Baked Potato with Cashew Sour Cream
This Baked Potato with Cashew Sour Cream combines simple ingredients with impressive flavor, offering all the comfort of a classic baked potato with a creamy, plant-based topping. Perfect for autumn evenings when you crave something hearty and warming.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Soaking Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 4 potatoes
Calories 385 kcal
High-Speed Blender
Oven
Baking Sheet
For the Baked Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes about 8-10 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
For the Cashew Sour Cream
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup water plus more as needed for desired consistency
- 1 small garlic clove optional
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup vegan cheese shreds
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- smoked paprika for garnish
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a fork, pierce each potato 6-8 times all over to allow steam to escape.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary, then use your hands to massage the seasonings into the skin until evenly coated.
Arrange the seasoned potatoes directly on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the skin feels crisp and a knife easily slides through the center.
While the potatoes are baking, drain and rinse your soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender along with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic (if using), and 1/4 cup water. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a consistency similar to traditional sour cream. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a knife, cut a slit lengthwise across the top of each potato, then gently squeeze the ends to open them up. Fluff the insides with a fork.
Dollop a generous amount of cashew sour cream onto each potato, then sprinkle with your choice of toppings – chives, green onions, vegan cheese, or nutritional yeast. Add a light dusting of smoked paprika for garnish if desired.
Sweet potatoes work wonderfully for a lower-glycemic option. No cashews? Try sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative with similarly creamy results.
The cashew sour cream can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It may thicken when chilled – simply whisk in a teaspoon of water before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
Baked potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, store the potatoes and toppings separately. Reheat potatoes in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes rather than microwaving to maintain their texture.
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSodium: 620mgPotassium: 1245mgFiber: 6gVitamin C: 42mgIron: 15mg
Keyword Baked Potato, Cashew Sour Cream, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Plant-Based, Comfort Food