Step 1

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Add the zucchini and onion to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3

Remove the squash mixture from the pan and place in a large bowl. Cover to keep warm.

Step 4

Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.

Step 5

Melt 2 more tablespoons of butter in the pan. Add the flour and whisk to combine.

Step 6

Cook the flour mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 7

Whisk in the milk and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the cream, thyme and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Cook the sauce for an additional 2 minutes or until just thickened. Remove the sauce from the heat.

Step 9

Coat a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 10

Pour the sauce into the bowl with the zucchini and onions. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheese and stir to combine.

Step 11

Pour the squash and cheese mixture into the prepared dish.

Step 12

Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 13

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour the butter into the crushed crackers and stir to combine.

Step 14

Sprinkle the crackers over the layer of shredded cheese in the casserole.

Step 15

Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese has melted and crackers are golden brown.

Step 16

Sprinkle with parsley. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.