Name: Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: US & Canada
Ingredients: 2 pounds broccoli , florets cut into 1-inch pieces, stems peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup half-and-half; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Why This Recipe Works

Initial attempts at constructing a serviceable Broccoli with Cheese Sauce fell flat, as the sauce kept separating. Because fat helps prevent this problem, we switched from milk to half-and-half thinned with a little water. We found cheddar cheese to be extremely flavorful, but when used alone it left the sauce gritty. Switching to equal parts Monterey Jack and cheddar solved the problem, while a little Parmesan added nuttiness.

We tried several methods to prepare the broccoli and settled on roasting, which resulted in a more distinct nutty flavor that perfectly complemented the cheese sauce. It also produced drier broccoli, which prevented the sauce from sliding off.

Before You Begin

For a silky smooth sauce, wait until the Monterey Jack and cheddar are thoroughly integrated before you add the Parmesan. If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position, place rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 450 degrees.

After 15 minutes, toss broccoli, oil, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in large bowl. Arrange broccoli in single layer on hot baking sheet. Bake until spotty brown, 15 to 18 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.

Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, mustard, and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Off heat, whisk in Monterey Jack and cheddar until smooth. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sauce over broccoli.