Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

October 8, 2025

Updated:

October 8, 2025

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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 while satisfying your cheese cravings. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these cheesy potatoes are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and fresh broccoli creates a rich taste that everyone will enjoy.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a hearty main course or a delightful side, making it suitable for any meal.
Healthy Twist: Packed with broccoli, this recipe adds essential nutrients to your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to streamline your preparation. Having everything on hand will make the cooking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and easy handling of the potatoes.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients for the cheese sauce smoothly.
Whisk: Helps achieve a creamy texture without lumps in the sauce.
Knife & Cutting board: Essential for chopping broccoli efficiently and safely.

Ingredients

For this Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce recipe, you will need:

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)
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; about ¾ of 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

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the potatoes cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water.
Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Drizzle olive oil over each potato, then sprinkle with kosher salt for added flavor.
Place them directly on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until tender.

Step 3: Make the Broccoli Cheese Sauce

While the potatoes are baking, melt unsalted butter in a mixing bowl using low heat on the stove.
Stir in all-purpose flour until smooth and let it cook for about one minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
Add ground cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt to enhance flavor.
Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly then remove from heat.
Mix in freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Fold in finely chopped broccoli florets until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once potatoes are baked, carefully slice them open lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
Spoon generous amounts of broccoli cheese sauce over each potato.
Season with black pepper and garnish with fresh chives or scallions before serving.

Enjoy your Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce as a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a side, these baked potatoes are sure to satisfy.

As a Main Dish

Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for added protein.

As a Side Dish

Complement your favorite meat dishes like roasted lamb or beef for a hearty meal.
Enjoy with steamed vegetables to keep the meal healthy and vibrant.

Topped with Extras

Add crispy fried onions on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
Garnish with fresh chives or scallions to enhance the dish’s visual appeal.

How to Perfect Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Perfecting your Cheesy Baked Potatoes is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their fluffy texture when cooked.
Preheat your oven properly: Ensuring your oven reaches the desired temperature helps achieve a perfect bake.
Bake until tender: Check the potatoes by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft all the way through.
Grate cheese fresh: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, giving you a creamier sauce.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your broccoli cheese sauce before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add different herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Cheesy Baked Potatoes work wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic complement the richness of the potatoes beautifully.
Roasted Asparagus: Simple roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds freshness and color to your plate.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness and tanginess that balances out the cheesy flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf mixed with vegetables makes for a nutritious and filling accompaniment.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Cucumber Salad: Chilled cucumber salad adds a cooling effect that pairs well with warm cheesy potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people struggle with making Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce perfectly. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

Using the wrong potato type: Always choose russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Other types may not bake as well.
Not seasoning properly: Season your potatoes and sauce adequately. A lack of salt can make the dish bland, so taste as you go!
Overcooking the broccoli: Cook broccoli just until tender. Overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and crispness.
Skipping the cheese quality: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties; they often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Ignoring cooking times: Monitor your cooking times closely. Undercooked potatoes will not be fluffy, while overcooked ones can become dry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They can last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or mozzarella for unique flavors.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use a vegan cheese alternative.

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

These baked potatoes pair well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Potatoes are done when they are tender all the way through. You can test this by inserting a fork—it should glide easily into the flesh.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that works great as both a main course or side. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize toppings and ingredients based on your preferences. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Cheesy Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe