With enough creativity, anything can be a taco. Beyond hard or soft shells, salads and bowls, the satisfying spices and resounding crunch can be translated in any edible medium. That’s why I’m going for a much bolder base to celebrate National Taco Day on October 4th. Taco jalapeño poppers could just change this beloved Tex-Mex snack.

Typical jalapeño poppers are a bit boring for my tastes. Stuffed with plain cream cheese before being battered and fried, they’re tasty enough with a beer or two, but nothing to write home about. Take it to the next level with Hodo’s Mexican Crumbles to make an instant taco filling, perfect for stuffing into these peppery shells. This high-protein staple is ready to eat right out of the package, infused with chipotles, oregano, and a squeeze of lime, so all the hard work is done for you.

Bringing the taco theme home, finely crushed tortilla chips replace bland breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, lightly salted, and perfectly corny bite. You get all the best parts of a crunchy taco in one killer app, ideal for a party or midnight cravings.

Considering how decadent and crave-worthy they taste, it might be hard to stop at a single serving. Go ahead, indulge!

These poppers have the edge on the nutritional competition for many reasons:

1. Air fried, not deep-fried. The only fat here comes from the cheese, not frying oil.
2. Dairy-free cheese means zero cholesterol.
3. Plant protein. One package of Hodo Mexican Crumbles alone has over 45 gram of protein!
4. Full of fiber. Try to find another game day snack that can actually keep you satisfied from kickoff to overtime.

In fact, the versatility of this recipe goes well beyond the opening act.

You can make it the main event by pairing with any of the following serving suggestions:

• Plain or seasoned rice
• Pinto beans, black beans, or refried beans
• Green salad or cabbage slaw
• Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole
• Elote or esquites

Jalapeño poppers are a relatively new phenomenon, appearing on menus only a few decades ago in the early 90s. It’s not too late to redefine the dish with new flair and brighter flavors. Take inspiration from beefy meatless tacos to get the party started.

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Yield: Makes 12 - 24 Servings

Taco Jalapeño Poppers

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Taco jalapeño poppers are a party waiting to happen. This easy plant-based recipe has bold flavor and fun in every bite!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 Medium (1 Pound) Jalapeños, Halved and Seeded
• 1 (8-Ounce) Package Hodo Mexican Crumbles
• 1/4 Cup Tomato Sauce
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Vegan Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 Cup Cilantro, Roughly Chopped
• 2 - 3 Scallions, Thinly Sliced
• 1/2 Cup Crushed Tortilla Chips

Instructions

1. Line an air fryer baking sheet or basket with aluminum foil. Lightly grease and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, add the Hodo Mexican Crumbles and break them apart with a spatula. Add the tomato sauce, vegan cheese, cilantro, and scallions. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Spoon the filling into the cut peppers, packing it firmly. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top, pressing them gently into the filling to adhere.
4. Arrange the filled peppers in a single layer on your prepared sheet or basket. You may need to do this in two or three batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Air fry at 370 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the filling is lightly browned. Serve hot.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Organic Tofu — Always Plant-Based. Always Delicious. Hodo.
• 
  Garden of Eatin', Corn Tortilla Chips, Blue Chips, 16 oz
• 
  Hodo Adobo Mexican Crumbles — Always Plant-Based. Always Delicious. Hodo.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 15Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 31mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.