Easy Cheesy Zucchini Gratin

Ingredients

• 3-5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for topping (start with 3, then see how much more you want to put in)
• 2 yellow onions, cut in 1/2 and sliced
• 2-4 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
• 2 lbs zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 4 zucchini)
• 1-2 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup hot milk
• 3/4-1 cup panko (or Italian breadcrumbs)
• 3/4 cup grated gruyere cheese (or Gouda, cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Melt butter in a 12-inch saute pan and cook the onions over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until tender but not browned. If using garlic, add the last 10 minutes of cooking.

3. 3

   Add the zucchini and cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until just tender.

4. 4

   Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes. Stir in the flour. Add the hot milk and cook over low heat for a few more minutes, until it makes a sauce.

5. 5

   Pour the mixture into an 8"x10" baking dish.

6. 6

   Combine the bread crumbs and cheese and sprinkle on top of the zucchini mixture. Dot with 1 tablespoon of the extra butter cut into small bits.

7. 7

   Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and browned. Enjoy!