Broccoli Gratin

Directions

1. 1
   Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Butter an 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish or an 8-cup gratin dish.
2. 2
   Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. 3
   Whisk in the flour until smooth.
4. 4
   Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
5. 5
   Add the milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and nutmeg and bring to a boil while whisking constantly.
6. 6
   Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the white sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Season with pepper.
8. 8
   Remove from the heat.
9. 9
   Meanwhile, bring about 1-inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan and set up a collapsible steamer on top.
10. 10
    Put the broccoli in the steamer and season with salt.
11. 11
    Cover, and steam until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
12. 12
    Put the broccoli in the prepared dish, sprinkle with half of the cheese and pour on the sauce.
13. 13
    Cover with the remaining cheese.
14. 14
    Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
15. 15
    Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
16. 16
    Cover the gratin with the bread crumbs.
17. 17
    Bake until lightly browned and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
18. 18
    Serve immediately.