Broccoli-Stuffed Potatoes
Creamy broccoli-stuffed baked potatoes offer a nutritious, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, appealing to vegetarians and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush the skins of the potatoes with margarine and score them down the middle lengthwise.
- Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes or until tender.
- Steam broccoli stalks for 6 to 8 minutes or until just tender.
- Chop the broccoli finely.
- Carefully slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a bowl, reserving the skins.
- Add chopped broccoli, 1/2 cup of grated Cheddar, skim milk, salt, and pepper to the potato flesh.
- Mash the mixture until pale green with dark flecks.
- Spoon the mixture into the reserved potato skins and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Turn on the broiler and broil the potatoes for 1 minute or until the tops are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of some skim milk. You can also substitute the Cheddar with a different cheese like mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative for a vegetarian recipe. When preparing the broccoli, ensure it is finely chopped to blend well with the potato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These broccoli-stuffed potatoes make a hearty main dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Smokey Mountain Pie for a comforting feast. For a lighter option, consider a side of steamed asparagus or green beans.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, but for best results, use the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Stuffed Potatoes contains roughly 450 calories, with 11g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Just ensure it's fully thawed and drained before chopping and mixing it into the potato filling. This will help prevent the mixture from becoming too watery.
How can I make these potatoes vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor, and replace skim milk with almond or soy milk. These adjustments will keep the dish delicious and suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potatoes in advance. Assemble them, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if they go into the oven cold, ensuring they are heated through before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).