Easy Dairy Free Jalapeno Poppers
If you’re on the hunt for a dairy-free jalapeño popper recipe that’s both delicious and easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place. These Dairy-Free Jalapeno Poppers are not only a healthier alternative to the deep-fried ones but also pack a punch of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion, be it a big game day snack, the holidays, or a cozy evening with friends.
This post was originally published on December 7th 2019.
❤️ Why you will love this recipe
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a big game day gathering, a cozy movie night, or just looking for a spicy snack, these easy baked jalapeño poppers are a hit. They’re versatile and fit seamlessly into any event, making them a favorite for both the host and the guests. They are the BEST appetizer!
Dairy-Free Without Compromise
Going dairy-free often means missing out on some of your favorite flavors. Not with this jalapeno popper recipe! Thanks to the homemade vegan cream cheese, you get all the creaminess and flavor of regular cream cheese, but without the dairy. It’s a win-win for those who love jalapenos and are looking for dairy-free alternatives.
Bacon-Wrapped Goodness
Everything’s better with bacon, right? The crispy bacon wrap adds a smoky flavor that complements the spicy jalapeno and creamy filling. It’s a trio of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
Easy to Make
No need to be a seasoned chef to whip up these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even a cooking novice can create this delicious appetizer. Plus, they’re baked, not deep-fried, making the process even simpler and healthier.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Spicy, creamy, and wrapped in bacon – what’s not to love? These jalapeno poppers are always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them to a group of sports fans (super bowl party, anyone?) or sharing with family, expect this perfect appetizer to disappear quickly!
🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cashew Cream Cheese
The star of our dairy-free filling, cashew cream cheese, is made from soaked cashews blended with a few other ingredients. It offers a creamy texture and rich flavor that closely mimics regular cream cheese. If you’re unable to find cashews, macadamia nuts can be a good substitute, though the flavor might slightly differ.
Nutritional Yeast
This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s a staple in many vegan and dairy-free recipes. If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, you can try using a bit of miso paste for a similar umami flavor.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Almond milk helps in achieving the right consistency for our cream cheese mixture. If you’re not a fan of almond milk or have an allergy, feel free to swap it out with any other unsweetened plant-based milk like soy or oat milk.
Jalapeño Peppers
The main attraction! These spicy peppers are the base of our poppers. When selecting jalapenos, look for firm, bright green peppers. If you want a milder flavor, you can opt for Anaheim peppers, but remember, they’re larger, so you’ll need to adjust the filling amount.
Bacon
The smoky, crispy wrap that takes these poppers to the next level. If you’re looking to keep the recipe entirely plant-based, there are several vegan bacon alternatives available in the market that work wonderfully. You can also try my vegan jalapeno poppers which are wrapped in eggplant bacon.
Cajun Seasoning
This seasoning adds an extra kick to our poppers. If you don’t have cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt can be a good alternative.
🥣 How to Make Dairy-Free Jalapeno Poppers
Step 1: Preparing the Cashew Cream Cheese
Start by soaking your cashews. If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute soak in boiled water will do, but for best results, letting them soak overnight is ideal. Once they’re soft and plump, blend them in a food processor with nutritional yeast, unsweetened almond milk, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt. The result? A creamy, dairy-free cheese mixture that’s packed with flavor.
Step 2: Prepping the Jalapenos
Handling jalapenos can be a spicy affair! It’s a good idea to wear gloves to avoid any accidental burns. Slice the jalapenos in half lengthwise. You can choose to leave the stem on for a rustic look or remove it. The most crucial step here is to remove the seeds and white membrane, as they pack the most heat. If you’re a fan of super spicy food, you can leave a few seeds in.
Step 3: Filling and Wrapping
Once your spicy jalapeños are prepped, it’s time to fill them. Using a piping bag can make this process smooth, but if you don’t have one, a small spoon will do the trick. Fill each of the jalapeno halves with the cream cheese mixture. Next, take your bacon slices (or vegan alternative), slice them in half lengthwise, and wrap each filled jalapeno. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the filling in place.
Baking to Perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your poppers don’t stick. Place each wrapped jalapeno on the sheet, sprinkle with cajun seasoning, and pop them in a preheated oven.
Bake until the bacon is crispy, the jalapenos are tender, and the cashew cheese is a slight golden brown. The aroma of baked jalapeno poppers wafting through your kitchen will be hard to resist!
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
Choosing the Right Jalapenos
When shopping for jalapenos, opt for ones that are firm to the touch and have a vibrant green color. Avoid peppers with any visible blemishes or soft spots. Remember, the size of the jalapeno will determine how much filling you’ll need, so try to pick ones that are relatively uniform in size for consistent results. It’s also good to note that smaller peppers tend to be spicier, and ones with “stretch marks” on the outside can also be hotter.
Wear Gloves
It’s a good idea to slip on some gloves (whether they’re dishwashing or latex) when you’re handling and deseeding jalapeno peppers. Those spicy juices can give your hands a tingly burn that might linger for hours (overnight in my case!). Take it from someone who’s learned the hard way: gloves are your best friend here!
Adjusting the Spice Level
Jalapenos can vary in heat, so if you’re serving these to a mixed crowd, consider making a few milder ones. Removing all seeds and veins will reduce the spice, but for an even milder version, you can replace some of the jalapenos with mini bell peppers.
Make the Cheese Tangier
If you like your cream cheese mixture to be extra tangy, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It really brightens up the flavor!
Vegan Bacon Alternatives
If you’re aiming for a fully plant-based recipe, there are numerous vegan bacon brands available that offer a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture. Alternatively, thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant brushed with liquid smoke and soy sauce can be used as a wrap. Check out my Vegan Jalapeno Poppers recipe to learn how to make eggplant bacon!
Piping Bag Hack
Don’t have a piping bag? No worries! Simply fill a zip-top bag with the cream cheese mixture, snip off a corner, and voila – you have a makeshift piping bag.
🫙 Storage Instructions
Refrigerating
If you find yourself with leftover bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers (though we doubt you will!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven until heated through.
Freezing for Later
These poppers freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy these keto jalapeño poppers, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
🍽️ What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Cool and Creamy Dips
Given the spicy nature of jalapeno poppers, they pair wonderfully with cool and creamy dips. Consider serving them with a whole30 ranch or a dairy-free mayonnaise. The coolness of the dip will balance out the heat of the jalapenos, creating a delightful contrast with each bite.
Fresh Salads
A crisp, refreshing salad can be a great side to offset the richness of the poppers. Think of salads with a citrusy dressing or ones that incorporate fruits like mango or pineapple. The sweetness and acidity will complement the spicy and smoky flavors of the poppers. For a tangy twist, try our Pickled Beet Salad. It’s a delightful accompaniment for jalapeno poppers.
Other Finger Foods
If you’re hosting a game day or a party, consider adding other finger foods to the mix. Rice Paper Dumplings, Bruschetta Without Bread, and our Loaded Vegan Queso with tortilla chips can round out the menu, offering a variety of flavors and textures for your guests to enjoy.
Beverages to Quench the Heat
Spicy foods call for refreshing drinks! Offer a range of beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or even a cool cucumber-infused water.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the poppers a day in advance, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.
Yes, the bacon is optional. Without it, you’ll have a simpler, dairy-free stuffed jalapeno which is equally delicious. You can try adding a sprinkle of bread crumbs on top for a bit of crunch if you prefer.
Certainly! For a milder version, mini bell peppers are a great choice. For a spicier kick, consider serrano peppers, but be cautious as they pack more heat.
Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without any dairy, making it a staple in many vegan and dairy-free dishes.
I’ve found that most store-bought vegan cheese melts into a puddle when you bake it, unlike regular cream cheese or cheddar cheese. If you have found a vegan cheese that melts like regular cheese, feel free to mix it into the cashew cream cheese.
😋 More Dairy-Free Recipes You Will Love
- Vegan Jalapeno Popper Recipe
- Bacon Roses for Valentine’s Day
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
- Paleo Bruschetta
- Dairy-Free Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.
📖 Recipe
Dairy Free Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
Cashew Cream Cheese:
- 1 3/4 cups cashews soaked
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 4.5 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Other ingredients
- 14 Jalapeños cut in half, seeds and veins removed
- 14 slices bacon halved
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning or to taste
Instructions
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese:
- Soak cashews for at least 30 minutes in boiled water (preferably overnight).
- Add the soaked cashews nutritional yeast, unsweetened almond milk, mustard, and salt to a food processor or blender.
- Blend until it forms a smooth paste.
Jalapeno Poppers
- Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Put on some gloves if you have them handy, and cut the jalapeños in half. I usually leave the stem on because I like how it looks, but feel free to cut the stems
- Remove the seeds and veins with a spoon.
- Fill a piping bag with the cream cheese mixture or use a teaspoon, and pipe or spoon the cream cheese mixture into jalapeño halves
- Cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise.
- Wrap one bacon half around each jalapeño with cashew cream cheese.
- Place on a baking tray.
- Sprinkle each jalapeno popper with cajun seasoning.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is done to your liking.
Notes
- Jalapenos: When shopping for jalapenos, opt for ones that are firm to the touch and have a vibrant green color. Avoid peppers with any visible blemishes or soft spots. Remember, the size of the jalapeno will determine how much filling you’ll need, so try to pick ones that are relatively uniform in size for consistent results. It’s also good to note that smaller peppers tend to be spicier, and ones with “stretch marks” on the outside can also be hotter.
- Wear Gloves: It’s a good idea to slip on some gloves (whether they’re for dishwashing or latex) when you’re handling and deseeding jalapeno peppers. Those spicy juices can give your hands a tingly burn that might linger for hours (overnight in my case!). Take it from someone who’s learned the hard way: gloves are your best friend here!
- Adjusting the Spice Level: Jalapenos can vary in heat, so if you’re serving these to a mixed crowd, consider making a few milder ones. Removing all seeds and veins will reduce the spice, but for an even milder version, you can replace some of the jalapenos with mini bell peppers.
- Make the Cheese Tangier: If you like your cream cheese mixture to be extra tangy, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It really brightens up the flavor!
- Vegan Bacon Alternatives: If you’re aiming for a fully plant-based recipe, there are numerous vegan bacon brands available that offer a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture. Alternatively, check out my Vegan Jalapeno Poppers recipe to learn how to make eggplant bacon!
- Piping Bag Hack: Don’t have a piping bag? No worries! Simply fill a zip-top bag with the cream cheese mixture, snip off a corner, and voila – you have a makeshift piping bag.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven until heated through.
- Freezing: Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy these keto jalapeño poppers, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
