Broccoli Baked Potatoes

Vegetarian Broccoli Baked Potatoes Recipe with Cheddar and Pepper

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Broccoli Baked Potatoes combine the comforting texture of baked potatoes with the nutritional benefits of broccoli, creating a dish that's both satisfying and healthful. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a hearty side dish or a lighter main course. The addition of cheese adds a creamy, indulgent flavor, making it a hit among both adults and children.

History

The concept of stuffing baked potatoes has been around for centuries, with variations appearing in cuisines worldwide. The addition of broccoli and cheese to baked potatoes is a relatively modern twist, reflecting a growing desire for healthier, yet flavorful, meal options. This particular recipe, with its focus on low-fat ingredients, is a product of the health-conscious trends of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Ingredients

6 medium idaho potatoes
3 stalks of broccoli
0.25 cup of skim milk
1 cup of shredded low fat cheddar cheese
0.13 tsp of pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Make shallow slits around the middle of the potatoes as if you were cutting them in half lengthwise.
Bake the potatoes until they are done, for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on their size.
Peel the broccoli stems. Steam the whole stalks just until they are tender, then chop them finely.
Carefully slice the potatoes in half and scoop the insides into a bowl with the broccoli.
Add the milk, 0.75 cup of cheese, and pepper to the bowl.
Mash the ingredients together until the mixture is pale green with dark green flecks.
Heap the mixture into the potato jackets and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Return the potatoes to the oven to heat through, for about 15 minutes.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use vegan cheese. Adding crumbled bacon or diced ham can increase the protein content for those looking for a non-vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the fluffiest baked potatoes, choose medium-sized Idaho potatoes for their high starch content. Piercing the potatoes with a fork before baking helps steam escape, preventing them from bursting. Steaming the broccoli just until tender ensures it retains its nutrients and vibrant color. Mixing the potato flesh with milk and cheese while it's hot creates a smoother, creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Broccoli Baked Potatoes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chives or parsley for added color and flavor. A side salad or a serving of lean protein makes a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the potatoes directly on the oven rack allows air to circulate around them, resulting in an evenly baked potato with a crispy skin. Steaming the broccoli instead of boiling it helps retain more nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sweet potatoes can be used in place of Idaho potatoes for a different flavor and nutritional profile. Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or a mix of both for variety.

Make Ahead Tips

The potatoes can be baked and the broccoli steamed a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the final baking time to ensure they are heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the potatoes on a bed of greens or alongside colorful roasted vegetables to create an appealing and balanced plate.

Pairing Recommendations

Broccoli Baked Potatoes pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple bean salad for a complete meal that is satisfying yet light.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Broccoli Baked Potatoes contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main course or a side dish.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Broccoli Baked Potatoes contains approximately 37 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the potatoes, which are a natural and healthy source of energy.

Fats

This recipe is designed to be low in fat, with only about 6 grams per serving. The use of skim milk and low-fat cheddar cheese significantly reduces the fat content without compromising the dish's creamy texture and flavor.

Proteins

Each serving of Broccoli Baked Potatoes provides about 12 grams of protein, primarily from the cheese. This makes the dish a good option for vegetarians looking for protein-rich meal options.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Combined with the nutrients found in potatoes, such as Vitamin C and B6, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese), which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It is gluten-free.

Summary

Overall, Broccoli Baked Potatoes are a nutritious option, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, with a low to moderate calorie count.

Summary

Broccoli Baked Potatoes are a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served as a side or a main course, they offer a comforting and healthful option that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Broccoli Baked Potatoes. It was a cold winter day, and I had invited some friends over for a cozy dinner. I wanted to impress them with a new and exciting dish, so I began scouring through my collection of cookbooks for inspiration.

As I flipped through the pages of an old, tattered cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, tender broccoli florets, and melted cheddar cheese sounded like the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

The recipe called for baking whole potatoes until they were tender, then scooping out the insides and mixing them with steamed broccoli and cheese before baking them again until golden and bubbly. It seemed like a simple yet delicious dish that would surely wow my guests.

I set to work gathering the ingredients and prepping the potatoes for baking. As I waited for them to cook in the oven, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years from various places and people.

Growing up, my mother was an incredible cook who taught me the basics of cooking from a young age. She instilled in me a love for good food and the importance of sharing meals with loved ones. I remember spending hours in the kitchen with her, watching her effortlessly whip up delicious meals from scratch.

When I got married and started a family of my own, I began collecting recipes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe held a story and a memory, and I cherished the opportunity to try new dishes and expand my culinary skills.

One of my favorite recipes came from an elderly neighbor who lived down the street from me. She was a kind and generous woman who always had a pot of something delicious simmering on the stove. One day, she invited me over for tea and shared her recipe for a hearty beef stew that had been passed down through generations in her family. I remember savoring every bite and feeling a sense of gratitude for her willingness to share a piece of her culinary heritage with me.

As the aroma of the baking potatoes filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with others and share a piece of myself with those I cared about. The simple act of preparing a meal for friends brought me joy and fulfillment in a way that nothing else could.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the potatoes out of the oven and carefully scooped out the insides, mixing them with the steamed broccoli and cheese. As I returned them to the oven to bake until golden and bubbly, I couldn't wait to see the looks on my friends' faces when they tasted the finished dish.

When my guests arrived and sat down to dinner, their eyes widened in delight as they dug into the Broccoli Baked Potatoes. The creamy mashed potatoes, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese combined to create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I watched as their faces lit up with each bite, and I knew that I had succeeded in creating a meal that would be remembered for years to come.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it brought to my life. The recipe for Broccoli Baked Potatoes had not only delighted my guests but had also served as a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring to us all.

In that moment, surrounded by friends and good food, I realized that cooking was so much more than just following a recipe. It was a way to create memories, forge bonds, and nourish both body and soul. And as I looked around at the smiling faces of my loved ones, I knew that I would continue to cook and share my passion for food for as long as I was able.