If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and full of green goodness, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug—you get the crispy skin of a perfectly baked potato combined with a luscious, creamy broccoli cheese sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and trust me, it never fails to impress. Ready to dive into some seriously satisfying comfort food? Let’s get baking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sharpness of cheddar cheese pairs beautifully with the subtle bitterness of broccoli, creating a rich, satisfying taste.
Creamy Texture: The cheese sauce is silky smooth and coats the broccoli and potato perfectly without being too heavy.
Simple Yet Impressive: This recipe takes straightforward ingredients and turns them into a crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes gourmet.
Customizable Comfort Food: You can easily tweak the flavors or add extras to make this your own go-to cozy meal.

Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes, baked potato with broccoli and cheese, cheesy stuffed potato recipes, broccoli stuffed baked potatoes, easy cheesy potato dish - Two baked potatoes are placed open on a brown baking tray, each with three visible layers. The bottom layer is the potato skin in a light brown color, the middle layer is soft white mashed potato, and the top layer is a creamy yellow cheese sauce with small bright green broccoli pieces mixed in. The sauce is slightly spilling onto the tray, and some salt grains are scattered around. The tray sits on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe lies in the quality of its simple ingredients and how they complement each other. Each element adds a layer of flavor or texture that, when combined, makes the dish feel indulgent yet balanced. Here are some quick tips about what to look for when you shop:

Russet Potatoes: The best choice because their starchy insides become fluffy when baked, perfect for mashing and stuffing with toppings.
Olive Oil: Brushing the potatoes with oil before baking helps develop that gorgeous, crispy skin we all love.
Kosher Salt or Sea Salt: Use these for seasoning the skins; they add great texture and bring out the potato’s natural flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for a creamy roux base in your cheese sauce, giving it richness without overpowering the taste.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly so it coats the broccoli and potato without being runny.
Milk (Whole or 2%): Adds creaminess and smooths out the sauce’s texture.
Cayenne Pepper & Garlic Powder: These spices elevate the sauce with just the right amount of kick and savory depth.
Freshly Grated Medium Cheddar Cheese: I can’t stress this enough—avoid pre-shredded cheese since it contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Instead, grate a good block for the best melty results.
Finely Chopped Broccoli Florets: Small pieces blend easily into the sauce and cook evenly, giving you a perfect bite every time.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. I often switch things up depending on what’s in the fridge and my cravings for the day. Feel free to customize freely—this recipe is incredibly forgiving and rewarding!

Variation: Sometimes I swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese when I want a little extra heat—it gives the sauce a lovely kick without being overpowering.
Make it Vegan: Try using a plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese with almond or oat milk to make this dairy-free but still super tasty.
Add Protein: Tossing in some cooked bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken turns these stuffed potatoes into a heartier meal.
Extra Veggies: Mixing in finely diced cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms alongside broccoli adds texture and makes it even more nutritious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake Those Perfect Potatoes

First things first: preheat your oven to 425°F. Grab your russet potatoes and give them a good scrub so they’re clean but the skin stays intact. Then, poke a few holes around each potato with a fork — this helps steam escape so the insides bake perfectly. I like brushing a little olive oil all over the skin before sprinkling them generously with kosher or sea salt. This step elevates the texture of the skin so it comes out crispy and flavorful. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the flesh feels soft and bouncy when you gently squeeze them.

Step 2: Whip Up the Broccoli Cheese Sauce

About five minutes before your potatoes are finished baking, get your sauce ready—it comes together fast and tastes incredible fresh. In a small saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, whisk in the flour constantly; this makes the base roux and cooks out the raw flour taste. You want it to darken slightly, maybe 1-2 minutes max. Then, slowly drizzle in the milk while still whisking to avoid lumps. Toss in your cayenne, garlic powder, and salt, stirring carefully as the sauce thickens and starts to simmer. Now, reduce the heat to low and start adding your cheese, one handful at a time, whisking well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in your finely chopped broccoli, then take the sauce off heat.

Step 3: Stuff Your Potatoes and Serve Hot

Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork—this helps create space for the cheesy broccoli sauce and makes the potatoes light and airy. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and some chopped chives or scallions over the potato flesh before pouring that glorious sauce all over the top. I always add a little extra salt and pepper at this stage too, just to balance everything out perfectly. Then, it’s time to dig in—these are best enjoyed while warm, with that melty, gooey sauce dripping over each bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Potato Size Matters: Choose uniformly sized potatoes so they bake evenly and finish around the same time.
Warm Milk: Using room temperature milk helps your sauce thicken faster without clumping.
Cheese Timing: Add cheese slowly and whisk thoroughly between additions to avoid grainy sauce.
Don’t Skip the Fluff: Fluffing your potato insides before spooning on sauce helps the toppings absorb better and keeps the texture light.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these stuffed potatoes with fresh chives or scallions for a bright pop of flavor and color. A sprinkle of extra black pepper adds a subtle kick, and sometimes a dollop of sour cream if I’m feeling indulgent. Crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts are great crunchy additions if you want a little texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Because these cheesy broccoli stuffed baked potatoes are so hearty, I usually pair them with something light like a crisp garden salad or roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar. If you want to make this more of a full meal, grilled chicken or seared salmon complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made mini versions using baby potatoes, doubling the sauce for extra creaminess. Arranged beautifully on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, they make a stunning appetizer. Another fun idea is topping each stuffed potato with a fried egg for a breakfast twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually spoon any extra sauce over to keep the potatoes moist. Just remember, the skin won’t be as crispy the next day, but the flavors hold up beautifully.

Freezing

Freezing stuffed baked potatoes is a bit tricky because of the broccoli cheese sauce, but you can freeze the potatoes and sauce separately to keep the best texture. I freeze the sauce in a shallow container and the baked potatoes wrapped individually. Then, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the stuffed potatoes in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating the sauce separately, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, whisking occasionally to maintain that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the potato and separate the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the broccoli cheese sauce?

Absolutely! While medium cheddar is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, Monterey Jack for a milder creaminess, or even a blend of cheeses like gouda and mozzarella. Just make sure the cheese melts well for a smooth sauce.
How do I make this recipe quicker if I’m short on time?

If you’re pressed for time, you can microwave the potatoes instead of baking them. Microwave on high for 6-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender. Just note the skin won’t be as crispy, but the insides will still be fluffy and delicious.
Can I prepare the broccoli cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove while stirring. Just remember to add the fresh broccoli after reheating or steam it separately, so it doesn’t become too soft.
What’s the best way to get crispy potato skins?

Brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle generously with coarse salt before baking. Also, baking directly on the oven rack or a wire rack over the baking sheet helps air circulate, crisping the skin perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort food at its best—the kind of dish you want to make again and again on chilly evenings or whenever you need a little cheesy love. It’s approachable, forgiving, and downright delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your favorite weeknight dinners or easy weekend indulgences. So cozy up, grab a fork, and treat yourself to this cheesy, creamy, broccoli-filled delight—you won’t regret it!

Cheesy Broccoli Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe