Some meals just hit the spotโcomforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. These Broccoli Cheese Potatoes are exactly that! Imagine a crispy baked potato stuffed with tender broccoli and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Itโs the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner, side dish, or even a satisfying lunch. Trust me, this oneโs going to be a regular on your menu!
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Simple & Satisfying: A baked potato, cheesy goodness, and broccoliโwhatโs not to love?
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
Customizable: Switch up the cheese, add protein, or spice it up!
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters canโt resist melty cheese.
Perfect Anytime: Great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Ingredients in Broccoli Cheese Potatoes
Russet Potatoes: The perfect fluffy base with a crispy skin.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed until tender for a nutritious boost.
Cheese Sauce: A rich blend of cheddar, milk, butter, and seasonings.
Butter & Sour Cream: For extra creaminess and flavor.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Potatoes
Bake the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes, prick them with a fork, and bake until tender.
Steam the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and cheese, stirring until smooth.
Assemble: Slice open the baked potatoes, fluff the insides, and mix in butter and sour cream.
Top It Off: Spoon the cheesy broccoli mixture over each potato.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon for the ultimate bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Potatoes
With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances out the cheesy goodness.
As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak.
Make It a Meal: Add shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or sautรฉed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Topped with Extras: Drizzle with hot sauce, sprinkle with chives, or add a dollop of sour cream.
Additional Tips
Crispier Skin: Rub the potatoes with oil and salt before baking.
Shortcut: Use the microwave to pre-cook potatoes before finishing in the oven.
Cheese Choices: Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a twist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Bake the potatoes in advance and reheat before serving with fresh cheese sauce.
Q2: Can I freeze these?
A2: You can freeze baked potatoes, but the texture is best fresh. Freeze the cheese sauce separately.
Q3: Whatโs the best way to reheat?
A3: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
Q4: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A4: Yes! Just steam or microwave it before adding to the potatoes.
Q5: What other toppings go well?
A5: Bacon bits, green onions, hot sauce, or even ranch dressing take it to the next level.
Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor.
Q7: Can I make this low-carb?
A7: Swap the potatoes for roasted cauliflower or mashed turnips for a keto-friendly version.
Q8: How do I get a super creamy cheese sauce?
A8: Use freshly shredded cheese and whisk constantly to prevent lumps.
Q9: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A9: Yes! Sweet potatoes add a delicious twist with a slightly sweet contrast.
Q10: How do I make this dairy-free?
A10: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and unsweetened almond milk.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheese Potatoes are easy, cheesy, and oh-so-comfortingโperfect for busy nights, cozy dinners, or just when you need a little comfort food. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!
PrintBroccoli Cheese Potatoes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy potato skins, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese, with tender broccoli mixed in for a delicious twist. A comforting and satisfying dish that works as a hearty appetizer or a light meal!
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, or until fork-tender. Let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, boil the broccoli until tender, then chop into small pieces.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving ยผ inch around the skin.
- In a bowl, mash the potato flesh with butter, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in boiled broccoli and 1โ cups of cheddar cheese, mixing well.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, then top each with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg