Buffalo Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

Name: Buffalo Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 poppers
Ingredients: 12 large jalapeno peppers; 1 cup raw cashews, soaked; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (more for drizzling); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Recipes

When I first made these Buffalo Vegan Jalapeno Poppers, I was blown away by how delicious and satisfying they turned out. The combination of spicy jalapenos and creamy vegan filling is simply addictive. I love serving them as a party appetizer, and they disappear in minutes! Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe when friends come over. I think you'll find them to be a winner at your next gathering, just as I did.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T14:16:28.895Z

During my quest to create the perfect vegan appetizer, I stumbled upon the idea of Buffalo Jalapeno Poppers. At first, I was skeptical about how the flavors would meld without traditional cream cheese, but after experimenting with a nut-based filling, I found the perfect balance. The key is to blend the ingredients well, allowing the flavors to harmonize.

What surprised me the most was the unexpected kick from the buffalo sauce. I love to pair these with a cooling ranch dip made from vegan mayo and herbs. The crunch of the jalapenos combined with the creamy filling and spicy sauce is simply irresistible!

        You'll Love These Poppers Because
        Spicy and creamy flavor explosion in every bite
Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Plant-based ingredients that everyone will enjoy

      

The Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess

These Buffalo Vegan Jalapeno Poppers hit the perfect balance between the heat of the jalapenos and the creamy texture of the cashew filling. The spiciness is adjustable depending on how many seeds you leave in when preparing the jalapenos. Removing the seeds can reduce the heat substantially, making these suitable for a wider audience while still maintaining a tasty kick. For the adventurous, leaving a few seeds can elevate the flavor profile.

The creamy cashew filling, enhanced by nutritional yeast and buffalo sauce, offers a comforting mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the breadcrumbs on top. If you find that the mixture is too thick after blending, consider adding a tablespoon of water or more lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize the filling! You can introduce ingredients like finely chopped green onions or diced tomatoes to add freshness. If you enjoy smoky flavors, a teaspoon of smoked paprika can be incorporated to give these poppers a new dimension. For a cheesy twist, consider adding a dairy-free cream cheese instead of some of the cashews for a creamier texture.

These jalapeno poppers are perfect as a party appetizer and pair wonderfully with a vegan ranch dip. A simple blend of dairy-free yogurt, dill, garlic, and lemon juice can elevate the flavor when served alongside. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright finish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Buffalo Vegan Jalapeno Poppers:

Ingredients

12 large jalapeno peppers
1 cup raw cashews, soaked
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 cup buffalo sauce (more for drizzling)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Make sure to select firm, fresh jalapenos for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delicious poppers:

Prepare the Jalapenos

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder taste, or leave some in for extra heat.

Make the Filling

In a food processor, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the cashew mixture into each halved jalapeno and press lightly to pack it down. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each pepper for added crunch.

Bake the Poppers

Place the stuffed jalapenos on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Serve

Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired, and serve hot with your favorite vegan ranch dip!

These poppers are best served fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven if needed.

Pro Tips

For a milder flavor, you can use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos. Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These poppers can be prepared ahead of time which makes them an excellent option for meal prep or parties. After stuffing the jalapenos, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just ensure they're covered tightly to prevent any drying out. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as they will be starting cold.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot throughout and the breadcrumbs are crispy again.

Common Troubleshooting

If your filling appears too grainy after blending, it may be due to under-soaking the cashews. Ensure that they soak for at least 4 hours or overnight, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you're short on time, a quick soak in hot water for 30 minutes can also work in a pinch.

Another common issue is the filling leaking out during baking. This can happen if the jalapenos aren’t packed tightly enough. Make sure to press down on the filling slightly when scooping it into the pepper halves to minimize spillage during cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the jalapenos a day in advance. Just bake them right before serving!

→ What can I use instead of cashews?

You can substitute cashews with silken tofu or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

→ How spicy are these poppers?

The spice level depends on the type of jalapenos used and whether you remove the seeds. They can range from mild to pretty spicy.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.