Name: Smoky Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Butter, divided - 6 tablespoons; All-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons; Whole milk - 1 ½ cups; Chicken bouillon granules - 2 teaspoons; Smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon; Dried thyme, crushed - ¼ teaspoon; Zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch rounds - 3 large; Sweet onion (such as Vidalia®), sliced - ¼; Carrot, shredded - 1 large; Egg, beaten - 1 large; Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese - 1 ½ cups; Panko bread crumbs, or to taste - ⅓ cup; Cooking spray - ⅓ cup

Ingredients for - Smoky Zucchini Casserole

1. Butter, divided 6 tablespoons

2. All-purpose flour 2 tablespoons

3. Whole milk 1 ½ cups

4. Chicken bouillon granules 2 teaspoons

5. Smoked paprika ½ teaspoon

6. Dried thyme, crushed ¼ teaspoon

7. Zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch rounds 3 large

8. Sweet onion (such as Vidalia®), sliced ¼

9. Carrot, shredded 1 large

10. Egg, beaten 1 large

11. Shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 1 ½ cups

12. Panko bread crumbs, or to taste ⅓ cup

13. Cooking spray ⅓ cup

How to cook deliciously - Smoky Zucchini Casserole

1 . Stage

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled into the oil will just begin to bubble. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Slowly add milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until a smooth, thick sauce is obtained, about 10 minutes more. Whisk in bouillon, paprika, and thyme. Remove from heat and let sauce cool.

2 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

3 . Stage

Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and onion; saute until softened, 12 to 15 minutes. Add carrot and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

4 . Stage

Add egg to the cooled sauce; whisk rapidly until smooth. Add Cheddar cheese and mix to combine.

5 . Stage

Layer zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Pour sauce over vegetables and give it a slight stir to moisten throughout. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top and spray lightly with cooking spray.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs start to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Broil until panko is nicely browned, 2 to 4 minutes more. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.