Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy goodness of cheese, the hearty texture of potatoes, and the nutritious crunch of broccoli? Look no further! This Cheesy Broccoli Potato Bake is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply someone who loves delicious, easy-to-make recipes, this dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Peel and dice potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Layer the diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the blanched broccoli florets over the potatoes.
- Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the potatoes and broccoli, ensuring all vegetables are coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the vegetables, covering the entire surface.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the breadcrumb topping.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For freezer meal preparation, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Tips
- Blanching Brilliance: Always blanch your broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture. The 2-3 minute boil followed by an ice bath is crucial for perfect results.
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Freezer Meal Hack: This recipe is freezer-friendly! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal preppers and busy families.
- Crispy Topping Secret: The final 10 minutes without foil are key to achieving that golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that adds a delightful crunch.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 408kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg
