Peas Au Gratin

By á-30

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons salted butter
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (regular iodized salt)
• 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper (or finely ground black pepper)
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (I used an aged New York sharp cheddar cheese)
• 2 cups shelled fresh green garden peas OR one 16-ounce bag of frozen peas (either will work well), see Cook's note

Preparation

Step 1

To make the cheese sauce: In small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then add flour, salt, and pepper and stir to combine, making a roux or paste.

Next add milk and stir or whisk constantly until mixture is thick, bubbly and smooth. This is your béchamel or white sauce - the base for your cheese sauce. Remove from heat and immediately add 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted in and completely combined.

Place peas in medium size baking dish, pour cheese sauce over, and mix together. Sprinkle remainder of cheddar cheese over top and bake in oven for 30 minutes until dish is bubbling and hot, and top is lightly browned. Place under broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn, but allowing it to get crispy on top.