Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender potatoes and broccoli smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked until golden brown. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying vegetarian meal, this casserole is a great way to enjoy classic flavors with a wholesome twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delicious combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples
- A great way to add more vegetables to your meal
- Perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals
- Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream or milk
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Boil the potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Boil them in salted water for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli: In the same pot, boil the broccoli florets for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream or milk, then add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half of the broccoli and cheese sauce. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
- Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Swap the cheese: Try Gruyère, Swiss, or Gouda for a different flavor.
- Use sweet potatoes: Substitute white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
What other vegetables can I add?
Cauliflower, carrots, or peas work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
How do I get a crispy topping?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top before baking.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be stored in portions for easy meals.
Can I bake this in a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works well for baking and adds a nice crispy edge.
What can I serve with this?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this cheesy, creamy casserole is sure to be a family favorite. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a must-try recipe for cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole packed with roasted potatoes, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli to the baking sheet and roast for another 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Combine the roasted potatoes and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Pour into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can use cauliflower instead of broccoli for variety.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein.
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