Description

These Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, featuring fluffy russet potatoes topped with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce packed with tender broccoli. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish is simple yet indulgent, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Baked Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt

For the Broccoli Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and dry the potatoes. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Place them directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, until fork-tender.

Step 2: Make the Broccoli Cheese Sauce
6. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
7. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
8. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
10. Add chopped broccoli and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve
11. Slice baked potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork.
12. Spoon the broccoli cheese sauce generously over each potato.
13. Serve hot with optional toppings like extra cheese, bacon, or sour cream.

Notes

Crispier Skin? Bake directly on the oven rack and avoid wrapping in foil.
Sauce Too Thick? Add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Extra Flavor? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: ~420 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 55mg