Loaded Baked Potatoes with Sausage and Cheese Sauce

This loaded baked potato with sausage & cheese sauce is a great weeknight dinner idea!

A few weeks ago, I learned that the humble baked potato is high in iron.

Since I was looking for iron-rich foods at the time, I put loaded baked potatoes on the menu.

We pulled together toppings from ingredients we already had in the fridge, and we discovered one of our all-time favorite recipes!

Here’s how we made our loaded baked potato recipe.

The Best Ever Loaded Baked Potato with Sausage, Broccoli, & Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients needed for this recipe for 2 people:

• 2 Medium White Potatoes
• 1 Large head of Broccoli (about 3 cups chopped broccoli)
• 1 pound Italian Sausage, in whatever spice level you like
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 Tbl. butter
• 1 Tbl. flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• Salt, pepper, and cooking oil

This loaded baked potato recipe has 4 simple parts.

To get this recipe ready, you’ll need 4 components: baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, browned sausage, and cheese sauce. Each one needs a little prep. Once that’s done, all that’s left is to assemble and eat!

Here’s how to do each step:

How to bake a potato

There are lots of ways to bake a potato, but this is our simple method:

1. Wash each potato and cut it in half.
2. Brush the potato with cooking oil or butter.
3. Place flat side down on a baking sheet (we prefer a stoneware pan).
4. Prick a few holes in each one with the tines of a fork.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for about 1 hour.

Baking time depends on the size of your potatoes. A potato is done when a fork goes in easily and it’s tender all the way through.

If you have an air fryer, try this great recipe for air fryer baked potatoes.

How to steam broccoli

• Wash the broccoli under running water and cut it into florets. If you’re not sure how to cut broccoli the right way, I found this helpful quick video that shows all the methods!:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Carefully add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 4 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender when poked with a fork.
• Drain right away in a colander.

Roasting the broccoli in the oven is another option, and it would be tasty in this recipe, too!

How to prepare the sausage as a loaded baked potato topping:

1. If the sausage is in casings, slit the side with a knife and slide the casing off.
2. Place the sausage in a hot skillet and break it apart with a spatula.
3. Cook and stir the browning sausage until it’s cooked all the way through.

How to make easy homemade cheese sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 Tablespoon of butter.
2. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon of flour.
3. Very slowly pour in 3/4 cup of milk, whisking quickly so the mixture stays smooth.
4. Keep whisking and stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
5. Add the grated cheese and stir until it’s melted and smooth. (Salt and pepper to taste.)

How to assemble these loaded baked potatoes

Once everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble and eat!

1. Turn the baked potatoes flat side up on a plate, and fluff the soft filling with a fork.
2. Spoon on the browned sausage and steamed broccoli, then finish with the cheese sauce.

What do you serve with loaded baked potatoes with sausage?

We like to serve ours with a simple side, like a spinach salad with dressing.

What are some other variations of a loaded baked potato bar?

There are many ways to change up this recipe for a unique twist. It would also be fun to serve as a loaded baked potato bar, where everyone adds the toppings they want. Here are some ideas:

• Swap sweet potatoes in for the white potatoes.
• Use browned ground beef instead of sausage.
• Extra loaded baked potato toppings could include sautéed mushrooms, sautéed onions, chives, bacon bits, and sour cream.

Other Easy Weeknight Meal Ideas:

• Upsidedown Cheeseburgers
• Taco Soup
• Hamburger Steaks

For more recipes and ideas for your home:

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Comfort Food Dinner Ideas Just for You!

I co-wrote a comfort food recipe e-book set with my friend Shirley from Intelligent Domestications. You’ll find 30 comfort food dinner ideas plus a bonus 10 sweets and treats recipes.