Baked potatoes are a traditional and simple side dish favorite in many families. While traditional toppings like butter and sour cream are not vegan, there are several ways to prepare great vegan baked potatoes. In this post, we’ll look at how to create vegan baked potato in the oven and some tasty vegan toppings to try.
Selecting the Best Potatoes
The first step in creating vegan baked potatoes is selecting the appropriate potato. Russet potatoes are the most widely used baking potatoes because they have a high starch content and bake up fluffy. Because they contain less starch, red or white potatoes may need less cooking time. Properly rinse the potatoes under running water to eliminate any dirt or debris. Scrub the skin with a brush if required. This will aid in the crisping and delectability of the skin.
Options for Seasoning and Flavoring
Vegan baked potatoes may be seasoned and flavored in a variety of ways. Here are some vegan toppings we recommend you try:
- Vegan Spread
Vegan butter is an excellent alternative to regular butter. It gives the potatoes a rich and creamy taste. Mix melted vegan butter with minced garlic and herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary to produce vegan butter. Before baking, spread the butter mixture over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Sour Cream (Vegan)
Vegan sour cream is an excellent alternative to regular sour cream. It gives the potatoes a tart and creamy taste. To create sour cream, combine vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Before baking, spoon the sour cream over the potatoes and top with the chives.
- Vegan Cheddar
Vegan cheese is an excellent alternative to regular cheese. It gives the potatoes a delicious and salty taste. Vegan cheese has various flavors, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Before baking, sprinkle the potatoes with vegan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Vegan Chili
Vegan chili offers a spicy and delicious edge to baked potatoes and is a hearty and delectable topping. To create vegan chili, cook black beans or kidney beans in a pan with chopped tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Simmer the chili until it is thick and bubbling. Before baking, spoon the chili over the potatoes and sprinkle with vegan cheese and cilantro.
- Pesto Vegan
Vegan pesto is a delicious and fragrant sauce perfect for seasoning baked potatoes. Combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and olive oil until smooth in a food processor. Before baking, spread the pesto over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
How to Make Oven-Baked Vegan Potatoes?
Here’s how to make oven-baked vegan potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Clean the potatoes under running water and poke them with a fork on each side.
- Season the potatoes with salt & pepper and rub with oil.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes or until they are soft and tender when poked with a fork.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and set aside for a few minutes to cool.
- Cut the potatoes in half and fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Toppings such as vegan butter, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, vegan chili, or vegan pesto may be added to the potatoes.
