Creamy Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy broccoli cheese transforms ordinary baked potatoes into a mouthwatering comfort meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Crispy potato skins provide the perfect canvas for melted cheese and vibrant green florets.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delightful than this simple yet incredible dish.

Rich cheddar cascades over tender potato flesh, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Nutritious broccoli adds a delightful green crunch that complements the smooth cheese sauce.

Sharp cheese and hearty potatoes make this recipe a quick weeknight winner for anyone seeking a filling meal.

Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes to Savor

• Tackle Kitchen Magic: Transform simple potatoes into a delightful, restaurant-worthy dish that impresses everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients like adding bacon bits, green onions, or switching cheese types to suit personal tastes and preferences.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Pack a powerful punch of vegetables and protein in a single hearty meal that feels indulgent yet supports healthy eating.
• Zero Complicated Steps: Follow straightforward instructions that make cooking feel like a breeze, perfect for beginners and seasoned home chefs alike.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Large, starchy potatoes perfect for creating a hearty and creamy baked potato base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides rich flavor and creates a delicious golden topping for the potatoes.

• Broccoli, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Broccoli adds nutrition and texture, while onion and garlic powders enhance the overall savory flavor profile.

• Butter, Milk, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Butter and milk create a creamy potato filling, olive oil helps crisp the potato skin, and salt and pepper balance the overall taste.

How to Bake Broccoli Cheese Potatoes Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Roasting

Drizzle olive oil over whole potatoes, ensuring they are completely coated. Rub the oil into the potato skins to help create a crispy exterior.

Place potatoes on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven.

Step 2: Roast Potatoes to Perfection

Roast potatoes in the oven until they become tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

The skin should look slightly crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Broccoli Filling

Boil fresh broccoli florets in salted water until they become bright green and tender. Drain and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.

Set aside for mixing with potato filling.

Step 4: Create Creamy Potato Base

Slice potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the inner flesh, leaving a thin potato skin boat.

• Butter
• Milk
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Combine Filling Ingredients

Fold chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potato mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 6: Stuff Potato Skins

Spoon the creamy broccoli-potato mixture back into the potato skin boats. Top each potato boat with additional cheddar cheese for extra gooey goodness.

Step 7: Final Bake and Serve

Return stuffed potato boats to the oven and bake until cheese melts and becomes bubbly. The tops should turn golden and slightly crispy.

Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Tips for Melty Broccoli Cheese Potatoes

• Rub olive oil generously and ensure even coating for crispy, golden skin that adds delightful texture.
• Use room temperature milk and butter to create smooth, creamy potato filling without making it too wet.
• Cut broccoli into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the potato mixture.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to give the dish a subtle, warming kick that complements the cheese.
• Enjoy the stuffed potatoes right after baking to experience the most melted, gooey cheese and maximum flavor intensity.

Delicious Variations for Broccoli Cheese Potatoes

• Spicy Southwest Potato Boats: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Veggie Stuffed Potatoes: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, ranch seasoning, and top with green onions for a classic comfort food style.
• Vegan Herb Garden Potatoes: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, add fresh chopped herbs like basil and parsley, and mix in roasted garlic for depth of flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Broccoli Cheese Potatoes

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy potato and cut through the heaviness of cheese.
• Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to refresh the palate and enhance the potato's buttery flavor.
• Add Protein Side: Serve with grilled chicken breast or sliced ham to create a complete, satisfying meal that adds lean protein to the cheesy potato dish.
• Boost with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chives, parsley, or green onions on top to introduce brightness and a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish.

Proper Storage for Broccoli Cheese Potatoes

• Store leftover broccoli cheese baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Carefully place stuffed potatoes in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Unwrap frozen potatoes and thaw in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, place potatoes on baking sheet, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar for other melting cheeses like mozzarella, monterey jack, or gruyere for different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This broccoli cheese baked potato is completely vegetarian and can easily be made with plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute regular milk with low-fat milk, use less cheese, or add more broccoli to increase nutritional value. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of butter for added protein.

• What are the best potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and create a fluffy interior when baked. They also hold their shape well when stuffed with the broccoli cheese mixture.

Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli cheese baked potatoes elevate classic comfort cuisine with creamy Wisconsin cheddar and tender roasted florets. Rich potato perfection delivers hearty satisfaction for hungry families seeking delicious weeknight nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Oils and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal environment for roasting potatoes to perfection.
2. Massage potatoes with olive oil, ensuring an even coating, then arrange them on a baking sheet for uniform cooking.
3. Roast potatoes for approximately 1 hour until they yield easily when pierced with a fork, indicating tender interiors.
4. Allow potatoes to cool slightly for comfortable handling, then slice lengthwise and carefully excavate the inner flesh, maintaining a thin potato skin shell.
5. Transform the extracted potato flesh into a creamy mixture by incorporating butter, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, whisking until silky smooth.
6. Integrate chopped tender broccoli and a generous portion of cheddar cheese into the potato mixture, blending thoroughly.
7. Meticulously refill the potato skins with the enriched potato-broccoli mixture, creating mounded peaks.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese atop each stuffed potato, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
9. Return the loaded potatoes to the oven, baking for 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer.
10. Serve immediately while hot, showcasing the harmonious blend of roasted potato, verdant broccoli, and molten cheese.

Notes

• Choose russet potatoes with thick, sturdy skins that can hold the cheesy filling without falling apart during baking.
• Pat boiled broccoli completely dry to prevent excess water from making the potato filling soggy and losing its creamy texture.
• Grate cheese freshly at home for superior melting quality and avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese for a lactose-free or dairy-free version of this comforting dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg