Homemade Baked Potatoes with Cheesy Broccoli Sauce Recipe

Golden, fluffy baked potatoes drizzled with a creamy broccoli sauce sound like pure comfort.

My grandmother first shared this magical recipe during chilly winter evenings.

Crispy potato skins cradle a surprisingly light and smooth cheese-infused topping that melts perfectly.

Broccoli adds a vibrant green dimension to this classic side dish.

Quick and simple ingredients create something surprisingly elegant on your plate.

One bite delivers a symphony of textures and rich, satisfying flavors.

Dig into this delightful combination that turns ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary meal.

Why Everyone Loves Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Effortless Weeknight Comfort: These baked potatoes deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, perfect for busy families seeking a quick and delicious meal that requires almost no active cooking time.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Combining hearty potatoes with nutrient-rich broccoli creates a balanced dish that packs a punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.
• Customize Your Dinner: This recipe offers incredible versatility, allowing you to personalize the toppings and sauce to suit different taste preferences, dietary needs, and ingredient availability right from your kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Using simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes and broccoli makes this recipe an economical option that can feed multiple people without breaking the bank, ideal for students, families, and anyone watching their grocery budget.

What Goes Into Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy and perfect for fluffy baked potatoes, ideal for crispy skin and soft interior.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy, golden potato skin with enhanced flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Adds seasoning and helps draw moisture from the potato skin for extra crispiness.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh, green vegetable that provides nutritional value and a vibrant color to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully to create a rich, tangy sauce.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky smooth sauce texture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and prevent separation.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheese sauce.

• Chives or Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a mild onion flavor and bright green color.

Easy Instructions For Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Potato Canvas

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab your clean potatoes and give them a gentle scrub under cool water. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. Using a fork, create several puncture marks across the potato surface to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 2: Season Potato Exterior

Drizzle olive oil generously over each potato, massaging the liquid into every nook and cranny. Sprinkle kosher salt across the skin, ensuring an even coating that will create a delightful crispy exterior.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Position potatoes directly on the oven rack or spread them on a baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and let them transform. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking tenderness by piercing with a sharp knife. The potato should feel soft and yield easily when tested.

Step 4: Check Potato Readiness

Your potatoes are complete when the skin turns golden brown and crisp, with a fluffy interior that promises melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Remove from the oven and let them rest briefly before serving.

Step 5: Prepare Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Broccoli florets
• Cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Chop broccoli into small pieces. Melt butter in a saucepan, add broccoli, and cook until tender. Stir in cream and cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Split the baked potatoes down the center, fluff the interior with a fork, and generously pour the cheesy broccoli sauce over the top. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips That Help With Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Potato Perfection: Choose medium-sized russet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best baking results.
• Oil and Salt Trick: Generously coat potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt to create a crispy, flavorful skin that's irresistibly delicious.
• Fork Test Technique: Ensure potatoes are fully cooked by inserting a knife or fork – it should slide in smoothly without resistance.
• Versatile Serving Hack: Transform baked potatoes into a complete meal by topping with cheesy broccoli sauce, making them more nutritious and exciting.
• Timing Mastery: Adjust baking time based on potato size – smaller potatoes need less time, while larger ones might require up to 60 minutes for perfect tenderness.

How To Store Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce Properly

• Refrigerate leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore their crispy skin and fluffy interior.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potato texture tough and rubbery.
• Freeze cooked potatoes for maximum 2 months by placing them in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Good Matches For Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Sip a Bold Red Wine: Pair these creamy, cheesy baked potatoes with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine's tannins will beautifully cut through the rich, cheesy broccoli sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• Crunch with Green Salad: Add a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side. The fresh, acidic notes will contrast wonderfully with the hearty potato and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dish.
• Complement with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside a simple grilled chicken breast or herb-crusted salmon. The lean protein will enhance the potato's creamy texture while adding nutritional depth to the meal.
• Spark with Zesty Condiments: Elevate the dish with a dollop of sour cream, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. These garnishes will introduce additional layers of flavor and texture to your comforting potato experience.

Fresh Ways To Try Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• Smoky Bacon Broccoli Topping: Crisp chopped bacon and sprinkle over the cheesy broccoli sauce for a savory, smoky flavor that adds incredible depth to the classic baked potato.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sauce: Blend roasted jalapeños into the broccoli cheese sauce to create a zesty, heat-packed version that gives the potato an extra kick of excitement.
• Mediterranean Herb Drizzle: Mix crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs like oregano and parsley into the broccoli sauce for a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings bright, fresh flavors to the dish.
• Roasted Garlic Broccoli Cream: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves into the cheese sauce, creating a rich, mellow flavor that transforms the simple potato into a gourmet experience.

Helpful FAQs On Baked Potatoes With Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content, which creates a fluffy interior and crispy skin when baked. They’re large, perfect for stuffing with cheesy broccoli sauce.

• Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?

No, baking potatoes directly on the oven rack or baking sheet allows the skin to become crispy and golden. Wrapping in foil can make the skin soggy and prevents that delicious crisp texture.

• How can I tell if the potatoes are fully cooked?

Insert a knife or fork into the potato – if it goes in smoothly with little resistance, the potato is done. The skin should look crispy and slightly wrinkled, and the internal temperature should reach about 210°F.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

Yes, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the broccoli sauce, choose low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables to increase nutritional value while keeping the dish delicious.

Baked Potatoes With. Cheesy Broccoli Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy golden “Cheesy Broccoli Baked Potatoes” offer a comforting blend of rustic charm and creamy indulgence. Hearty potatoes topped with velvety broccoli cheese sauce bring warmth to your plate, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1.5 cups (375 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• 1.5 cups (375 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed, then pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Using a sharp fork, create multiple punctures across the potato surface to allow steam to escape during roasting.
3. Massage the potato exteriors with a light coating of olive oil, ensuring even coverage, then generously season with kosher salt for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Position potatoes directly on the center oven rack or arrange on a rimmed baking sheet to catch potential drips.
5. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, rotating midway through cooking process to promote uniform heat distribution.
6. Test potato doneness by gently inserting a knife or skewer into the center – it should slide in smoothly with minimal resistance, indicating a perfectly tender interior.
7. Remove potatoes from oven and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the interior continue steaming and ensures a fluffy texture.
8. Slice open the potatoes lengthwise, creating a gentle split to reveal the soft, steamy interior, and prepare to top with a rich, creamy cheesy broccoli sauce.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized russet potatoes for the best fluffy interior and crispy skin texture.
• Avoid wrapping potatoes in foil to keep the skin crisp and allow proper air circulation during baking.
• Rotate the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and consistent browning.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular cheese sauce with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg