2poundsbaking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced, about 1/8-inch thickness
6tablespoonsbutter, divided use
3tablespoonsflour
2cupshalf-and-half, light cream, or milk
2cupsshredded Cheddar cheese, divided use
Ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper
1cupsoft bread crumbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk or cream. Add the nutmeg and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese; stir until cheese is melted. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or cream. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish.
Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the potato layer, then follow with the remaining potatoes. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
Bake for 1 hour.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the breadcrumbs and cheese.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture.
Return the potato gratin to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until the topping is browned and the potatoes are tender.