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Easy Broccoli Cheese Potatoes

Featured in Flavorful Vegetarian Meals.

This take on baked potatoes adds a creamy, cheesy broccoli topping that’s bursting with flavor. The potatoes are baked to fluffy perfection before being paired with a thick cheese sauce made from scratch and enhanced with finely chopped broccoli. The small broccoli pieces ensure it blends well into the sauce while cooking fast. It’s versatile enough to be a standalone vegetarian meal or a satisfying accompaniment to your favorite main dish, with the homemade sauce setting it apart from store-bought options.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:41:01 GMT
Cheesy and Broccoli-Topped Baked Potatoes Pin it
Cheesy and Broccoli-Topped Baked Potatoes | cuisinegenial.com

Experience the ultimate comfort food with tender baked potatoes smothered in a rich, homemade broccoli cheese sauce. These potatoes feature a perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior, topped with a silky smooth cheese sauce packed with fresh broccoli florets.

This recipe brings back memories of special family dinners, where a simple baked potato became the canvas for endless delicious possibilities. The addition of broccoli transforms an ordinary cheese sauce into something truly memorable.

Key Ingredients

  • Russet Potatoes: Choose large, evenly sized
  • Sharp Cheddar: Block cheese, freshly grated
  • Broccoli: Fresh florets preferred
  • Butter: Unsalted for sauce control
  • Milk: Full-fat for richness
  • Flour: All-purpose for thickening
  • Garlic: Fresh, finely minced
  • Salt: Kosher for seasoning
  • Chives: Fresh for garnish

Preparation Method

1. Prepare Potatoes:
Clean potatoes well. Coat with oil and salt. Pierce several times. Bake 50-60 minutes at 425°F until tender. Quick option: microwave 8-10 minutes.
2. Prepare Broccoli:
Cut into small, even florets. Blanch briefly in salted water for ideal texture and even sauce distribution.
3. Begin Sauce:
Make roux: melt butter, add flour, whisk 1 minute until golden. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
4. Finish Sauce:
Pour warm milk gradually, stirring constantly. Thicken, reduce heat. Add cheese slowly, melting completely between additions.
5. Serve:
Split potatoes, fluff interior. Season, add sauce generously. Top with extra cheese and chives.
Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

The key to perfection lies in patience when preparing the cheese sauce. As professional kitchens know, a properly made roux and gentle heat lead to the smoothest results.

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Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce | cuisinegenial.com

Storage Instructions

Keep potatoes and sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat sauce slowly on low heat, stirring frequently and adding warm milk to maintain consistency. Warm potatoes in 350°F oven or microwave at half power.

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately while sauce is hot and creamy. Pair with fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Create a topping station with extra cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and fresh herbs for customization.

Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe Pin it
Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Recipe Variations

Experiment with different cheeses like white cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack. Enhance sauce with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. For a lighter version, incorporate cauliflower or butternut squash puree while maintaining creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time?
You can make it up to 48 hours in advance. Warm it up slowly and add a splash of milk if it feels too thick.
→ Why should I use freshly grated cheese?
Shredded cheese from the store often has additives that make the sauce less smooth.
→ Is freezing this dish an option?
You can freeze the baked potatoes, but the cheese sauce is best served freshly made.
→ Is there a reason for chopping the broccoli into tiny pieces?
Small broccoli chunks cook quicker and blend seamlessly into the cheese sauce.
→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the regular flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free alternative.

Baked Potatoes & Cheese

Soft baked potatoes topped with a velvety cheese sauce and finely chopped broccoli. A delicious veggie meal or a great complement to any main course.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 fully loaded potatoes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Broccoli Cheese Sauce

01 1 cup milk (use whole or 2%)
02 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 5.5 ounces medium cheddar cheese, grated fresh
04 2 tablespoons of butter, unsalted
05 2 cups of broccoli florets, chopped small
06 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne
07 1/8-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of plain salt

→ Potatoes

09 2 big russet potatoes
10 A drizzle of olive oil
11 Sprinkle any coarse salt (like kosher) or sea salt
12 Chives or green onion and black pepper, amount up to you

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 425°F. Scrub potatoes clean, jab with fork a few times, spread oil over them, and sprinkle on some salt.

Step 02

Place potatoes on a pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until you can stick a fork in without resistance.

Step 03

Heat up butter until it melts, then whisk in flour until bubbling. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly. Stir in seasonings and cook until thickened.

Step 04

Turn heat lower and mix cheese in slowly until melted nicely. Add broccoli, then take it off the heat.

Step 05

Cut your cooked potatoes open and fluff them up. Add black pepper and chives for flavor. Top everything off with the broccoli and cheese sauce.

Notes

  1. Microwaving potatoes (6-9 minutes) is an alternative method if you're in a hurry.
  2. Always get freshly grated cheese—it’s better than pre-shredded for sauces.
  3. This meal works as a hearty side or a simple main course.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sheet pan for baking
  • Small pan for making sauce
  • Whisk
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy present (milk, cheese, and butter included)
  • Contains wheat (due to the flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 695
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 30 g