2poundscarrots,peeled and sliced on a diagonal into 3/4 inch pieces
2tablespoonsbutter
1largeonion,finely chopped
2tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1 1/2teaspoonssalt
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
1teaspoondry mustard
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1/4teaspoondried sage
1/4teaspoonground nutmeg
1 1/2cupsmilk
1cupcheddar cheese,shredded
1cuppanko crumbs
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a casserole dish by greasing with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Place the chopped carrots into a sauce pan and add water until the carrots are covered by about 1/2 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Over medium-high heat, bring carrots to a boil. Once water has come to a full boil, cook the carrots for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside.
While the carrots are cooking, add the butter and onions to a large skillet. Saute the onions over medium heat until cooked through - about 4-5 minutes. Don't brown the onions, but they should be soft and translucent.
Sprinkle the flour into the onion and butter mixture. Use a whisk to combine and to continuously move the flour around the pan. The flour will be absorbed by the onions and the butter. Once you see no more white flour, continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, while continuing to whisk.
Next, add the salt, ground black pepper, dry mustard, thyme, sage, and nutmeg. Whisk into the onion mixture.
Add 1/2 cup of milk and whisk into the onion mixture. Once the flour and onion mixture has been fully whisked into the milk and the mixture begins to thicken, add another 1/2 cup milk and repeat until once again the mixture has thickened. Repeat this action with the last 1/2 cup milk.
Once all the milk has been added and the sauce is thick, turn off the heat and add the cheese. Stir the cheese into the sauce until melted.
Arrange the carrots into an even layer in the casserole dish. Ladle the cheese sauce evenly over the carrots. Sprinkle over the panko crumbs.
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven; garnish and serve immediately.