Imagine pulling a tray of crispy, golden-brown potato halves from the oven, their insides fluffy and packed with gooey cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and rich spices. The aroma fills your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes are a must-try!
These potatoes combine crispy skins with a creamy, cheesy filling for the ultimate comfort food experience. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and loaded with nutritious ingredients. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy Texture – The combination of butter, Greek yogurt, and cheddar cheese creates a luxurious, velvety filling.
- Loaded with Flavor – A perfect blend of garlic, onion, chives, dill, and paprika for a well-seasoned bite.
- Nutritious & Hearty – With protein-packed cheese, fiber-rich potatoes, and vitamin-loaded broccoli, these potatoes are as nourishing as they are delicious.
- Easy to Customize – You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—add bacon, swap cheeses, or go spicy with jalapeños!
- Great for Meal Prep – They reheat beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients to make these delicious Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Russet potatoes | 4 medium-sized, cleaned and dried |
Olive oil | 1 teaspoon |
Salted butter | 3 ½ tablespoons, softened |
Non-fat Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
Buttermilk | ¼ cup |
Seasonings & Spices
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Dried chives | ¾ teaspoon |
Garlic powder | ¾ teaspoon |
Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
Dried onion flakes | ½ teaspoon |
Dried dill weed | ½ teaspoon |
Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
Mix-ins & Toppings
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked broccoli, chopped | 1 ½ cups, divided |
Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups, divided |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub each potato with olive oil and place them directly on the oven rack.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes until easy to handle.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out the inside, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to maintain structure.
- Transfer the scooped potato flesh to a large bowl.
3. Mash the Potatoes
- Add softened butter, Greek yogurt, and buttermilk to the bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, onion flakes, dill weed, and paprika.
- Mash the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Broccoli and Cheese
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped cooked broccoli.
- Mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
5. Stuff the Potatoes
- Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, distributing it evenly among all halves.
- Top each potato with the remaining broccoli and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
6. Bake Again
- Arrange the filled potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
7. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the potatoes cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy them warm as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course.
Tips for the Best Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Pick the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes work best because of their fluffy texture and sturdy skins.
- Scoop Carefully – Leave a thin layer of potato inside the skin so they hold up well.
- Don’t Overmix – Mash until just combined to keep the filling light and creamy.
- Make Ahead – Assemble the potatoes a day in advance, then bake them before serving.
- Experiment with Toppings – Add bacon, green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak – A hearty side for a protein-packed meal.
- Soup or Salad – Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Roasted Vegetables – A nutritious pairing with asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Potato Half) |
---|---|
Calories | 250-280 |
Protein | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fats | 10g |
Fiber | 4g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs About Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes
1. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the potatoes a day in advance, then refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Can I Freeze Twice-Baked Potatoes?
Absolutely! Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.
3. Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda all work well in this recipe.
4. How Can I Make These Potatoes Healthier?
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat.
- Use reduced-fat cheese for fewer calories.
5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
6. Can I Add Meat to This Recipe?
Yes! Add crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or ground turkey for a protein boost.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes are the ultimate combination of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and nutritious! They’re easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out. Did you add a unique twist? Share your experience in the comments or with friends and family!
Looking for more delicious comfort food recipes? Stay tuned for more easy and tasty dishes!
Print
Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes are the perfect balance of crispy potato skins and a creamy, cheesy filling packed with tender broccoli and bold seasonings. Whether you serve them as a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (thoroughly cleaned and dried.)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 1/2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon dried 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 1/2 cups cooked broccoli (chopped, divided)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and place them directly on the oven rack.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until soft and easily pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Let the potatoes cool slightly before slicing them in half lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside to keep the skins sturdy.
- Transfer the scooped potato flesh to a large bowl.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
- Add the butter, Greek yogurt, and buttermilk to the bowl.
- Season with salt, pepper, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, onion flakes, dill weed, and paprika.
- Mash the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Broccoli and Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked broccoli and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix well to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
5. Stuff the Potatoes:
- Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, dividing it evenly.
- Top each potato with the remaining ½ cup of broccoli and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake Again:
- Arrange the filled potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the potatoes cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy them warm as a delicious side dish or vegetarian meal.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the potatoes a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.
- Customization Ideas: Add bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions for extra flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American