Baked Plantain Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

Baked plantains are a delicious and versatile vegan treat that beautifully combine natural sweetness with a satisfying texture. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a side dish, or a simple dessert, baked plantains fit the bill perfectly.

These tropical fruits, often mistaken for bananas, are starchy and firm when unripe, but become sweet and soft when ripe and cooked. Baking them instead of frying reduces oil usage, making the dish lighter and healthier, while retaining that rich, caramelized flavor everyone loves.

In this blog post, we will explore multiple baked plantain recipes that cater to every taste bud—from savory to sweet. You’ll discover how to prepare perfect baked plantains with simple ingredients, plus exciting variations to keep your meals vibrant.

If you love wholesome, plant-based dishes that are easy to prepare, keep reading for inspiration that will elevate your cooking game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked plantains offer an incredible balance of nutrition and flavor. They are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Baking them is a healthier alternative to frying, cutting down on unhealthy fats while still delivering a crispy outside and tender inside.

These recipes are incredibly easy to customize, allowing you to adjust sweetness, spice, or savoriness to your liking. They work wonderfully as a snack, side dish, or even a dessert.

Plus, the aroma of baking plantains fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting fragrance that makes the experience all the more delightful.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sweet recipes)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for savory recipes)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional for sweetness)
• Fresh lime juice (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley (optional for savory versions)

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Peel the plantains by cutting off both ends and making a shallow slit along the peel. Remove the peel carefully to avoid breaking the plantain.
3. Slice the plantains diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. This shape allows for more surface area to caramelize.
4. In a mixing bowl, toss the plantain slices with olive oil, salt, and your choice of cinnamon or smoked paprika depending on whether you want a sweet or savory dish.
5. Arrange the plantain slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The plantains should be golden brown and tender.
7. For a sweeter touch, brush with maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking and return to oven.
8. Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the savory version or sprinkle extra cinnamon on the sweet one.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Choosing the right plantains is key: yellow plantains with black spots are perfect for sweet recipes, while greener ones work better for savory dishes due to their firmer texture and less sugar content.

• Sweet Baked Plantains: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or drizzle with coconut cream before serving for a decadent dessert.
• Spicy Baked Plantains: Toss with chili powder and garlic powder for a bold, savory snack.
• Stuffed Plantains: Slice plantains lengthwise, bake, then stuff with sautéed veggies or black beans for a hearty meal.
• Plantain Chips: Slice very thinly and bake until crispy for a crunchy snack alternative.
• Pairing Ideas: Serve alongside your favorite vegan dips or incorporate into bowls with grains and greens.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked plantains are incredibly versatile. For a quick snack, enjoy them warm with a sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon sugar.

They pair beautifully with vegan dips like guacamole, black bean dip, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

For a full meal, incorporate baked plantains into bowls with quinoa, chickpeas, and sautéed greens. They also complement dishes like Half Runner Beans Recipe or a fresh salad.

Craving something sweet? Serve with a scoop of vegan coconut ice cream or alongside a warm drizzle of maple syrup.

For more vegan dessert inspiration, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe.

Baked Plantain Recipes Vegan: 3 Best Variations

Classic Cinnamon Maple Baked Plantains

This sweet version highlights the natural sugars in ripe plantains enhanced by warm cinnamon and maple syrup.

• Ingredients: ripe plantains, olive oil, cinnamon, maple syrup, salt
• Instructions: Follow the main recipe, adding cinnamon to the oil mixture and brushing maple syrup on the plantains during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Serving: Serve warm as a dessert or snack with vegan yogurt or coconut whipped cream.

Spicy Smoked Paprika Baked Plantains

Perfect as a savory side or snack, this version uses smoked paprika and a pinch of chili powder for a smoky heat.

• Ingredients: plantains, olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, lime juice, fresh cilantro
• Instructions: Toss plantains in oil and spices, bake as directed, then squeeze lime juice and garnish with cilantro.
• Serving: Great alongside vegan tacos or a bowl of beans and rice.

Stuffed Baked Plantains with Black Beans and Avocado

A hearty meal option, plantains are halved and baked, then stuffed with a mixture of black beans, avocado, tomato, and fresh herbs.

• Ingredients: ripe plantains, black beans, avocado, tomato, lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Instructions: Bake plantain halves until tender, scoop out a bit of the center, fill with bean and avocado mixture, then return to oven for 5 minutes.
• Serving: Serve warm with a side salad or vegan sour cream.

Conclusion

Baked plantains are a wonderfully nutritious and delicious addition to any vegan kitchen. Their natural sweetness and satisfying texture make them a versatile ingredient suitable for snacks, sides, or even main dishes.

By baking instead of frying, you keep the dish light while still enjoying that caramelized flavor everyone craves.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these recipes invite both beginners and seasoned cooks to experiment with flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to try the sweet cinnamon variation, or spice things up with smoky paprika.

You can even create a filling meal with stuffed plantains. For more vegan inspiration, explore other fantastic recipes like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe or the Kosher Vegetarian Recipes.

Enjoy your culinary journey with these baked plantain delights!

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