Gratin Dauphinois

• garlic clove, halved↗1

  halved

• butter, softened↗1 tablespoon

  softened

• baking potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced↗2 1⁄2 lbs
• half-and-half↗2 cups
• milk↗1 cup
• salt↗1 teaspoon
• ground black pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• fresh nutmeg, grated↗1⁄8 teaspoon

  grated

• gruyere cheese, grated↗1 cup

  grated

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. 2

   Rub a 12-inch gratin dish or a shallow 3-quart baking dish with the garlic.

3. 3

   Let dry, then coat with the softened butter.

4. 4

   In a large saucepan or dutch oven, combine the potatoes, half and half, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

5. 5

   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then cook and stir until the liquid thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Pour the mixture into the prepared dish; press down on the top layer to submerge the potatoes.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the top with the grated Gruyere cheese.

8. 8

   Bake until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.