Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere and Thyme

Ingredients

• 1.5 - 1.75 pounds yukon gold potatoes (thinly sliced 1/8 inch)
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil; additional for pan)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped, and divided)
• 1 1/4 cups gruyere cheese (freshly shredded)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish with butter. Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline.

2. 2

   In a large stockpot or sautee pan, melt butter. Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes, adding a pinch of salt to begin layering in the flavor. Add garlic and continue to saute for 1-2 minutes. Then stir in the flour and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flour does not burn.

3. 3

   Whisk in the vegetable broth until combined, then whisk in milk. Add any remaining salt as needed, white pepper, and thyme. Bring cream sauce to a simmer and continue to lightly simmer for 4-5 minutes, being careful it doesn't boil. Remove from heat.

4. 4

   Layer half of the potato slices at the bottom of the greased baking dish for the first layer.

5. 5

   Pour over half of the cream sauce on top. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded gruyere and the parmesan on top of the first layer of cream.

6. 6

   Layer the rest of the potato slices in the pan and pour the remaining cream sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of gruyere on top of the finished dish.

7. 7

   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, until cheese begins to turn golden brown and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The sauce should also be bubbly.

8. 8

   Let cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Garnish with additional thyme as desired. Serve and enjoy!