Loaded Baked Potato with Cashew Cheese Sauce

Step 1

For the loaded baked potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Step 2

Using the tip of a knife or a fork, poke each potato 2 to 3 times. Place directly on the oven rack and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crispy, 55 to 60 minutes.

Step 3

For the cashew cheese sauce: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add the cashews, carrots, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 1/2 cups cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the carrots are fork-tender, about 12 minutes.

Step 4

Carefully add the warm cashew mixture, including the liquid, to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice and salt to taste. Blend on high speed, adding more water if necessary, until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

After the potatoes have been cooking for about 35 minutes, prepare the broccoli. Spread the florets on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Roast until tender and starting to brown, about 20 minutes, then set aside.

Step 6

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add the bacon and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. Roughly chop the bacon into small pieces or julienne and set aside.

Step 7

Cut a lengthwise slit in the top of each potato and gently push the ends toward the center to open up the potatoes. Fluff the insides of the potatoes with a fork, if you like. Drizzle some of the cashew cheese sauce into each potato. Top each potato with broccoli, more cashew cheese sauce, bacon and chives.