Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes 🥔🧀

These deliciously creamy and cheesy twice-baked potatoes are a perfect side dish or a satisfying meal on their own! Packed with the wholesome goodness of broccoli and the rich taste of cheddar, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Feel free to get creative with toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh chives or green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prick the potatoes all over with a fork, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

🔥 Baking the potatoes directly on the oven rack will make the skins nice and crispy!

• While the potatoes are baking, steam the broccoli until bright green and tender, about 4-5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, follow the package instructions.

• Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven (careful, they will be hot!). Let them cool for 5-10 minutes until they can be handled.

• Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato in the skins for support.

🥄 Be careful when scooping out the insides; you want to leave enough potato in the skins so they hold their shape!

• Add the steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined and creamy.

• Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly on top. Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese.

• Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🧀 For an extra crispy top, you can broil them for the last couple of minutes - just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

• Garnish with fresh chives or chopped green onions before serving.

Variations

• Meat Lover's Delight: Add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham to the filling for a protein-packed twist!
• Vegan: Substitute the sour cream and butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an added zing!
• Herbaceous Flavor: Blend in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the potato mixture for a pop of freshness!

Enjoy your Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes as a comforting side or a filling main course! 🍽️🥦