Loaded sweet potato skins are a plant‑based adaptation of the classic loaded potato skin bar snack that became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century. The vegan version reflects the growing demand for dairy‑free comfort foods while keeping the indulgent feel of the original.

The traditional version uses regular russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream made from dairy. PlantbasedBrandon’s recipe swaps in sweet potatoes for extra sweetness, vegan mozzarella and sour cream, and adds beans for protein, keeping it fully plant‑based.

In the Southern U.S., sweet potatoes are often baked with brown sugar and marshmallows, while West Coast vegan cooks favor savory toppings like black beans, avocado, and plant‑based cheeses. This recipe blends the savory Southern love of sweet potatoes with West Coast vegan trends.

Loaded potato skins are a staple at sports‑bar gatherings, game‑day parties, and casual potlucks. The vegan version makes them suitable for plant‑based gatherings, holiday appetizers, or as a hearty side for Thanksgiving‑style meals.

The authentic ingredients include sweet potatoes, olive oil, red onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, black beans, vegan mozzarella, and vegan sour cream. Common substitutes are regular potatoes, dairy cheese, Greek yogurt, or canned chickpeas if beans are unavailable.

They pair nicely with a crisp mixed green salad, vegan coleslaw, or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. For a full meal, serve with a hearty lentil soup or a plant‑based chili.

Common mistakes include under‑baking the whole potatoes (resulting in tough skins), over‑filling the skins which can cause them to collapse, and not seasoning the sautéed vegetables enough. Follow the timing cues and keep the filling slightly thick.

Baking at 375°F gently dries the interior of the skin without burning the edges, creating an even crispness. Broiling can quickly char the skin before the interior becomes fully dry, leading to uneven texture.

Yes. Bake the whole potatoes and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Prepare the filling up to step 7, refrigerate, then stuff and finish the final bake when ready to serve.

The YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon specializes in accessible, whole‑food vegan recipes that focus on comfort classics, meal‑prep ideas, and budget‑friendly plant‑based cooking.

PlantbasedBrandon emphasizes simple, minimal‑equipment techniques, uses everyday grocery‑store ingredients, and often adapts classic American comfort dishes into vegan versions, whereas many other channels focus on gourmet or raw‑food styles.

PlantbasedBrandon is known for recipes such as vegan mac & cheese, plant‑based BBQ jackfruit sliders, dairy‑free banana pancakes, and hearty lentil shepherd’s pie.