Why You’ll Love Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe
These potatoes deliver the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy filling and crispy baked skins. The broccoli adds color and a little freshness, while the cheddar brings plenty of melty, savory flavor. They are also great for planning ahead, since you can assemble them in advance and bake them when needed. Whether you serve them with soup, salad, or a main dish, they fit easily into all kinds of meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 medium russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, very soft
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 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 into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the potatoes in a baking dish and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are soft all the way through.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until safe to handle.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving the skins intact.
- Rub the outsides of the potato skins with the olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the butter to the potato flesh and mash until mostly smooth.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, salt, pepper, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dried onion flakes, dill weed, paprika, the chopped broccoli, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar.
- Divide the filling evenly among the potato skins.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are hot and lightly golden.
- Serve right away.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 twice-baked potato halves.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
A few simple swaps can change the flavor while keeping the method the same. Use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt for a more classic filling. Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or a smoked cheese for a different flavor profile. Add cooked bacon bits for extra savory richness, or sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving. For a slightly heartier version, mix in a little diced ham or shredded chicken.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover twice-baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 15 to 20 minutes.
These are also freezer-friendly. Wrap each assembled potato well and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, add the final cheese topping just before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake until hot all the way through, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
FAQs
Can I make these twice-baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully assemble them ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
What type of potato works best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes work best because they have sturdy skins and a fluffy interior that mashes well.
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes. Sour cream is an easy substitute and gives the filling a classic tangy flavor.
Do I need to cook the broccoli first?
Yes. The broccoli should be cooked before mixing it into the filling so it blends in evenly and becomes tender.
Can I use another kind of cheese?
Yes. Many melty cheeses work well here, including Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend.
How do I keep the potato skins from tearing?
Let the potatoes cool slightly before handling, then scoop gently and leave a thin layer of potato attached to the skin for support.
Can I freeze twice-baked potatoes?
Yes. They freeze very well when wrapped tightly and stored properly.
How do I reheat them from frozen?
Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then bake until heated through. They may need a little longer than freshly assembled potatoes.
Can these be served as a main dish?
Yes. They are hearty enough for a light main course, especially with a salad or bowl of soup on the side.
Why are they called twice-baked potatoes?
They are baked once to soften the potatoes, then baked again after filling the skins to heat everything through and melt the cheese.
Conclusion
Broccoli and cheddar twice-baked potatoes are the kind of comforting recipe that always feels like a good idea. They are creamy, flavorful, easy to prep ahead, and versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and holiday tables. Once you try them, they may become one of those dependable favorites you come back to again and again.
Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These broccoli and cheddar twice-baked potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cooked broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place on a baking sheet.
- Bake potatoes for 50-60 minutes until tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell.
- Add butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the potato flesh. Mash until smooth.
- Stir in broccoli, green onions, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and top with remaining cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato half
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
