This holiday season, discover a comforting dish that combines crispy, golden potatoes with a rich and creamy cashew-based cheese sauce. This recipe, inspired by popular YouTuber Gaz Oakley’s Vegan Christmas cookbook, offers an innovative approach to traditional comfort food. The dish features baby potatoes roasted to perfection and a luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce that adds an indulgent twist. Simple ingredients like olive oil, rosemary, and lemon zest enhance the flavor of the potatoes, while cashews, nutritional yeast, and tahini create a velvety sauce that rivals any traditional cheese. Garnished with fresh chives and dried cranberries, this dish is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

The Art of Perfecting Golden Baby Potatoes

The key to achieving perfectly roasted baby potatoes lies in the preparation technique. By carefully slicing each potato without cutting all the way through, you create layers that crisp up beautifully when baked. This method allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the potato, resulting in a texture that is both crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The seasoning mix of olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and garlic enhances the natural earthiness of the potatoes, making them irresistibly savory.

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently slice the baby potatoes using a metal spoon, ensuring the cuts are about an eighth of an inch apart but not fully separating the pieces. Arrange these sliced potatoes on a baking tray. In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and crushed garlic. Mix well and use a pastry brush to coat each potato thoroughly, paying special attention to the sliced areas. Bake for approximately 35 minutes until the potatoes turn golden brown and crispy. The result is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Crafting a Luscious Cashew-Based Cheese Sauce

A standout feature of this dish is the creamy cashew-based cheese sauce that complements the roasted potatoes. Unlike traditional cheese sauces, this vegan version uses cashews as the base, providing a smooth and rich consistency. The addition of tapioca starch thickens the sauce, while nutritional yeast imparts a cheesy flavor. Tahini and white miso paste add depth and complexity, creating a sauce that is both comforting and flavorful. This homemade sauce is a healthier alternative to dairy-based options and can be enjoyed guilt-free.

To prepare the sauce, start by blending cashews, cold water, vegan milk, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, tahini, white miso paste, salt, and pepper until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low flame, stirring continuously until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency. Once ready, drizzle the sauce generously over the roasted potatoes. Finish the dish with freshly chopped chives and dried cranberries for a pop of color and freshness. The combination of crispy potatoes and creamy sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will make this dish a favorite at any holiday gathering.