Description
These Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce are a comforting and indulgent dish, combining the fluffiness of perfectly baked russet potatoes with a creamy, cheesy broccoli sauce. It’s the perfect balance of rich and nutritious, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons green onions or chives (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes and poke holes in them with a fork. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 45-60 minutes until soft and the skin is crispy. -
Steam the Broccoli:
Steam the broccoli florets in a pot with a little water for 5-7 minutes (or follow instructions if using frozen). Set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, whisking until thickened. Reduce heat to low, add cheese, and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. -
Combine the Sauce and Broccoli:
Stir steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce until well coated. -
Assemble the Dish:
Cut a slit in the center of each baked potato and fluff the insides. Spoon the broccoli cheese sauce over each potato. -
Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with green onions or chives. Optional: Add extra cheese on top and bake for 3-5 minutes to melt further. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest insides and crispy skin.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the broccoli into the cheese sauce slightly with an immersion blender.
- Make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for 2-3 days, reheating gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg