Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a 10 x 15 x 2-inch (10 cup) baking dish.

Step 3

Cut the bulbs in half lengthwise and slice them crosswise, making approximately 4 cups of sliced fennel. Put the olive oil and butter in a medium (10-inch) sauté pan and sauté the fennel and onions together over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until tender.

Step 4

Thinly slice the potatoes by hand or with a mandoline. Place them in a large bowl with the 2 cups of cream, 2 cups of Gruyère, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the fennel and onion mixture and mix well.

Step 5

Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to smooth the top. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream and ½ cup of Gruyère and sprinkle evenly on the top.  Bake for between 1 and 1¼ hours, until the potatoes are very tender and the top is browned and bubbly.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes and serve hot.