– **Title**: Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 large russet potatoes
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnishes: sour cream, chopped green onions, or extra cheese
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes and poke holes all over them with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the insides are tender.
2. While the potatoes are baking, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, follow the package instructions.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce and mix until combined.
7. Once the potatoes are done baking, carefully slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
8. Spoon the broccoli cheese sauce generously over each potato.
9. Optional: Top with additional cheese and place back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
10. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your cheesy baked potatoes with broccoli cheese sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baking due to their starchy texture that gets fluffy inside. If you’re in a pinch, Yukon Golds can work too, but they’ll be creamier.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor, but frozen is super convenient! If you want variety, cauliflower can also be a great substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar adds a strong flavor. You can mix in some Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different twist. Vegan cheese is a good alternative if you’re looking to go plant-based.
Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce nice and creamy, but you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Heavy cream is luxurious if you want a richer sauce.
Butter: For a healthier option, you can substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Bake a Potato?
Baking a potato seems simple, but a few tips can really elevate it. First, scrubbing the potatoes is essential to remove dirt. Pricking them with a fork prevents pressure from building up as they cook.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even cooking.
- After rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and salt, bake them directly on the rack. This allows the heat to circulate all around, giving you that perfect tender inside.
- Check doneness by piercing a potato with a fork; it should slide in easily.
Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt to taste
For the Broccoli Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped chives or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 60-70 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prep the ingredients, and then the potatoes will bake for about 45-60 minutes while you make the delicious broccoli cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will get it nice and hot for your potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water to clean them, then pat them dry with a towel. Using a fork, prick the potatoes all over to allow steam to escape. Rub them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle salt over them.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (you can put a baking sheet below to catch any drips). Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they feel tender when poked with a fork. Feel free to check them after 45 minutes!
4. Cook the Broccoli:
While the potatoes are baking, let’s make the broccoli cheese sauce. If you’re using fresh broccoli, you can steam or blanch the florets until they’re just tender. If you’re using frozen, simply cook them according to the package instructions and strain any excess water.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is called a roux!
6. Add Milk and Seasonings:
Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to simmer and thickens up, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Stir in the Cheese:
Once your sauce has thickened nicely, remove it from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
8. Combine with Broccoli:
Fold in the cooked broccoli florets into your cheese sauce, making sure they are well coated in the cheesy goodness.
9. Finish the Potatoes:
When your potatoes are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the delicious broccoli cheese sauce generously over each potato. If you like, sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your cheesy baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the size and type of potato you choose, so check for tenderness periodically.
Can I Make the Cheese Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli Cheese Sauce?
Store any leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, stir in a bit of milk or water to help restore its creamy texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Cheese Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to add other cooked vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even mixing in the sauce.
