1 1/4 cupshredded cheddar cheeseextra sharp gives the best flavor
Instructions
Skillet Instructions
Preheat your cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat.
Once the skillet is hot to the touch, add the sliver of butter and let it melt completely.
Add the broccoli, olive oil, and salt (to taste). Stir to combine, and place in the oven on the top rack with the broiler on high. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
Cheese Sauce Instructions
Meanwhile, put a small saucepan on the same burner where you had the cast iron skillet, and melt 2 tbsp of butter until small bubbles appear.
Add the flour, and whisk quickly to incorporate. Stir often, while letting the butter and flour brown until it becomes a light caramel color.
Add a tiny bit of milk, and whisk quickly to combine. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the rest of the milk slowly, whisking the whole time. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, whisking occasionally.
Add the shredded cheese to the pot, and stir to combine. Once the cheese has melted, remove the pan from heat, and continue stirring for another minute. By this time, the oven timer should be about ready to go off. Stir the broccoli, and set the timer for another 5 minutes.
When the broccoli is nice and crispy, remove from the oven. Plate it, and drizzle with cheese sauce.
Air Fryer Instructions
Set the air fryer to 390 degrees.
In a medium bowl, toss the broccoli with the olive oil and salt.
Add the broccoli to the air fryer basket and set the timer for 10 minutes. Shake the fryer basket after 10 minutes and check for your preferred level of crispiness. If you’d like it crunchier, return basket to air fryer and check every 3 minutes until it meets your “crunchy” standards.