Vegan Jalapeño Popper Dip
All the creamy, cheesy, spicy flavor of jalapeño poppers in an easy dip. Cashew-based, dairy-free, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Ready in 30 minutes.
Servings: 6
Equipment
- 7x6 or 8x8 baking dish or a 10 inch cast iron skillet
- high-speed blender or food processor
- cutting board + knife
- measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups raw cashews (unsalted and unroasted), soaked in boiling hot water for 10-15 minutes
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh sauerkraut brine, I used Thirty Acre Farms Jalapeño kraut the liquid from a jar of kraut, see my recommendations below
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion granules or powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup jalapeño slices about 1 fresh jalapeño
- ⅓ cup vegan shredded mozzarella cheese I used Violife
- ⅓ cup vegan shredded parmesan cheese I used Follow Your Heart
Toppings
- 2 tablespooons GF breadcrumbs**
- 1 tablespoon spicy sesame garlic crunch or everything but the bagel seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh chives, diced sub cilantro or dried chives
- 2-3 tablespoons additional cheese shreds
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with avocado oil. Soak the cashews in boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Prepare the jalapeño according to your preferred heat level (see the spice level guide in the blog post for help).
- Blend: Drain and rinse the cashews. Add to a high-speed blender with the water, sauerkraut brine, garlic, onion granules, and salt. Blend until smooth (60 seconds or so). Add the jalapeños and both cheeses and blend for 10–15 seconds until just combined. Leave some texture so bits of cheese and jalapeño are studded throughout.
- Bake: Pour into the greased baking dish. Top with additional cheese shreds, then mix the breadcrumbs and sesame garlic crunch and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the breadcrumbs are golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh chives and serve with your favorite dippers (veggies, bread, crackers, etc.).
Notes
Wash hands thoroughly after handling jalapeños or sub pickled jalapeños for easier prep with a minor taste variation.
Sauerkraut brine recommendations: Thirty Acre Farm Jalapeño Kraut, Wildbrine Green Organic Kraut, or Trader Joe's Sauerkraut. For extra heat, swap the sauerkraut brine for pickled jalapeño brine.
No breadcrumbs? Blend your favorite gluten-free crackers to a fine crumb instead.