Heavenly Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce Recipe

Crispy golden baked potatoes with a delightful cheesy broccoli sauce might just become your new comfort food obsession.

Soft potato interiors wait to be smothered in vibrant green goodness.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over tender broccoli florets.

Rich flavors combine in this simple yet impressive dish that screams home-style cooking.

Nutrient-packed ingredients promise a satisfying meal anyone can master.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in less than an hour.

Start cooking and watch magic unfold on your dinner plate.

Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce That Feels Like Comfort

• Simple weeknight recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Combines vegetables and potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce, making it an attractive way to encourage kids to eat more broccoli and enjoy a balanced dish.
• Requires only basic kitchen tools and ingredients, with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master without feeling overwhelmed. The one-pan cheese sauce and simple baking method make cleanup a breeze.
• Works perfectly as a hearty side dish, light lunch, or vegetarian main course that can be easily customized with additional toppings like bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese for added personal flair.

Directions to Prep Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Roasting

Thoroughly wash potatoes under cool water. Pat completely dry using a clean kitchen towel. Use a fork to create multiple punctures across the potato surface. Massage olive oil over entire potato skin. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.

Step 2: Bake Potato Perfection

Place potatoes directly on center oven rack. Set oven temperature to 400F. Roast potatoes for 50-60 minutes until skin becomes crispy and interior feels soft when pierced with knife.

Step 3: Cook Broccoli Florets

Select fresh broccoli crowns. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Steam or boil florets until tender. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, creating smooth roux. Gradually pour milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Blend Cheese and Vegetables

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until cheese melts completely. Fold in cooked broccoli florets.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Split baked potatoes lengthwise. Fluff interior with fork. Ladle generous cheese-broccoli sauce over potatoes. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Creamy Cheese and Fluffy Baked Potatoes

• Customize Potato Size: Choose medium to large potatoes for the best baking experience, ensuring a fluffy interior and crispy skin.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Generously rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking to create a deliciously seasoned exterior that enhances the overall taste.
• Perfect Cheese Sauce Technique: Slowly whisk milk into the roux to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth cheese sauce that coats the broccoli beautifully.
• Improve Broccoli Texture: Steam or boil broccoli just until tender to maintain its vibrant color and prevent overcooking, keeping a slight crunch in the florets.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish right away to savor the hot, melted cheese sauce and ensure the potatoes remain crisp and fluffy at their peak deliciousness.

Storing and Reheating Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Store leftover baked potatoes and cheesy broccoli sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm potatoes in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy skin and fluffy interior.
• Gently warm the cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation and maintain smooth consistency.
• Freeze cheese sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce Served Best With These

• Wine and Flavor Companions
• The bright, acidic white wine cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce while complementing the earthy broccoli flavors.
• Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy, comforting potato and cheese dish.
• Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits on top to introduce extra protein and provide a savory crunch against the soft potato texture.
• Serve with quick pickled red onions or cornichons to add a zesty, acidic element that refreshes the palate between creamy bites.

Fun Variations of Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and swap cheddar for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Steam broccoli as originally instructed and create a creamy sauce using cashew base.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Plate: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes for roasted cauliflower heads. Use the same cheesy broccoli sauce but reduce cooking time and adjust seasoning to complement cauliflower's lighter flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce, sprinkle chili powder over potatoes before baking, and mix in some chopped cilantro for extra kick. Top with crispy bacon bits for additional texture and flavor.

FAQs for Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• What makes this baked potato recipe unique?

The combination of perfectly baked potatoes with a creamy, homemade cheesy broccoli sauce creates a comforting and nutritious meal that transforms a simple potato into a gourmet experience.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with gruyere, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to customize the sauce’s flavor and richness.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully baked?

The potatoes are done when they feel soft when pierced with a knife and the skin is crispy and slightly wrinkled. The internal temperature should reach about 210°F for a fluffy interior.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. It uses basic ingredients like potatoes, broccoli, milk, butter, and cheese, making it a great meat-free meal option that’s both filling and nutritious.

Ingredients That Build Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Russet Potatoes: Perfect for fluffy, crispy baked potatoes with soft interiors. Choose large, uniform potatoes without blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy potato skin with golden color. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances potato flavor and helps create seasoned skin.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux as the base for creamy sauce. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid for sauce. Whole milk creates richer texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, melty cheese flavor. Sharp or extra sharp varieties recommended.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutrition and texture to the cheese sauce. Fresh broccoli works best.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth of flavor to cheese sauce.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and enhances overall seasoning.

baked potatoes with. cheesy broccoli sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden “Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce” deliver a comforting blend of rustic charm and creamy indulgence. Savory broccoli cheese sauce cascades over perfectly roasted potatoes, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under cool running water, using a brush to remove any dirt or debris, then pat dry completely with paper towels.
2. Create multiple punctures across the potato surface using a fork to allow steam to escape during roasting.
3. Massage potato exteriors with olive oil, ensuring even coverage, then generously sprinkle with kosher salt for enhanced flavor.
4. Position potatoes directly onto middle oven rack or a lined baking sheet, maintaining space between each potato for consistent heat circulation.
5. Roast potatoes in a preheated 400°F oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, checking tenderness by inserting a sharp knife which should glide through smoothly.
6. Meanwhile, prepare broccoli by separating into uniform florets and steaming in a covered pot for 3-5 minutes until vibrant green and fork-tender.
7. Create a smooth roux in a saucepan by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
8. Gradually introduce milk into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
9. Simmer sauce until it thickens, stirring consistently to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan.
10. Reduce heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely.
11. Fold steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce, ensuring each floret is evenly coated.
12. Split roasted potatoes lengthwise using a sharp knife, gently fluffing interior with a fork to create a light texture.
13. Lavishly top each potato with the creamy broccoli cheese sauce, serving immediately while hot and appetizing.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized russet potatoes for the best fluffy interior and crispy skin texture.
• Ensure potatoes are completely dry before rubbing with olive oil to help achieve maximum crispiness.
• Salt the potato skin generously before baking to enhance the exterior’s flavor and create a delicious crisp coating.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the cheese sauce.
• Keep the cheese sauce on low heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Customize the dish by adding crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra sharp cheddar for more intense flavor.
• Steam broccoli just until bright green and tender to preserve nutrients and prevent a mushy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg