If you’re craving a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe. It combines fluffy, perfectly baked russet potatoes with a luscious, creamy broccoli cheese sauce that is both velvety and packed with fresh flavor. This recipe is the ultimate game-changer for anyone who loves cheesy goodness with a nutritious twist, balancing the heartiness of potatoes with the vibrant green bite of broccoli—all smothered in melt-in-your-mouth cheddar. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends or family, making every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze when you have just a few simple, but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the creamy texture provided by the milk and cheese to the crispy skin on the potatoes and the fresh, slightly crisp broccoli that adds a beautiful pop of color and nutrition.
- 2 large russet potatoes: These spuds bake up soft inside with a wonderful fluffy texture, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp up the potato skins while adding a mild fruity flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavors and seasons the potatoes and sauce perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce with a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to create that luscious cheese sauce consistency.
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Provides the creamy texture while keeping the sauce smooth and velvety.
- 5.5 ounces freshly grated medium cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, tangy cheesiness that melts beautifully.
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets: Adds freshness, texture, and a fantastic green contrast to the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give those potatoes a good scrub and dry, then drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. This treatment helps the skins crisp up nicely while the inside becomes soft and tender. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and bake for about 50 minutes. Be sure to rotate the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the skins look golden and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the potatoes are baking, melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about one minute—this cooks out the raw taste and starts your roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly so the sauce stays smooth with no lumps. Add a pinch of kosher salt, garlic powder, and a subtle hint of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a gentle kick and deeper flavor. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Broccoli
Once your sauce is thickened, lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated medium cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating that ooey-gooey texture we aim for. Next, fold in the finely chopped broccoli florets—this not only makes a colorful presentation but also gives each bite a lovely vegetable crunch while marrying perfectly with the indulgent cheese sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Slice the baked potatoes open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and generously spoon the creamy broccoli cheese sauce over the top. The contrast of the crispy potato skin, fluffy interior, and smooth cheesy broccoli sauce is pure magic. This moment is the reward for your efforts, and trust me, every bite tastes like a celebration.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider adding freshly chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can add richness or a smoky crunch, respectively. Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of paprika or freshly ground black pepper right before serving for an extra flavor punch and vibrant color.
Side Dishes
While this recipe serves two as a hearty main, it pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes like a crisp mixed green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced. For a cozy, comforting feast, serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a plate of garlic butter green beans. This combination perfectly complements the cheesy baked potatoes without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic into a stunning centerpiece by serving the potatoes in individual cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards. For a fun twist, hollow out smaller potatoes and stuff them with the broccoli cheese sauce, garnishing each with a cherry tomato or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture. Whether plated simply or fancied up, the presentation will surely impress guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—though I doubt it!—store any uneaten potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the potatoes from getting soggy and keeps the cheese sauce tasting fresh. They’ll last well for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick reheat later on.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t the best option for the whole potato with sauce, since the texture of the potato and cheese sauce can change once thawed. However, you can freeze the broccoli cheese sauce on its own in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, gently reheat and toss over freshly baked potatoes for maximum freshness and flavor retention.
Reheating
To gently reheat leftovers, place the baked potato on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. Heat the broccoli cheese sauce slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to avoid curdling and to bring back its creamy smoothness. Once both are warm, reassemble for a meal that tastes almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium cheddar is perfect for that sharp, creamy flavor, you can mix in cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a bit of mozzarella for a different texture or milder taste. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for that ideal sauce consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe features no meat and is fully vegetarian-friendly. If you want to keep it strictly vegetarian, avoid any garnishes like bacon bits and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?
You can definitely make the broccoli cheese sauce a day before and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently when ready to assemble. The potatoes are best baked fresh, but you could bake them ahead, cool, and then reheat in the oven when serving.
How do I make the broccoli cheese sauce less thick?
If the sauce feels too thick, simply stir in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to reheat gently while stirring so the texture stays smooth.
Can I add spices or herbs to customize this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce can add complexity, while fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top can brighten the flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment to make the dish your own.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe is the perfect combination of comforting, flavorful, and a little bit special. It’s a dish that brings people together and satisfies those cravings for something both cozy and fresh. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab some potatoes and broccoli, and dive into this creamy, cheesy delight. Your taste buds will thank you over and over again!
Print
Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce are a comforting and delicious meal featuring perfectly baked russet potatoes topped with a creamy, flavorful broccoli-infused cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe combines classic baked potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce loaded with nutritious broccoli, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes
- 2 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For the Broccoli Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 5.5 ounces freshly grated medium cheddar cheese
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and bake potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean under running water, then dry them thoroughly. Drizzle each potato with olive oil and evenly sprinkle kosher salt over them. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake potatoes until tender: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through to the center, indicating they are fully cooked. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Make roux for cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously for about one minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare cheese sauce with broccoli: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Add cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt to taste, stirring well. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Finally, fold in the finely chopped broccoli florets, mixing until the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Assemble and serve: Once the baked potatoes are done, slice each one open lengthwise. Spoon a generous amount of the warm broccoli cheese sauce over the potatoes. Add any additional garnishes or seasonings if desired, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use medium or whole milk for a creamier sauce; skim milk will produce a thinner consistency.
- To speed up baking time, microwave potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions as garnish.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on your desired spice level.
- Broccoli can be lightly steamed before adding to the sauce if you prefer a softer texture.
