Baked Potato Recipe Vegan Bacon Twist for Flavor Fans

There’s something truly comforting about a perfectly baked potato—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings. Now, imagine pairing that classic base with the irresistible smoky crunch of vegan bacon.

This baked potato recipe with vegan bacon elevates a humble spud into a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste buds.

In this post, you’ll learn how to create the ultimate baked potato topped with crispy vegan bacon, creamy avocado, and a medley of fresh vegetables. So, grab your potatoes and get ready to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dish that proves vegan cooking can be both simple and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked potato recipe with vegan bacon is a game changer for anyone who loves comfort food but wants to keep things plant-based. It’s packed with textures—the crispiness of the skin, the softness of the potato flesh, and the crunch of smoky vegan bacon.

It’s also highly nutritious, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out toppings depending on what you have at home or your particular flavor preferences, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan, meaning it fits into a wide range of dietary needs.

If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out our Kid Friendly Potato Recipes for more creative ways to enjoy potatoes!

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work great)
• 1 cup vegan bacon bits (store-bought or homemade – see Tips & Variations)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup vegan sour cream or cashew cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor

Equipment

• Oven (preheated to 425°F / 220°C)
• Baking sheet
• Fork (for poking potatoes)
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon (for scooping potato flesh)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and dry the potatoes well, then poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
2. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. This will help make the skin crispy and flavorful.
3. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil/parchment paper. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a fork easily pierces the flesh.
4. While the potatoes bake, prepare the vegan bacon. If using store-bought vegan bacon bits, toast them lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until crispy. If making your own, see the Tips & Variations section below.
5. Prepare the toppings: dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion and chives, and set aside.
6. Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Carefully slice each potato open lengthwise, then scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin shell.
7. Mash the scooped-out potato flesh with vegan sour cream, a pinch of salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Return the mashed potato mixture to the potato skins, mounding it up generously.
9. Top each loaded potato with vegan bacon bits, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chives.
10. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For the crispiest vegan bacon bits, try frying thin strips of tempeh or coconut bacon with smoked paprika, soy sauce, and maple syrup.

If you want to make your own vegan bacon at home, slice tempeh or thin strips of coconut flakes, marinate them in a mixture of liquid smoke, soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika, then bake or pan-fry until crispy.

This adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with baked potatoes.

For an extra creamy texture, add some mashed white beans or vegan cream cheese into the potato mash. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or corn kernels for more variety and nutrition.

Try swapping the vegan sour cream for cashew cream or a tangy tahini drizzle to switch up the flavor profile. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro also brightens the dish.

Feeling adventurous? Check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe for a delicious side that pairs well with this meal.

Nutrition Facts

The combination of fiber-rich potatoes and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil helps keep you full and satisfied. The vegan bacon provides a flavorful protein boost without the saturated fats found in traditional bacon.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty baked potato with vegan bacon is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup for a more rounded dinner. It also goes well alongside steamed or roasted veggies for added color and nutrients.

Looking for a sweet treat after your savory meal? Try our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a nostalgic finish, or whip up some quick and fluffy Glazed Twist Donuts to delight your taste buds.

Conclusion

This baked potato recipe with vegan bacon is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and full of wholesome nutrients that will keep you energized and happy.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t sacrifice taste or ethics.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to make this recipe your own. And if you’re inspired to explore more vegan meals, be sure to check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a delicious plant-based snack that pairs perfectly with your savory dishes.

Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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