Baked Potato and Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Panko
A comforting baked casserole featuring tender potatoes and broccoli smothered in a savory cheese sauce and topped with crispy panko crumbs. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs diced (1/2-inch cubes) potatoes, florets broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced (1/2-inch cubes) potatoes
- 2 cups florets broccoli
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tsp butter.
- Step 2: Boil 2 cups diced potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Step 3: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in 2 cups milk while whisking, then add 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook until thickened and coating the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
- Step 4: Layer half of the drained potatoes (1 cup), half of the broccoli (1 cup), and half of the cheddar (1/2 cup) in the baking dish. Pour half of the sauce (1 cup) over the layers. Repeat with remaining potatoes, broccoli, cheddar, and sauce.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 cup panko evenly over the top and dot with remaining 1 tsp butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling around the edges.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Potato and Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Panko take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Potato and Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Panko?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep florets broccoli from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Potato and Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Panko?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Potato and Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Panko for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Potato and Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Panko?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.