WHITE CHEDDAR AND SMOKED GOUDA POTATO GRATIN

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 1/2 cup diced shallots
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme, crumbed
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups thinly sliced peeled yellow potatoes
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 cup shredded aged white cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese, divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes. Add apple cider, thyme and bay leaves; stir to combine. Add potatoes and cream; cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cream mixture is thickened and coats potatoes, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat; remove and discard bay leaves.
3. Add 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup Gouda cheese, beaten egg and beaten egg yolks, stirring until cheese is melted.
4. Spoon mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Gouda cheese.
5. Bake, covered, until potatoes are tender and mixture is bubbly and heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until golden brown, about 10 - 15 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.