Creamy Potato and Broccoli Bake with Cheesy Topping Recipe

Introduction

This Potato and Broccoli Bake is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a rich cream sauce topped with melted cheese, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 6 large potatoes (approx 1.2kg or 2 pounds)
• 1/2 large onion, peeled and diced
• 1 head broccoli, stem removed and chopped into florets (about 2 cups)
• 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup colby cheese, freshly grated
• Flat leaf parsley, stems removed and leaves finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350-375°F / Gas Mark 4-5).
2. Step 2: Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler, then thinly slice them using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
3. Step 3: In a medium jug, whisk together the heavy cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, diced onion, and broccoli florets. Stir gently to mix.
5. Step 5: Pour the cream sauce over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Grease a large baking dish with cooking oil. Transfer the potato and broccoli mixture into the dish, pushing broccoli florets underneath the potato slices and smoothing the top.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered on the middle oven shelf for 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of the potatoes; if there is resistance, continue baking a bit longer.
8. Step 8: Once tender, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then the colby cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden in spots.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes to thicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandolin for evenly thin potato slices, which helps them cook through more evenly.
• To add a smoky flavor, substitute smoked mozzarella or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cream sauce.
• Replace half the cream with milk for a lighter version, though the bake will be less rich.
• For extra texture, stir in some cooked bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top before the final cheese layer.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through. To maintain the topping’s texture, reheat uncovered in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw and drain well before mixing it in to avoid excess moisture that could make the bake soggy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bake a few hours before cooking and refrigerate it. Just add extra baking time if baking from cold.

Creamy Potato and Broccoli Bake with Cheesy Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This comforting Potato and Broccoli Bake features thinly sliced potatoes, tender broccoli florets, and a rich cream sauce infused with garlic and thyme, all baked to golden perfection with melted mozzarella and colby cheese on top. It’s a hearty, cheesy side dish or vegetarian main that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 6 large potatoes (approx 1.2 kg or 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 large onion, peeled and diced
• 1 head broccoli, stem removed and chopped into florets (approx 2 cups)

Cream Sauce

• 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup colby cheese, freshly grated

Garnish

• Flat leaf parsley, stems removed and finely chopped

Other

• Cooking oil for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350-375°F) or Gas Mark 4-5 to ensure it reaches the right baking temperature for even cooking.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler and discard the skins. Then, using a mandolin slicer, thinly slice the potatoes for uniform cooking.
3. Make the cream sauce: In a medium-sized jug, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together thoroughly until well blended.
4. Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced potatoes, diced onion, and broccoli florets. Stir together gently with a wooden spoon to mix evenly.
5. Add cream sauce: Pour the prepared cream sauce over the potato, onion, and broccoli mixture. Stir gently again to coat all the ingredients with the sauce.
6. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a large baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish, pressing broccoli florets slightly underneath the potatoes and creating a flat surface on top.
7. Bake the mixture: Place the baking dish on the middle oven shelf and bake uncovered for 50 minutes. After this time, test the potatoes by inserting a skewer into the thickest part; if there is resistance, bake a little longer.
8. Add cheese and finish baking: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the dish, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the colby cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and has turned golden brown in spots.
9. Rest and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to sit on a heatproof surface for about 5 minutes to thicken. Once it has cooled slightly and no bubbles remain, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the top. Serve warm with a large spoon.

Notes

• Use a mandolin to get evenly thin potato slices for consistent cooking.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but baking time may vary slightly.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for extra warmth and depth.
• Ensure the baking dish is well greased to easily serve the bake without sticking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Potato bake, broccoli bake, cheesy potato dish, vegetarian bake, comfort food, baked vegetables, creamy potato casserole