Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce make the most amazing meatless main dish for lunch or dinner and double as a saucy side dish. This crave-worthy recipe is an incredible way to add more veggies to your plate! With creamy broccoli cheese sauce enveloping perfectly baked potatoes, this dish is perfect for family meals, gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheesy goodness with fresh broccoli creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside your favorite protein.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies, this recipe helps you sneak in some healthy greens into your meals.
• Comfort Food Appeal: Perfect for satisfying those cravings for comfort food without the meat.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Allows even cooking and helps catch any drips from the potatoes.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the creamy broccoli cheese sauce without overflowing.
• Whisk: Ensures a smooth texture when combining the cheese sauce ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 2 large russet potatoes
• olive oil for drizzling
• kosher salt or sea salt for sprinkling
• black pepper and fresh chives or scallions (for seasoning to taste)

For the Broccoli Cheese Sauce

• 2 TBSP unsalted butter
• 2 TBSP all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
• ⅛-¼ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛-¼ tsp salt
• 5.5 ounces freshly grated medium cheddar cheese (not bagged) I use approx. 3/4 the block
• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets (the smaller the better!)

How to Make Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your potatoes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Potatoes

1. Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water.
2. Pat them dry with a towel.
3. Drizzle olive oil over each potato and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Step 3: Bake Potatoes

Place the prepared potatoes directly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Make Broccoli Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour until smooth, creating a roux.
3. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
5. Cook until thickened, then reduce heat and add grated cheddar cheese gradually until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

Stir in finely chopped broccoli florets into the cheese sauce. Cook until just tender, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing open. Spoon generous amounts of broccoli cheese sauce over each potato and garnish with black pepper and chives or scallions as desired.

Enjoy your Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a delicious side, these potatoes will impress.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the cheesy potatoes on their own for a satisfying vegetarian meal. The creamy broccoli sauce adds nutrition and flavor that can stand alone.

With a Salad

• Pair the baked potatoes with a fresh garden salad. The crisp greens complement the rich cheese sauce beautifully, adding balance to your meal.

As a Side Dish

• Enjoy them alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Their cheesy goodness pairs well with savory dishes and enhances any meal.

Topped with Extra Veggies

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra broccoli on top for an added veggie boost. This not only increases the nutritional value but also adds more flavor and texture.

With Breadsticks

• Serve with warm garlic breadsticks for a comforting dinner experience. The combination of cheesy potatoes and buttery breadsticks is simply irresistible.

How to Perfect Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

To ensure your Cheesy Baked Potatoes are always perfect, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right potatoes – Use large russet potatoes for the best texture. Their fluffy interior makes an ideal base for the cheese sauce.

• Preheat your oven – Always preheat to achieve that crispy skin while baking. A hot oven helps create the perfect potato crust.

• Drizzle with olive oil – Coat your potatoes lightly in olive oil before baking. This enhances flavor and contributes to that desirable golden finish.

• Grate fresh cheese – Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties. It melts better and offers superior taste in your broccoli cheese sauce.

• Finely chop broccoli – Cut your broccoli into small pieces for even cooking. Smaller florets mix seamlessly into the sauce, providing great texture.

• Adjust seasoning – Taste your broccoli cheese sauce before serving. Feel free to adjust salt and pepper levels based on your preference for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

When serving Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce, consider these delightful side dishes that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Roasted Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans tossed in garlic and olive oil make a fresh contrast to the creamy potatoes.

2. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and zest, balancing out the richness of the cheesy baked potatoes.

3. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is a fun and sweet addition that pairs well with cheesy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide a nutritious option that also looks great on the plate.

5. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch to each bite, enhancing your dining experience without overwhelming flavors.

6. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus offers a smoky flavor that complements the cheesy richness of the potatoes beautifully.

7. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts – These sprouts add depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness, making them an excellent pairing choice.

8. Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful stir-fry brings additional textures and flavors while keeping everything light and healthy alongside cheesy baked potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the potatoes and sauce can lead to bland flavors. Always sprinkle kosher salt and pepper for enhanced taste.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to ensure the potatoes bake properly.
• Using bagged cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent melting. Opt for freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce.
• Overcooking broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Add it just before the cheese melts for a vibrant texture and flavor.
• Rushing the cooling process: Cutting into hot potatoes too soon can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool slightly for better handling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

• Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce that might help you.

Can I customize the cheese used in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.

What can I serve with Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce?

These potatoes work well as a side dish or paired with salads or roasted vegetables.

How do I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a delicious vegan version.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the broccoli cheese sauce in advance and store it separately until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish perfect for any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily, whether by adding extra veggies or trying different cheeses. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!