Herbes De Provence Potato Gratin

Ingredients

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 tablespoon herbes de provence
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups grated gruyere, packed

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F

2. 2

   Generously butter a 12-inch baking or gratin dish (about 2 1/2 to 3-quarts).

3. 3

   Peel and wash the potatoes and slice them thinly.

4. 4

   In a small saucepan, bring the half-and-half, garlic cloves and herbes de Provence to a simmer. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Remove the garlic cloves. Set aside.

5. 5

   Arrange the potatoes in an overlapping layer on the bottom of the dish. Season the layer generously with salt and pepper. Scatter lightly with some of the grated cheese. Make another potato and cheese layer, finishing with a most generous cheesing.

6. 6

   Press the layers down gently. Pour the half-and-half mixture over the potato layers and fill the dish up to the top of the potatoes.

7. 7

   Cover the dish loosely with foil so it is not touching the cheese on top and bake 30 minutes, uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and nicely browned.

8. 8

   Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.