Description
These Broccoli Cheese Baked Potatoes are a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare! Fluffy baked potatoes are loaded with a creamy, homemade broccoli cheddar sauce, making for a delicious and hearty dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Baked Potatoes:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 medium russet potatoes (8–10 ounces each)
Broccoli Cheese Sauce:
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (more to taste)
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
Baked Potatoes:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack on top (optional).
- Brine and Prick: Dissolve salt in water to create a brine. Prick each potato about six times with a fork. Roll potatoes in the brine to coat.
- Bake: Place potatoes on the baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 205°F (96°C) and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Release Steam: Remove from oven and quickly slice open to release steam.
Broccoli Cheese Sauce:
- Steam Broccoli: Steam broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave until tender. Drain and pat dry.
- Make Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese and Broccoli: Stir in hot sauce and shredded cheese until melted. Add steamed broccoli and stir to coat.
- Assemble and Serve: Top baked potatoes with the broccoli cheese sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure potatoes are cooked to 205°F (96°C) for optimal fluffiness.
- Brush cooked potatoes with oil and bake for an additional 10 minutes for crispier skin (optional).
- Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato with sauce
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
