If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe. It combines the comforting heartiness of perfectly baked russet potatoes with a luscious, creamy broccoli cheese sauce that is bursting with flavor. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes—from the fluffy potato interior to the rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy broccoli topping. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple baked potato into something spectacularly satisfying, perfect for any meal or as a crowd-pleasing side dish. Once you try this Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe. From the starchy russet potatoes that bake to a light and fluffy texture, to the melted sharp cheddar that adds an indulgent richness, every component adds a touch of magic.
- Salt: Used both in the brine to season the potatoes deeply and later in the cheese sauce to bring out all the flavors.
- Water: To create a brine, ensuring the potatoes stay moist and flavorful during baking.
- Russet potatoes: Medium-sized potatoes with perfect starch content for a fluffy interior.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets give a vibrant color, texture, and nutrition to the cheesy topping.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the roux, essential for the creamy cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Combined with butter to thicken the sauce, creating a velvety texture.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps meld all the flavors in the cheese sauce.
- Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky depth to the cheese sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and balances the richness.
- Hot sauce: Just a touch to brighten the sauce with a bit of spice.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient in the sauce, giving it that irresistible gooey factor and bold flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have one, line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack on top—this helps the heat circulate evenly around the potatoes for a perfectly crisp skin. Next, dissolve the salt in water to make a brine. Prick each potato about six times with a fork to allow steam to escape and then roll them in the brine to ensure the seasoning penetrates the skin. Place the potatoes on the baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily or the internal temperature reaches about 205°F (96°C). Once baked, quickly slice open each potato to release steam so the flesh stays fluffy.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the potatoes are baking, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. You can do this on the stovetop with a steamer basket or use the microwave—either works wonderfully. Once steamed, make sure to drain and pat the broccoli dry to keep the sauce rich rather than watery.
Step 3: Make the Broccoli Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook this mixture for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste but be careful not to let it brown. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. Now, sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper to give the sauce some warmth and depth. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the hot sauce and the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Finally, fold in the steamed broccoli florets so every bite has that cheesy, rich broccoli goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon generous portions of the warm broccoli cheese sauce over the tender baked potatoes and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. These Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe are the kind of meal that feels indulgent without any guilt because you get plenty of veggies and wholesome ingredients. Serve immediately and savor every cheesy, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or green onions on top. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add lovely color and a subtle smoky note. For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Crumbled cooked bacon or toasted breadcrumbs also make excellent crunchy garnishes that contrast beautifully with the smooth sauce.
Side Dishes
While these potatoes shine as the star, they also pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad, like a fresh garden or Caesar salad, to balance the richness with some refreshing crunch. Roasted or grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, are ideal main course companions. For a vegetarian meal, serve with a flavorful tomato soup or a simple mixed veggie sauté.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or when serving a crowd, cut the baked potatoes into halves or quarters and arrange them on a platter with the broccoli cheese sauce on top for easy sharing. Or scoop out the potato flesh, mix it gently with the cheese sauce, and then stuff it back into the skins before serving. This makes for a playful presentation and a perfect finger food option at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and baked potatoes together is fine but if possible, store them separately to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the broccoli cheese sauce on its own by placing it in a freezer-safe container and keeping it for up to 2 months. The baked potatoes don’t freeze as well due to their texture, but the sauce freezes beautifully and reheats easily for future quick meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and warm in short intervals, stirring the sauce occasionally to keep it creamy. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes work best due to their fluffy interior, but you can try Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture. Just know that the baking time may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as is, but to make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use plant milk, and swap cheddar cheese for a vegan cheese that melts well. You might need to adjust seasoning to taste.
How spicy is the hot sauce in the broccoli cheese sauce?
The hot sauce adds a gentle, pleasant kick that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. You can easily adjust the amount according to your spice preference, or omit it altogether if you want a milder sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can bake the potatoes a day ahead and reheat them before assembling with the fresh cheese sauce. The broccoli cheese sauce is best made fresh to enjoy its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
What can I substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?
You can use other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Just choose ones that melt well for the best texture in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe hits all the right notes when you want a delicious, hearty, and comforting meal with a vegetable twist. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor creamy cheese, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy potatoes all in one delightful bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s one of my absolute favorites to keep in the recipe rotation.
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Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty recipe featuring crispy baked russet potatoes topped with a creamy broccoli cheese sauce. This dish combines perfectly baked potatoes with tender steamed broccoli and a rich cheddar cheese sauce flavored with a hint of paprika and hot sauce, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes
- 2 tablespoons salt
- ½ cup water
- 4 medium russet potatoes (8–10 ounces each)
For the Broccoli Cheese Sauce
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces whole milk
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (more to taste)
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and optionally place an oven-safe cooling rack on top to allow even cooking of the potatoes.
- Brine and Prick Potatoes: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in ½ cup of water to create a brine solution. Prick each potato about six times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Roll the potatoes in the brine to coat thoroughly.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the coated potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The potatoes are done when they reach an internal temperature of 205°F (96°C) and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Release Steam: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and quickly slice them open to release steam and prepare for the sauce topping.
- Steam Broccoli: While the potatoes bake, steam the chopped broccoli florets on the stovetop or in the microwave until tender. Drain any excess water and pat dry to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in 16 ounces of whole milk, continuing to stir frequently. Add ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, then remove from heat.
- Add Cheese and Broccoli: Stir in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and 6 ounces of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese melts smoothly. Fold in the steamed broccoli to evenly coat it in the cheese sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the warm broccoli cheese sauce over the sliced baked potatoes and serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Pricking the potatoes allows steam to escape, ensuring fluffy interiors and preventing explosions during baking.
- Using a cooling rack during baking helps heat circulate around the potatoes for even cooking and crispier skins.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste to control the level of spiciness in the cheese sauce.
- Leftover broccoli cheese sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen.
- To speed up cooking, you can microwave potatoes briefly before baking to reduce overall time.
