Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

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Who doesn’t love a warm, crispy baked potato loaded with cheesy goodness?

Cheesy broccoli baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food – simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a budget-friendly meal, or a vegetarian option that everyone will love, this recipe has you covered.

This dish combines fluffy baked potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli for a hearty and comforting meal.

We’ll walk you through how to make the perfect baked potato, a smooth cheese sauce, and delicious topping variations to customize your dish.

How to Make the Best Baked Potatoes

The foundation of this dish is a perfectly baked potato. Achieving a crispy skin with a soft, fluffy interior requires the right technique.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

  • Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking due to their high starch content and fluffy texture.
  • Yukon Gold potatoes can also work, but they have a denser texture.

Baking vs. Microwaving

While the microwave is a quick option, baking in the oven provides the best texture.

  • Oven method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, dry them, and poke a few holes with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and salt for crispy skin. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.
  • Microwave method: Scrub the potatoes and poke holes with a fork. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes. Flip and continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until tender (about 8-10 minutes total).

Cheesy Broccoli Topping – The Star of the Dish

The combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli takes these baked potatoes to the next level.

Preparing the Broccoli

  • Steaming: Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender.
  • Blanching: Boil broccoli for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.

Making a Smooth Cheese Sauce

A homemade cheese sauce elevates the flavor and ensures a creamy consistency.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
  2. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assembling Your Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Once the potatoes are baked and the toppings are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.

  1. Slice each baked potato down the center and lightly fluff the insides with a fork.
  2. Spoon a generous amount of cheese sauce over the potato.
  3. Top with steamed broccoli and drizzle more cheese sauce over the top.
  4. Garnish with additional toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, or sour cream.
Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potato close up

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Cheesy broccoli baked potatoes can be customized in many ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Make it a Full Meal with Protein Add-Ins

  • Grilled chicken – Sliced or shredded for extra protein.
  • Crispy bacon – Adds a smoky, crunchy element.
  • Black beans – A great vegetarian protein option.

Low-Carb Alternative

For a lower-carb version, swap out the baked potatoes for roasted cauliflower or mashed cauliflower.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Buffalo sauce – A drizzle of buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick.
  • Ranch dressing – Complements the cheesy flavor with a tangy contrast.
  • Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra depth.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and reheated for later meals.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Best Way to Reheat

  • Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but note that the skin may become softer.

Can You Freeze Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes?

While you can freeze baked potatoes, cheese sauce may separate when thawed. If freezing, store the potatoes separately and make fresh cheese sauce when reheating.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just steam or microwave the frozen broccoli according to package instructions before adding it to the baked potatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the potatoes and prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What cheese works best for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potato

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes are a simple and comforting dish made with crispy baked potatoes, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and tender broccoli. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty vegetarian dinner.With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a satisfying and customizable dish that’s sure to be a family favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 450 kcal

For the Baked Potatoes:

  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Broccoli Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • ½ teaspoon salt for boiling water

Optional Garnishes:

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons crispy bacon bits
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

  • Oven Method:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly.

  • Poke each potato 4-5 times with a fork.

  • Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

  • Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.

  • Microwave Method (for faster cooking):

  • Scrub and poke holes in the potatoes.

  • Microwave on high for 5 minutes, flip, then continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until tender (about 8-10 minutes total).

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

  • Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).

  • Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Potatoes

  • Slice each baked potato down the middle and fluff the insides with a fork.

  • Pour cheese sauce generously over the potatoes.

  • Add steamed broccoli and drizzle more cheese sauce on top.

  • Garnish with optional toppings like bacon bits, sour cream, or green onions.

Keyword Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes

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