Smoked Gouda & Caramelized Onion Potatoes Au Gratin

  

I think the only way to make this better would be to add bacon.  I didn't do that as I didn't want to kill my guests with happiness (or heart disease).  Besides, this is delicious just the way it is!

Yield:  About 12 small portions, or one large casserole dish

Ingredients:
2 large caramelized onions
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 

3 cups heavy cream

1 cup smoked Gouda, shredded

1/2 cup butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut potatoes with a knife, mandolin or food processor into 1/8 inch slices.

Place potatoes, milk, cream, garlic, salt, garlic, thyme and pepper in saucepan.  Heat to just boiling, stirring occasionally.

If you are using ramekins as pictured above, spray each one with cooking spray.  Or, for a larger dish, simply coat the inside with a bit of the butter.  Pour half the mixture into a baking dish.  Sprinkle with half the cheese, then drizzle with half the butter.  Add the rest of the potatoes and then the remaining cheese and butter.

Bake for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.  A large casserole dish make take as long as 40 - check tenderness of potatoes with a fork before removing from oven.  Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!