Hello, potato lovers! If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat. This Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potato Recipe combines the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes with the cheesy goodness of broccoli and cheddar. Perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering, these potatoes are easy to make and impossible to resist. Let’s dive into this cheesy, veggie-packed delight!
Introduction
Twice-baked potatoes have long been a favorite comfort food, but adding broccoli and cheddar takes them to a whole new level. This recipe brings together fluffy potato insides, savory spices, and cheesy goodness in crispy potato shells. Originating as a classic side dish in American cuisine, twice-baked potatoes are now beloved worldwide for their versatility and rich flavor. This version, with its wholesome Greek yogurt and broccoli, adds a nutritious twist while still delivering indulgent satisfaction.
Ingredients
To prepare this delectable dish, you’ll need the following:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed well and dried
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 and 1/2 tablespoons salted butter, very soft
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon chives
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 and 1/2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped, divided
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
This combination of ingredients creates a creamy, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with crispy potato skins.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each potato several times with a fork, rub them with olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly until they are safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin. Place the scooped potato into a large mixing bowl. Add the softened butter, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, salt, pepper, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dried onion flakes, dill weed, and paprika to the mixing bowl with the potato insides. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Fold in Cheese and Broccoli
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of chopped broccoli into the potato mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Stuff the Skins
Fill each potato skin with the mixture, dividing it evenly among the potato halves. Be generous with the filling, as the creamy mixture is the star of the dish.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Top each stuffed potato half with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and chopped broccoli. This creates a cheesy, bubbly topping that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Again
Place the stuffed potato halves back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These twice-baked potatoes are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because their high starch content makes them fluffy and perfect for baking.
- Even Cooking: Ensure all potatoes are similar in size so they bake evenly.
- Add a Twist: For extra flavor, try mixing in cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions into the filling.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and stuff the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the filling, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can make the texture gummy.
- Prevent Soggy Skins: After scooping out the insides, you can brush the potato skins with olive oil and bake them for 5 minutes before filling. This keeps them crisp.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a complete meal. They’re also a fantastic vegetarian option on their own. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 8%
This dish is a great source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the broccoli and potatoes, while the cheese adds protein and indulgence.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through. For quicker reheating, use a microwave on medium power.
Leftovers can also be repurposed by scooping out the filling and turning it into a delicious potato and cheese casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms can be used in place of or alongside broccoli.
Can I make these potatoes vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the yogurt and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan cheese.
What’s the best way to cook the broccoli?
Steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking can make it mushy and affect the texture of the dish.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potato Recipe combines the best of comfort food with the wholesome goodness of broccoli and cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying meal on its own, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your home. Try them out today, and let us know how they turned out. Happy cooking!