Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables : Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the prepared baking dish and spread them evenly.
Make the White Sauce : In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Gratin : Pour the white sauce evenly over the sautéed vegetables in the baking dish. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Layer the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.
Add the Final Topping : In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of Panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
Bake the Gratin : Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Serve : Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!