Caramelized Onion-Potato Gratin

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups soft fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 large sweet onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
• 3 lbs baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. 2

   Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.

3. 3

   Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add onions, and cook, stirring often, 15 minutes or until onions are caramel colored; add garlic, and cook 1 minute.

4. 4

   Stir in flour, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and next 3 ingredients. Cook, whisking often, 8-9 minutes or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted and smooth.

5. 5

   Layer half of potatoes in a lightly greased 13X9" baking dish; pour 2 cups of sauce over potatoes in dish. Repeat layers once.

6. 6

   Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until golden brown and potatoes are fork tender, topping with breadcrumbs during last 15 minutes of baking.

7. 7

   Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.