Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Step 2

Slice the potatoes into thin rounds — less than ¼ inch in thickness.

Step 3

Add the milk, cream, and whole garlic cloves to a large saucepan and heat on a burner at medium until simmering, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.

Step 4

Add the sliced potatoes to the pan and let them simmer in the garlic infused milk/cream for 5 minutes, and move the potatoes around in the pan frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5

Using a large slotted spoon, remove the potatoes from the pan and add about half of them to a large, ovenproof baking dish. Spread the potatoes out in an even layer.

Step 6

Remove the rest of the potatoes from the pan and set them aside.

Step 7

Remove the garlic cloves from the pan and pour about half of the cream mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes in the oven dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes, then sprinkle half of the grated cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Add the remaining potatoes on top in another layer, then add the cream, salt and pepper, and cheese once again.

Step 10

Bake the potatoes for 45 to 50 minutes, or until they are bubbling and golden on the top.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for several minutes, then serve, optionally sprinkled with fresh chives.