Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pat them dry.
- Bake the potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. You want a skin that’s crisp but not hard.
- Prepare the broccoli: While the potatoes bake, steam the broccoli florets until just tender (about 4–5 minutes). Immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Scoop the potatoes: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes—just enough to handle safely. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl, leaving about 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) of potato lining the skin.
- Make the filling: Mash the scooped-out potato with butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in the chopped broccoli gently, ensuring every bite will have a mix of potato, cheese, and green goodness.
- Fill the potato skins: Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, mounding slightly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tops.
- Bake again: Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. The aroma of cheddar and baked potato should fill your kitchen—it’s irresistible!
- Add finishing touches: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped chives if using. Let the potatoes cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving—they’ll be piping hot inside.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut each potato in half again if desired, or serve whole as a hearty side. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted chicken for a complete meal.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheese Swap: Try gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter, milk, and sour cream with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.
- Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled sausage for an extra hearty meal.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the potato filling for a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions
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