Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe

Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce Recipe

This comforting dish features fluffy baked potatoes topped with a creamy broccoli cheese sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

For the Baked Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt

For the Broccoli Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baked Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Scrub the potatoes under running water and pat them dry. Prick each potato a few times with a fork.
   • Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the skin is crispy. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife; it should slide in easily.
2. Make the Broccoli Cheese Sauce:
   • While the potatoes are baking, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, follow package instructions for steaming. Set aside.
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine, cooking for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a kick.
   • Fold in the steamed broccoli, ensuring it’s well coated in the cheese sauce.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   • Once the baked potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
   • Slice each potato down the middle and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
   • Generously spoon the broccoli cheese sauce over each potato.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the baked potatoes hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce.
• These loaded baked potatoes can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.
• Leftover broccoli cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a dip or for other recipes.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Potatoes with Broccoli Cheese Sauce!