Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake: Comfort Food Perfection!

This Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this bake is sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Delicious:** The combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and tender vegetables is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have this bake in the oven in no time.
* **Versatile:** Customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or even add some protein.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy and flavorful dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Russet potatoes also work well, but they may be a bit drier. Red potatoes will also work. Any waxy potato will hold its shape well during cooking.
* **Broccoli:** Fresh broccoli florets are best, but you can also use frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed and drained. Make sure not to overcook them during the initial boiling stage.
* **Cheese:** A combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates a delicious and melty topping. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
* **Butter:** Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** Whole milk creates a richer and creamier sauce, but you can also use 2% milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
* **Heavy Cream:** A touch of heavy cream adds extra richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can omit it for a lighter version, but the texture won’t be quite as luxurious.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the sauce. Mince it finely for best results.
* **Onion:** Diced yellow onion provides a subtle sweetness and savory flavor to the base of the sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard:** A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a tangy and complex flavor to the sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional additions:** Cooked bacon or ham, breadcrumbs for topping.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot
* Colander
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Broccoli**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch). Uniform size is important for even cooking.
3. Cut the broccoli into florets. Ensure the florets are of manageable size.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. You want the potatoes to be mostly cooked, but still slightly firm, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
5. Drain the potatoes and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

**Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce**

1. In the same pot (or a clean saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
4. Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in about half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a nice warmth to the cheese sauce.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake**

1. In the prepared baking dish, combine the drained potatoes and broccoli florets. Pour the cheese sauce over the vegetables and stir gently to coat them evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the bake.
3. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added texture. A mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter works well.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The bake should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
5. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, add cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, or sausage to the bake.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or peas. Sauté them before adding them to the bake.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese for a crispy topping.
* **Cream Cheese:** Adding 4 oz of cream cheese to the cheese sauce can make it even creamier.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake is delicious on its own or as a side dish to:

* Roasted chicken
* Grilled steak
* Pork chops
* Sausage
* Ham
* A simple green salad

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Protein: 15-20g

*Please note that this is an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients used.*

## Printable Recipe Card

**Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake**

**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Total time:** 45 minutes
**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Breadcrumbs, cooked bacon or ham

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Add broccoli in last 3 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes and broccoli.
4. Melt butter in saucepan. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat.
8. Stir in half of cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Combine potatoes and broccoli in baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over.
10. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Add breadcrumbs if desired.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
12. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**Enjoy!**

## Conclusion

This Cheesy Broccoli and Potato Bake is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal. With its creamy sauce, melted cheese, and tender vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of cheesy goodness!

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## FAQs

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Thaw and drain them before adding them to the bake.

**Q: Can I make this ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

**Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?**
A: Absolutely! Cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, or sausage would all be great additions.

**Q: Can I use different cheeses?**
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.

**Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?**
A: Whisk the flour thoroughly into the melted butter before adding the milk. Add the milk gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

**Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?**
A: You can omit the heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

**Q: Can I use sweet potatoes?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.