There’s something irresistibly comforting about baked potatoes stuffed with cheesy, hearty goodness. Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes combine the creamy richness of cheddar cheese, the subtle crunch of broccoli, and the fluffiness of a perfectly baked potato into a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether you're serving them as a satisfying side dish or as a main course, these stuffed potatoes are sure to steal the spotlight on your dinner table.
Best of all, they're easy to make, versatile, and perfect for cozy evenings or busy weeknights. Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up a batch of Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this tasty dish:
For the Stuffed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (good for baking)
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk (add more if needed for creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (optional):
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to prevent them from bursting during baking.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (or use a baking tray) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is crisp, and a knife slides easily into the center.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and set them aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
- While the potatoes bake, steam the broccoli florets. You can do this by placing them in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until tender yet still vibrant green. Alternatively, microwave them with a splash of water in a covered bowl for about 3 minutes.
- Set the steamed broccoli aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Scoop and Mash the Potato Filling
- Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center, leaving a thin wall of potato to maintain the structure of the skins.
- Transfer the scooped-out potato flesh to a mixing bowl. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes
- Fold the steamed broccoli and ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potato mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Spoon the mixture back into the hollowed-out potato skins, packing it in generously.
- Top each stuffed potato with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Melt and Serve
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with your preferred garnish, and serve warm.
Tips and Customizations
- Switch Up the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add Some Protein: Crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or even ham chunks can turn these stuffed potatoes into a hearty meal.
- Make It Lighter: For a healthier version, swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Go Vegan: Use vegan butter, dairy-free cheese, and a splash of almond milk in place of the regular dairy ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser just as they are, but they also pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, a crisp green salad, or a warm bowl of soup. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, a hearty lunch, or even as a holiday side dish. Plus, they can be easily reheated the next day, so make a few extra for quick leftovers!
Dig into these rich and satisfying Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes and transform humble ingredients into a dish full of flavor and warmth. It’s cozy, cheesy goodness at its best. Enjoy!
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