Pour tablespoons of the olive oil into the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish and coat evenly using a brush.
Mix the nutritional yeast with the next 10 ingredients into a small - medium sized bowl. Pour this mixture onto the bottom of your baking dish, over the oil. Spread evenly using the back of a spoon.
Place potatoes, cut side down, into baking dish. Firmly press down on the top of each potato.
Brush the tops of the potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Place potatoes in oven for 35 minutes.
Once potatoes are finished roasting, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives, if using. Serve alongside vegan ranch for dipping.