3 Tasty Ways to Use Sliced Jalapeños in Vegan Appetizers

What’s a better way to spice up your vegan appetizers than with the classic jalapeño pepper? Read on for an easy-to-follow guide on ways to use sliced jalapeños in your next appetizer recipe. 

Jalapeño peppers (or chiles) are native to Mexico and have become a staple in cuisines around the world. Known for their bright green color and medium heat level, jalapeños offer a unique blend of flavor and spice.

Slicing jalapeño makes them easy to use as a topping and adds a visual flair to your dishes with an eye-catching green color. 

Jalapeño Nutritional Notes 

Jalapeño peppers are packed with nutrients. They are low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. They also contain other essential micronutrients like carotene, folate, vitamin K, and B vitamins. The capsaicin in jalapeños, which gives them their heat, has metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, too. Here’s a complete look at the nutrition profile of jalapeños.

Tips for Cooking with Jalapeño Peppers 

• Control the heat: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and inner membranes of the jalapeños before slicing. That’s is where most of the spice is. 
• Wear gloves: To prevent irritation, consider wearing gloves while handling and slicing jalapeños. Capsaicin might taste good, but it doesn’t feel good when it gets in your eyes! 
• Balance the flavor: Pair jalapeños with creamy or sweet ingredients to complement their heat, such as avocado, vegan cream cheese or yogurt, or fruit salsas. 

An alternative to using fresh chile peppers is to purchase prepared sliced jalapeños such as Tito’s. Look for this or other brands in your grocer’s deli case.

3 Easy Recipes for Using Sliced Jalapeños in Your Appetizers 

Jalapeño Avocado Crostini 

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds 
• Olive oil, for brushing 
• 2 ripe avocados 
• 1 lime, juiced 
• 1 small tomato, diced 
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 
• 2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and thinly sliced 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions

1  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2   Arrange the sliced baguette rounds on a baking sheet. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. 

3  Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. 

4  Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it with a fork until slightly chunky.  Add the lime juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. 

5  Mix in the diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined. 

6  Once the baguette slices are toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. 

7  Spoon a generous amount of the avocado mixture onto each crostini.  Top with a slice or two of fresh jalapeño for that spicy kick and visual flair. 

Jalapeño-Stuffed Mini Peppers 

Ingredients

• 10 mini bell peppers, halved and seeds removed 
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours to soften 
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast 
• 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and sliced 
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish 

Instructions

1  Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. 

2  In a blender or food processor, combine the cashews, nutritional yeast, jalapeños, lime juice, and garlic. 

3  Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little water if necessary to reach a smooth consistency. 

4 Spoon the cashew mixture into each halved mini pepper. 

Spicy Jalapeño Hummus 

Ingredients

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
• 2 tablespoons tahini 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• Juice of 1 lemon 
• 2 cloves garlic 
• 1/4 cup water (or as needed) 
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and sliced 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions

1  Combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and sliced jalapeños in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. 

2 Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl.

3  Serve with pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a sandwich spread. 

These are just a few tasty, easy-to-prepare appetizer ideas. You can also prepare jalapeño-laced guacamole or try some spicy jalapeño and lime roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack.

Or, try cucumber rounds topped with a jalapeño and mango salsa, offering a sweet and spicy combination that your guests will love. Mmm… appetizing appetizers await!