Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food mashup that turns a humble potato into a crave-worthy meal. Imagine perfectly baked russets—crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside—split open and overflowing with a creamy, cheesy broccoli sauce that feels cozy and indulgent, yet is surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether you’re serving them as a meatless main or a hearty side, these stuffed beauties deserve a spot on your weekly dinner rotation.

Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of essentials, each chosen for its flavor and texture. Every ingredient in these Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes plays a key role, from creating a crisp skin to a cheddar-rich sauce you’ll want to eat with a spoon.

Russet Potatoes: Their starchy, fluffy interiors make them perfect for baking and filling.
Olive Oil: Rubbing the potatoes creates that irresistible crisp, golden skin.
Salt: Sprinkled over the skins, salt pulls double duty for flavor and texture.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds beautiful color and a fresh, satisfying bite in every forkful.
Butter: The backbone of a smooth, luscious cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce until it’s perfectly creamy.
Milk: Gives body and silkiness to the cheese sauce; whole or 2% work best.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, tangy dream—sharp cheddar packs the most flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Black Pepper: A must for a touch of warmth and balance in the sauce.
Optional Toppings (sour cream, green onions, bacon bits): Take your Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes to the next level with these easy finishing touches.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give your russet potatoes a good scrub to get rid of any dirt, then pat them dry. Prick each potato a few times with a fork—this prevents any surprise explosions in the oven! Rub the potatoes all over with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt, and arrange them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the skins are crisp and the insides feel soft when pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

While your potatoes are working their magic, it’s time to get the broccoli ready. Chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces for easier stuffing. You can use a steamer basket over simmering water or simply microwave the broccoli with a splash of water for 3 to 4 minutes, just until tender but still bright green.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste—it’ll bubble and look a bit foamy. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Now add in the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is luscious and smooth. Fold in your steamed broccoli, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 4: Fill the Potatoes

When your potatoes are ready, transfer them to a platter (careful, they’re hot!). Slice each one open lengthwise and use a fork to fluff up the insides, making room for all that cheesy broccoli goodness. Spoon generous amounts of the broccoli cheese sauce over each potato, letting it ooze into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

Now’s the time to get creative. Offer a little mountain of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and maybe a handful of crispy bacon bits for good measure. Serve your Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes piping hot and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

The right toppings instantly elevate your Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes. A dollop of cool sour cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey filling, while fresh green onions add a pop of color and a hint of bite. If you lean toward extra indulgence, a scattering of crispy bacon bits or even a pinch of red pepper flakes is a total game changer.

Side Dishes

These stuffed potatoes are plenty filling on their own, but they also play great with others. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a simple tomato soup for a complete, comforting meal. If you’re serving them as a side, they match up nicely with grilled chicken, steak, or even a classic meatloaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Let festivities or weeknight dinners inspire your presentation! Arrange Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes on a big platter for a family-style spread, or bake extra-small potatoes for a fun appetizer or party snack. Feeling fancy? Scoop out the cooked potato and mash it with some sauce before piling it back in for a twice-baked effect that never fails to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To keep the toppings fresh, store them separately and add just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes is totally doable. For best texture, let the potatoes and broccoli cheese filling cool, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply unwrap the potatoes and microwave on medium heat until thoroughly warmed, or bake in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. If the cheese sauce needs reviving, a splash of milk will help bring back its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese for Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for its bold, tangy flavor and meltability, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or even a little Gouda for a fun twist. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts smooth and creamy for the best result.

What’s the best way to steam broccoli for this recipe?

You can use a steamer basket over simmering water or simply use your microwave. Just add a splash of water to the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for about 3–4 minutes until they’re just tender and still vibrant green.

How can I make these Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes spicy?

For a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeño when you add the broccoli to the cheese sauce. You could even blend in a bit of pepper jack cheese for that extra kick!

Are these potatoes gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch to thicken the sauce—just be sure to check all your ingredients.

Can I prepare Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can bake the potatoes and prepare the cheese sauce (keep them separate), then assemble and reheat just before serving so everything stays fresh and melty. It’s a wonderful make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the cozy, melty magic of Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes—they’re a little nostalgic, a lot comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family a weeknight dinner or bringing a delicious dish to a potluck, give these a try and let yourself fall in love with this classic comfort favorite!

Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes are a comforting and hearty dish that combines fluffy baked potatoes with a creamy broccoli and cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian main course or a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Broccoli Cheese Sauce:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

sour cream
chopped green onions
bacon bits

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prepare Potatoes: Scrub potatoes clean, prick with a fork, rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.
Prepare Broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli florets until tender.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix in steamed broccoli.
Assemble: Slice open cooked potatoes, fluff the insides, and fill with broccoli cheese sauce.
Serve: Top with optional toppings and serve warm.