Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
This recipe creates delicious vegan jalapeno poppers, featuring halved and seeded jalapenos filled with a savory mixture of sautéed diced mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a creamy blend of vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese. Baked until tender and bubbly, these poppers are a flavorful appetizer, offering a spicy kick balanced by the rich, cheesy filling, suitable for plant-based diets.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 12 medium jalapeno peppers sliced in half and seeded
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 8 ounce package button mushrooms, finely diced
- 0.5 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 8 ounce tub vegan cream cheese substitute, softened
- 1 cup vegan shredded cheese substitute divided
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Carefully halve each jalapeno pepper lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced mushrooms and onion, sautéing until they are softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened vegan cream cheese substitute, 1/2 cup of the vegan shredded cheese substitute, the cooled mushroom-onion-garlic mixture, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Evenly spoon the prepared cream cheese filling into each jalapeno half, mounding it slightly to create an appealing shape.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of vegan shredded cheese substitute over the top of the filled jalapeno halves.
- Bake the poppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- For an extra golden finish, you can carefully broil the poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the vegan jalapeno poppers to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Notes
To enhance flavor, ensure mushrooms and onions are deeply caramelized before mixing into the filling. Wearing gloves when handling and seeding the jalapenos is crucial to prevent skin irritation. For a richer, smoky depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cream cheese mixture. If your vegan shredded cheese doesn't melt readily, a quick broil at the very end can help achieve a golden, bubbly top, but watch carefully to prevent burning. Don't overcook the peppers; they should be tender-crisp, not mushy. A sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of oil on top before baking can add a delightful crunch.