🏈 Super Bowl Special: Crispy Potato Skins with Cashew Queso & Toppings 🏈
Game day is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a plate of crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed potato skins—all 100% plant-based and whole-foods-based! These twice-baked potato skins are filled with a smoky black bean and potato mixture, then topped with creamy cashew queso, homemade dairy-free sour cream, and fresh pico de gallo.
These are perfect for game day snacking, full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and a great alternative to traditional processed snacks. Plus, the combination of black beans and potatoes provides a complete protein source, making this not just delicious but also nutritionally balanced!
Let’s dive in! 🥔🔥
🥔 Ingredients
For the Potato Skins
✔ 2 large Russet potatoes, halved
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ ½ tsp sea salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Black Bean & Potato Filling
✔ Scooped-out potato flesh (from baked potatoes)
✔ ½ cup cooked black beans, rinsed & slightly mashed
✔ ¼ cup cashew queso (for creaminess & cheesiness!)
✔ 2 tbsp homemade dairy-free sour cream (for tang!)
✔ 1 tbsp lime juice (adds brightness!)
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky kick!)
✔ ½ tsp cumin (adds warmth & depth!)
✔ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔ 1 tsp onion powder
✔ ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
✔ ¼ tsp black pepper
✔ ¼ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat!)
✔ 1-2 tbsp water or plant milk (if needed for smoother consistency)
✔ 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for a fresh pop!)
✔ Optional: ¼ cup fire-roasted red bell pepper, finely diced
✔ Optional: 2 tbsp caramelized onions
🏆 Toppings
✔ Homemade salsa (recipe below!)
✔ More cashew queso (for extra drizzling!)
✔ Dairy-free sour cream (recipe below!)
✔ Green onions, chopped
✔ Sliced jalapeños (optional for heat)
✔ Avocado chunks (for creaminess!)
✔ Cilantro (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and place them cut-side down. (Optional: Bake the potatoes whole and slice after cooking.)
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until soft but still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Let them cool slightly before handling.
2️⃣ Scoop & Make the Black Bean Potato Filling
-
Scoop out the inside of each potato, leaving about ¼-inch of flesh to keep the skin sturdy.
-
Mash the filling: In a bowl, combine the scooped-out potato flesh with:
- Black beans (leave some whole for texture)
- Cashew queso & dairy-free sour cream
- Lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper
- Water or plant milk if needed for extra creaminess
- Fresh cilantro for brightness
- (Optional: Fold in fire-roasted red bell pepper and caramelized onions for extra depth!)
-
Mix well until evenly combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
3️⃣ Crisp Up the Skins
- Brush the inside & outside of the potato skins with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake again at 350°F for 15 minutes until crispy.
4️⃣ Fill & Bake Again
- Spoon the black bean & potato mixture back into the crispy skins.
- Drizzle with a little more cashew queso on top.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until heated through.
5️⃣ Load with Toppings & Serve!
- Top with homemade salsa for a fresh, zesty kick.
- Drizzle with extra cashew queso and add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream.
- Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
🔥 Additional Recipes
🌶️ Homemade Pico de Gallo (Salsa)
✔ 2 tomatoes, diced
✔ 2 tbsp red onion, diced
✔ 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (or parsley)
✔ ¼ tsp garlic powder
✔ ¼ tsp coriander
✔ ½ tsp lime juice
✔ Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Serve fresh over potato skins!
🥛 Cashew Queso
✔ 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
✔ ½ cup water
✔ ¼ cup nutritional yeast
✔ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✔ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika
✔ ½ tsp sea salt
✔ ½ tsp turmeric (for color!)
✔ Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne (for heat!)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust with more water for desired consistency.
🥄 Cashew Sour Cream
✔ 2 cups raw cashews, soaked
✔ ¾ cup water
✔ ¼ cup lemon juice
✔ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
✔ 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
💡 Nutritional Commentary: The Protein Powerhouse
✅ Balanced Plant-Based Protein: The combination of black beans and potatoes provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source!
✅ Healthy Fats: Cashews provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support brain function and energy levels.
✅ High in Fiber: Beans, potatoes, and salsa help support digestive health and keep you full longer.
✅ Rich in Vitamins & Minerals:
- Potatoes = Vitamin C & potassium
- Black beans = Iron, folate & fiber
- Cashews = Magnesium & zinc
✅ No Oil, No Processed Ingredients – Just wholesome, plant-based goodness!
🏆 Final Thoughts: Super Bowl-Worthy Snacking!
This is the ultimate game-day snack—crispy, cheesy, packed with bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re watching the game or just want a delicious and filling appetizer, these potato skins will be a guaranteed hit!🎉🏈
💬 What’s your favorite way to top potato skins? Let me know in the comments!