If you’re craving a comforting yet wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine fluffy, golden-baked potatoes stuffed generously with tender broccoli and smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that hits all the right notes of savory and satisfying. It’s an easy dish that transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping plate perfect for cozy family dinners or even to impress guests. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly but packs plenty of protein and flavor to keep everyone happy and full.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the starchy russet potatoes providing the perfect fluffy base, the vibrant broccoli adding a fresh crunch and color, or the cheddar cheese delivering that irresistible melt and sharp flavor.
- 4 large russet potatoes: Choose potatoes that are firm and blemish-free for the best baking results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp the potato skins and adds subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of your potatoes and cheese sauce.
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets: Fresh is best, but thawed frozen broccoli works well too.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the luscious base for the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
- 1½ cups milk: Use whole or 2% milk for a rich sauce.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar packs a punch of cheesy goodness and melty texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to give the sauce a little kick.
- Sour cream and chopped chives for topping (optional): Adds a cool, tangy contrast and fresh herb brightness.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then scrub your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since they’ll be baked with their skins on. Prick several holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt—this step gives you that irresistibly crisp and flavorful skin once baked. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack so they bake evenly. It typically takes 50 to 60 minutes for the potatoes to become tender and fluffy inside, so use a fork to check doneness.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the potatoes work their magic in the oven, gently steam the broccoli florets until they’re just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. This keeps them vibrant green and gives a lovely texture contrast when combined with the soft potato and smooth cheese sauce. Over-steaming will make the broccoli mushy, which we want to avoid.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a light roux. This is the key thickening agent for your cheese sauce. Cook the roux for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken in about 3 to 4 minutes—this is the perfect moment to add your shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts down into a luxuriously smooth sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Potatoes
Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, cut a slit lengthwise across the top of each one and fluff the insides gently with a fork, creating a cozy nest for the broccoli and cheese. Spoon the steamed broccoli over the potato, then generously ladle the cheddar cheese sauce on top, letting it pool deliciously into every crevice.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives elevates the dish with a cool and creamy contrast that cuts through the richness. These garnishes also add layers of flavor and a pop of color, making your plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is so hearty it can be the star of your meal, but if you want to add something extra, consider a crisp green salad or roasted cherry tomatoes to provide freshness and balance. A simple garlic bread or crusty baguette can also make lovely companions to help scoop up every bit of that luscious cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe as mini loaded potato skins by using small potatoes and baking them the same way. Alternatively, scoop out the potato flesh, mix it with the broccoli and cheese sauce, then stuff the mixture back into the skins for a tidy and shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the broccoli and cheese sauce combined with the potato to preserve moisture and flavor, and ensure you cool the dish completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time, it can be frozen successfully. Bake the potatoes and prepare the broccoli cheese sauce, then cool everything before assembling. Wrap each potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the foil-wrapped potatoes on a baking sheet and warm for about 20 minutes. If reheating sauce separately, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separating, then pour over the potatoes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great as long as you thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture in your cheese sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting butter with plant-based margarine, using a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and replacing cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. The result will still be creamy and delicious!
How can I make the cheese sauce thicker?
If your cheese sauce is too runny, cook it a little longer to allow more liquid to evaporate, or add a small pinch more flour when making the roux at the start.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic here, but feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavors and textures.
What’s the best way to get crispy potato skins?
Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking is key, along with placing them directly on the oven rack rather than a baking sheet to ensure even air circulation and maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort food with a nutritious twist, effortlessly combining simple ingredients into a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something cozy yet satisfying, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a go—you won’t regret filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of baked potatoes and melted cheddar!
Print
Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes recipe features perfectly baked russet potatoes topped with steamed broccoli and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. A comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect as a main course or a side, it combines simple ingredients with classic flavors for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Broccoli
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Thoroughly scrub each russet potato to remove any dirt. Prick the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub each potato evenly with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Steam Broccoli: While the potatoes are baking, steam the chopped broccoli florets until just tender, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Then set the broccoli aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper, and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Baked Potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked and tender, remove them from the oven and carefully cut a slit along the top of each. Use a fork to fluff the insides, creating space for toppings. Spoon the steamed broccoli over each potato, then generously ladle the warm cheese sauce on top.
- Add Optional Toppings: For an added touch, top each loaded potato with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your hearty broccoli cheese baked potatoes.
Notes
- Frozen broccoli can be substituted for fresh; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before steaming.
- For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Russet potatoes work best for baking due to their starchy texture.
- To save time, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.
