Cheesy Broccoli Gratin

Steaming instead of boiling the broccoli prevents it from getting waterlogged and thinning the creamy cheese sauce.
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Cheesy Broccoli Gratin

Recipe by Janet Taylor McCracken

  • Cook Time
  • Prep Time
  • 4Servings

Ingredients

  • 8 cups broccoli florets (1 1/2 lbs., about 2 crowns)
  • 5 tbsp. butter
  • 1 cup panko
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tbsp. flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup Gruyère or extra-sharp cheddar
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Place a steamer basket in a large pot with a lid; add 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli. Cover and steam until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with a kitchen towel and pat dry.

2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp. butter. Add the panko and toss to coat. Transfer to a plate; mix in the Parmesan. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and stir until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the Gruyère and mustard and stir until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli to the sauce; fold to coat. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart baking dish and top with the Parmesan panko. Bake until browned in spots and bubbling at the edges, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.