Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

3 pounds broccoli, stems trimed and broccoli cut into florets
Salt and pepper

Cheddar Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar

Fill a medium saucepan with 1 inch of water and place a steamer inside. Bring the water to a boil, place the broccoli in the steamer, reduce the heat to medium, cover and steam until tender and bright green, about 5 minutes.

Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Top the broccoli with the Cheddar Cheese Sauce, or serve it on the side.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foamy. Spoon the flour over the butter and cook, while stirring, until the flour becomes pasty. Pour in the milk while whisking and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a medium simmer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Slowly add the cheese by handfuls and stir with a wooden spoon until melted and smooth.