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Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes are a cozy and satisfying dish that takes the classic baked potato to the next level. By combining fluffy potato with steamed broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, sour cream, and butter, then baking it all again to golden perfection, you get a side dish—or even a meal—that’s both comforting and nutritious. The twice-baked method gives the potato a crisp skin and a creamy, cheesy interior that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether served on its own or as a hearty complement to dinner, this recipe offers the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome ingredients. It’s especially great for vegetarians, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a fun, customizable twist on traditional comfort food.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Russet potatoes
Broccoli florets
Sour cream and milk
Butter (unsalted)
Sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, chives, bacon bits

Directions

Bake potatoes, scoop out the insides, and mix with sour cream, milk, butter, cheese, broccoli, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings
Refill the potato skins with the mixture, top with extra cheese, and bake again until the tops are golden and bubbly

Nutrients

Calories per serving (1 potato): approximately 588 kcal
Fat: ~26 g (saturated fat ~13 g)
Protein: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~74 g (fiber ~10 g; sugars ~6 g)
Cholesterol: ~61 mg
Sodium: ~381 mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes combine both comfort and creativity. At first glance, the recipe seems humble, but one bite reveals its layered richness and satisfying texture. This dish elevates the simple baked potato into something decadent yet familiar. By baking the potato twice, you create a crisp shell that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy, cheesy filling. The addition of broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a tender bite, giving the dish dimension and freshness.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. It works just as well as a side for a main course as it does as the centerpiece of a vegetarian meal. The ingredients are pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners. It’s also visually appealing and can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, or add-ins like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch. In essence, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that doesn’t require complex steps or specialty tools—just real food prepared well.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The health and flavor benefits of this recipe come from using simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony. Russet potatoes are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. They also have a neutral flavor and a sturdy texture that holds up well through the baking process. Keeping some of the skin adds extra fiber and nutrients, while also helping the potato shell remain intact after scooping.

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse—it’s full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Lightly steaming or blanching it before mixing it into the potato mash helps retain its nutrients and vibrant color while softening it just enough to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.

Cheddar cheese adds both flavor and calcium. A sharper cheddar offers a bolder taste, so you can use less while still getting that rich, cheesy satisfaction. Milk and sour cream bring creaminess and moisture to the filling, helping to create a smooth consistency that binds everything together. Butter rounds it out with a savory note and helps amplify the mouthfeel.

Salt and pepper are essential for balancing the richness, while optional add-ins like garlic powder and chives enhance the depth and give you more control over the dish’s final flavor. And of course, olive oil plays a small but important role when brushing the skins before baking—helping them crisp up beautifully and keeping them from drying out.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

Perfecting Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes is less about complexity and more about technique and timing. Start with russet potatoes of similar size so they bake evenly. Prick the skins with a fork before baking to prevent splitting, and place them directly on the oven rack or a wire baking rack to allow air circulation for crispier skins.

Let the potatoes cool slightly before slicing them open. This helps keep the skins from tearing when you scoop them out. Don’t hollow them out completely—leave a thin layer of potato attached to the skin to support the shape during the second bake.

When preparing the filling, mix everything while the potatoes are still warm to help the ingredients incorporate smoothly. Don’t over-mash; a slightly chunky texture is perfect for holding the filling together. Steam or blanch broccoli briefly to soften it while preserving texture and nutrients. You can chop it finely or leave it in small florets depending on your preference.

Be generous with the cheese, but avoid overstuffing the skins. A sprinkle of extra cheddar on top ensures a golden, bubbly crust, but you can also add breadcrumbs or a light dusting of paprika for visual appeal and extra flavor. Bake just until the tops are golden and the filling is hot all the way through.

You can also prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate them before the second bake. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings or busy evenings. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These potatoes are incredibly versatile when it comes to meal planning. As a main course, pair them with a simple salad—arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a spinach salad with apples and nuts would offer brightness and contrast to the creamy filling.

As a side, they complement grilled chicken, steak, or fish beautifully. Their hearty texture makes them especially satisfying next to lean proteins. You can also serve them with roasted or steamed vegetables to complete the plate.

For a fun twist, turn them into an interactive meal. Set up a “loaded potato bar” with toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, hot sauce, or even Greek yogurt as a lighter sour cream alternative. Let guests customize their potato halves for a casual dinner or brunch.

They’re also perfect for special occasions—Easter, Thanksgiving, or holiday dinners—because they look impressive and feel indulgent while still being relatively simple to prepare. Double the recipe and bake them in a large dish, and you’ll have an easy, satisfying option that keeps warm and holds up well over time.

Leftovers store easily in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen, too. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or pop them into the air fryer for a crispy exterior.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect example of how a few everyday ingredients can come together to make something truly special. With their crispy skin, fluffy interior, and rich, cheesy flavor, they offer everything you want from comfort food—warmth, satisfaction, and versatility.

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also easy to adapt to different diets, preferences, and occasions. Whether served on a holiday table or a Tuesday night dinner, these potatoes manage to be both familiar and impressive. They give you room to experiment—with cheeses, herbs, or even proteins—and they make an excellent foundation for meal prep or entertaining.

Above all, they’re a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients, you can turn a humble potato into a dish that feels indulgent, nourishing, and deeply comforting. This is a recipe worth mastering and sharing—one that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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