Collard Green Gratin

Directions

1. Preheat your Yoder Smokers YS640 to 400°F. Heat half the olive oil in a 10” Lodge Logic Cast Iron Skillet. Add the breadcrumbs. Toast over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Wipe out any crumbs left in the skillet. Add thyme and ¼ cup Parmesan to the breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook collard greens in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, and let cool. Drain and squeeze. Dry with paper towels. Coarsely chop greens and place in a large bowl.
3. Heat remaining olive oil in your cast iron skillet, over medium heat. Add ham, onion, and 1 Tbsp Code 3 Spices Grunt Rub and cook, stirring often, until onions are soft and translucent, about 15 minutes. Transfer to bowl with greens. Reserve the skillet.
4. To make the béchamel: Melt butter in the reserved skillet over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is smooth and just beginning to brown, just a few minutes. Gradually whisk in milk then add nutmeg. Simmer, whisking often, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in remaining ¾ cup Parmesan. Add béchamel to collard green mixture and mix to combine.
5. Transfer collard green mixture to a skillet and top with breadcrumb mixture. Bake until gratin is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.