Pearl Onion & Cheese Gratin

INGREDIENTS

2 10 ounce packages

fresh pearl onions, peeled (I used frozen)

2 tbsp

butter

2 tbsp

all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups

half-and-half

1/2 tsp

salt

1/2 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp

ground mustard

ground nutmeg

1 1/2 cups

shredded white Cheddar cheese, divided

1 1/4 cups

fresh breadcrumbs (Pulse 3 bread slices in a mini food chopper or food processor. It should yield 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs)

2 tbsp

butter (melted)

1 tsp

chopped fresh thyme