Description
Delicious and comforting Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes featuring tender baked russet potatoes topped with steamed broccoli and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
Dairy & Fats
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Steam Broccoli: While the potatoes bake, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket or over boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender but still bright green. Once steamed, chop the broccoli into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and topping.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Broccoli and Cheese Sauce: Add the chopped steamed broccoli into the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Prepare Potatoes for Topping: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and cut a slit lengthwise down the center of each. Gently fluff the potato insides with a fork to create a soft base for the toppings.
- Assemble the Topped Potatoes: Spoon a generous amount of the broccoli and cheese mixture over each fluffed potato, ensuring even coverage and a hearty topping.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli topping. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier option.
- Try adding cooked bacon bits for extra flavor if not keeping it vegetarian.
- Steaming broccoli just until tender helps maintain its bright color and nutrients.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
- Leftover potatoes can be reheated in the oven for best results instead of the microwave.
