love jalapeño poppers and love it even more that these are vegan! All I have to do is sub for gluten free panko and I’m good to go! GREAT recipe – thanks for sharing!
Woohoo, so excited!! Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂
Yum! These look delicious! I love jalapeno poppers!
Thanks so much 🙂 I hope you give them a try!
My favorite appetizer!! love it.
Thanks so much, Noelle!
I’ve had these twice in the past 2 weeks at restaurants! May have to try this and make some myself! They look amazing 🙂
Oh my gosh, that’s awesome 🙂 I hope you give them a try!
These look so good. I have never had vegan cream cheese or vegan cheese, do they taste pretty similar to the real thing?
I haven’t had dairy in about 7 years but I’ve found a lot of vegan cheese and cream cheese that taste very similar to the real deal and have similar consistency, texture, and meltability. It really depends on the brand and product though.
Great idea for dairy free jalapeño poppers! I bet my kids would LOVE these 🙂
Thanks, Sarah 🙂 I hope y’all enjoy!!
These look great! I usually see the breading on the outside of the jalapeno, but I love this idea of putting the breading inside.
Thank you, Andrea! This just makes it a little easier 🙂 Same awesome crunch though
With GF panko, I’m good to go! Jalapeno poppers are the quintessential Super Bowl treat!
Oh, yes!! I’ve been making them on repeat 🙂 I can’t wait for the big game!
They sound like an amazing appetizer, need to try them
I hope you enjoy 🙂
Such a yummy vegan dish, it looks tasty
Thanks so much 🙂
These would be perfect for a Superbowl party!
For sure 🙂 Let me know if you make them!!
I’m not a big fan of spicy food but this looks delicious!
Thanks, Cristina 🙂 Since we remove all the seeds it’s not super spicy but it definitely has a kick!
This sounds like the perfect party food for my upcoming Super Bowl Bash. I love spicy!
Woohoo, for sure 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Those look so amazing. Can I ask what vegan cheese is made out of? I’m so intrigued! Pinning this one for later!
Thanks, Melissa!! There are so many different types of vegan cheese now.
Thanks so much!! This one I used from So Delicious contains mostly coconut milk, potato and corn starches, salt, navy bean flour, yeast extract, and a few other ingredients.
Another brand, Daiya, uses filtered water, tapioca starch, coconut oil, and some other ingredients.
The third brand that I typically buy, Go Veggie, uses filtered water, potato starch, pea protein, sunflower lecithin, and other ingredients.
SO many options 🙂
YUM! I bet people would never expect these to be vegan – and so much better for you
For sure 🙂 It’s a fun veganized twist! Thanks for your comment
These look amazing! I love to buy the frozen ones from Costco as a treat, but I’ll bet these homemade ones blow them out of the water!
If you try them, let me know what you think 🙂