Description
Creamy cheesy broccoli sauce elevates classic baked potatoes into a comforting meal. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, offering a satisfying and nutritious dinner that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups / 500 ml fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1.5 cups / 375 ml shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsps / 30 ml butter
- 1.5 cups / 375 ml milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsps / 30 ml all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil
- 0.5 tsp / 2.5 ml garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp / 2.5 ml salt
- 1 tsp / 5 ml kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp / 1.25 ml black pepper
Instructions
- Potato Preparation: Meticulously rinse potatoes under cool water, eliminating all soil residue, then thoroughly dry using a pristine kitchen towel.
- Surface Preparation: Pierce potato exteriors strategically with a fork, creating multiple steam-release channels for optimal roasting performance.
- Seasoning Technique: Delicately coat potato surfaces with olive oil, ensuring comprehensive coverage, then lavishly sprinkle kosher salt for heightened flavor complexity.
- Oven Positioning: Arrange potatoes centrally on oven rack or place on a rimmed baking sheet to capture potential drippings, preventing oven mess.
- Roasting Protocol: Slide potatoes into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, roasting for 50-60 minutes and rotating midway to guarantee uniform heat penetration and consistent caramelization.
- Doneness Verification: Assess potato readiness by effortlessly inserting a knife – smooth penetration indicates perfectly tender, fully cooked interior with a fluffy texture.
- Resting and Serving: Allow potatoes to rest 5-10 minutes post-roasting, enabling interior steaming to complete, then slice lengthwise and prepare to adorn with decadent cheesy broccoli sauce.
Notes
- Choose Uniform Potatoes: Select similarly sized potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent baking time.
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Dry potatoes thoroughly before seasoning to achieve crispy, golden skin and avoid soggy texture.
- Enhance Skin Crispiness: Use olive oil sparingly and rub salt directly onto potato skin for extra crunch and flavor development.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a food thermometer to confirm potatoes reach 210°F (99°C) internally for perfect tenderness without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg