3-Cheese and Bacon au Gratin Potatoes

How to make 3-Cheese and Bacon au Gratin Potatoes Recipe -  Parmesan and bacon are two of my favorite ingredients to cook with. This thinly sliced potato dish is bubbly, rich, creamy, and layered with 3 different cheeses. Au gratin is simply a recipe that is topped with an ingredient that forms a golden crust, usually cheese or bread crumbs. Watch the smiles you get from the family when you place this dish on the kitchen table. These potatoes serve beautifully with chicken, beef, or fish.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1 1⁄2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1⁄8 inch thick
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1⁄2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
1⁄4 pound sliced bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (about 1⁄2 cup)
1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter.

2. Spread half of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with 1⁄2 teaspoon of the thyme, 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt, 1⁄4 teaspoon of the pepper, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the garlic salt. Layer with 1⁄2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.

3. Slowly pour 3⁄4 cup of the cream over the first layer. Layer the remaining potatoes on top, season with the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper, and 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt, and sprinkle with the remaining 1⁄2 cup mozzarella cheese.

4. Slowly pour the remaining 3⁄4 cup cream over everything, then top with the bacon and cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered, for 45 minutes, until bubbly and the potatoes are fork tender.