Creamy Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with these irresistible cheesy baked potatoes with broccoli that promise to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Crispy potato skins cradle a creamy, cheesy interior bursting with vibrant green broccoli florets.

Melted cheese cascades over tender potatoes, creating a mouthwatering combination that screams pure indulgence.

Simple ingredients come together in this hearty dish that works perfectly as a side or a standalone meal.

Each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and rich, savory flavors.

The recipe offers a foolproof method for transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate comfort classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Taste Appeal

• Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
• Packed with familiar flavors and kid-approved ingredients, this dish brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal fuss.
• Combines the hearty goodness of potatoes with nutrient-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that satisfies both health-conscious and comfort food lovers.
• Simple step-by-step instructions ensure even beginner cooks can confidently prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Cheesy Baked Potatoes Ingredient Essentials

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that serve as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the recipe.
• Cheese: Creamy ingredient that provides rich flavor and smooth texture to the sauce.

• Butter, Milk: Essential ingredients that create a smooth and velvety cheese sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used to coat potatoes and enhance their crispy exterior while baking.

• Salt, Pepper, Herbs: Flavor enhancers that add depth and aromatic notes to the potatoes and sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and consistent cheese sauce.

Must-Have Tools for Cheesy Bakes

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting potatoes evenly.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour, milk, and cheese.
• Fork: Used for poking potato skins and checking doneness.
• Sharp knife: Helps finely chop broccoli.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and spice amounts.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if needed.

Steps to Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli

Step 1: Prep Potato Base

Scrub those spuds clean and give them a good poke with a fork.

Drizzle olive oil all over and sprinkle with salt so they get a delicious golden crust.

Grab a baking sheet and get ready to transform these humble potatoes.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Slide the potatoes into a hot 425F oven.

Let them bake for about an hour, turning golden and becoming super soft.

You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in like butter and they feel slightly soft when gently pressed.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour to create a smooth base, stirring constantly as the mixture starts to bubble and turn a light golden color.

This creates the magic foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Build Luscious Cheese Mixture

Gradually pour in milk while whisking to avoid any lumps.

Add your favorite seasonings and keep stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Lower the heat and slowly incorporate cheese, whisking until you have a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Broccoli

Finely chop fresh broccoli and fold it into the cheese sauce.

The residual heat will slightly cook the broccoli while keeping it crisp and bright green.

Step 6: Create Your Masterpiece

Slice open the roasted potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper.

Generously ladle the broccoli cheese sauce over the potatoes, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Best Tips for Cheesy Potato Goodness

• Select Yukon Gold or red potatoes for creamier, more buttery texture that holds shape better during baking.
• Press potato gently with fork; it should give slightly and feel soft inside without being mushy or hard.
• Whisk constantly when adding flour and milk to ensure smooth, silky cheese sauce without clumps.
• Mix sharp cheddar with gruyère or monterey jack for deeper, more complex flavor profile in sauce.
• Steam extra broccoli florets separately and sprinkle on top for added crunch and nutritional value.

Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Ideas

• Vegan Comfort Potatoes: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a plant-based, creamy sauce. Use almond milk and vegan butter to maintain rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets. Create same cheese sauce but use cauliflower as base for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños and chili powder to cheese sauce. Top with cilantro and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired version.
• Protein-Packed Recovery Meal: Incorporate diced chicken or crispy bacon bits into cheese sauce. Sprinkle with extra protein-rich nutritional yeast for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Serving Cheesy Baked Potatoes

• Rustic Comfort Meal: Pair these cheesy baked potatoes with a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits on top to transform the dish into a more substantial main course.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh toast for a weekend morning breakfast celebration.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Create a potato bar where guests can customize their own potato with various toppings and the delicious broccoli cheese sauce.

Cheesy Baked Potato Storage Hints

• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate cheese sauce into another container.
• Place potato on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce separately. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Warm potatoes at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle extra cheese sauce on top. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Are these potatoes healthy?

Yes, they combine nutritious broccoli with protein-rich cheese and potatoes packed with vitamins and minerals. The olive oil and controlled cheese portion make it a balanced dish.

• Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or monterey jack work great. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the potato and broccoli flavors.

• Do I need special equipment?

No, just a basic baking sheet, saucepan, and whisk. Standard kitchen tools are all you need to create this delicious recipe.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. The potatoes and cheese sauce can be prepared ahead and stored separately. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve for a quick, satisfying meal.

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy baked potatoes with broccoli elevate comfort classics with creamy Wisconsin cheddar and crisp green florets. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make this hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
• 5.5 ounces (156 grams) freshly grated medium cheddar cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Olive oil for drizzling
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/8–1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8–1/4 teaspoon salt
• Kosher salt or sea salt for sprinkling
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives or scallions, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare potatoes by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the exteriors, then puncture multiple times with a fork to allow steam release.
2. Coat potato surfaces with olive oil and generously sprinkle with salt, ensuring even coverage.
3. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 50-60 minutes, checking tenderness by gently pressing – they should yield slightly when touched.
4. While potatoes bake, create the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour until the mixture turns golden and develops a nutty aroma.
5. Gradually stream milk into the butter-flour mixture, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and maintain smooth consistency.
6. Add selected spices and continue cooking, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Reduce heat and incorporate shredded cheese incrementally, stirring until the sauce becomes silky and fully integrated.
8. Finely chop broccoli and fold into the warm cheese sauce, allowing the residual heat to slightly soften the vegetable.
9. Remove sauce from heat and set aside while finishing the potatoes.
10. Once potatoes are fully cooked, slice open lengthwise and gently fluff the interior with a fork.
11. Season potato interiors with fresh ground pepper and optional herbs.
12. Generously ladle the broccoli cheese sauce over the prepared potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.

Notes

• Select starchy potatoes like Russet for the best fluffy interior and crispy skin.
• Use room temperature cheese to help create a smoother, more even sauce without lumps.
• Poke multiple holes in potatoes to prevent potential steam buildup and ensure even cooking.
• Consider alternative cheese options like sharp cheddar or gruyere for deeper flavor profiles.
• Roast broccoli separately before adding to sauce for enhanced nutty, caramelized taste.
• Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch in cheese sauce.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Low-fat modification: Use skim milk and reduced-fat cheese to decrease overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg