Broccoli Gratin

INGREDIENTS    

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
• 3 T. all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1½ t. kosher salt, plus more as needed
• pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds broccoli (about 4 heads), cut into small florets (about 8 cups)
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar (about 4 oz.)
• ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
  

DIRECTIONS  

1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450°F. Butter an 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish or an 8-cup gratin dish.
2. Melt 3 T. of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk, 1½ t. salt, and nutmeg and bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the white sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with pepper. Remove from the heat. Meanwhile, bring about 1-inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan and set up a collapsible steamer on top. Put the broccoli in the steamer and season with salt. Cover, and steam until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Put the broccoli in the prepared dish, sprinkle with half of the cheese and pour on the sauce. Cover with the remaining cheese. 

Recipe Author: Food Network