Who doesn’t love a warm, crispy baked potato loaded with cheesy goodness? Cheesy broccoli baked potatoes are the perfect comfort food. They are simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s also a budget-friendly meal and a delicious vegetarian option.
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Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes: Your New Comfort Food!
This dish combines fluffy baked potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli.1 We’ll show you how to make it perfectly.
How to Make the Best Baked Potatoes
The key to this dish is a perfectly baked potato. You want crispy skin and a soft, fluffy inside.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
- Russet potatoes are best for baking.2 They get very fluffy.
- Yukon Gold potatoes can work too, but they are a bit denser.
Baking vs. Microwaving
For the best texture, baking in the oven is recommended.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub potatoes clean and dry them.
- Poke holes with a fork.
- Rub with olive oil and salt for crispy skin.
- Bake directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Microwave Method (Faster):
- Scrub potatoes and poke holes with a fork.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Flip and microwave in 1-minute bursts until tender (total 8-10 minutes).
Cheesy Broccoli Topping: The Star!
Creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli make these potatoes amazing.
Preparing the Broccoli
- Steaming: Place florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender.
- Blanching: Boil broccoli for 2 minutes, then put it in ice water to stop cooking.
Making a Smooth Cheese Sauce
A homemade cheese sauce makes all the difference.
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:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assembling Your Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
Time to put it all together!
Steps to Assemble
- Slice each baked potato down the center.
- Lightly fluff the insides with a fork.
- Spoon a generous amount of cheese sauce over the potato.
- Top with steamed broccoli.
- Drizzle more cheese sauce on top.
- Garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, or sour cream.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Customize your potatoes to your taste!
Make it a Full Meal (Add Protein)
- Grilled chicken: Sliced or shredded.
- Crispy bacon: Smoky and crunchy.
- Black beans: Great vegetarian protein.
Low-Carb Alternative
- Use roasted cauliflower or mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Flavor Enhancements
- Buffalo sauce: For a spicy kick.
- Ranch dressing: A tangy contrast.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds extra depth.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Enjoy leftovers easily!
How to Store Leftovers
- Let potatoes cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Way to Reheat
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes for crispiness.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts (skin may soften).
Can You Freeze Them?
You can freeze baked potatoes. However, cheese sauce might separate when thawed. If freezing, store potatoes separately and make fresh cheese sauce when reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Just steam or microwave it as per package instructions before adding.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake potatoes and make the cheese sauce ahead. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q: What cheese works best for the sauce?
A: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal. You can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix.
Recipe Card: Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 450 kcal
Ingredients:
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
Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub and dry potatoes. Poke 4-5 times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on oven rack for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.
- Microwave Method (faster): Scrub and poke holes in potatoes. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, flip, then microwave in 1-minute intervals until tender (about 8-10 minutes total).
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
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.
