Step 1

Pre heat the oven to 350° F.

Step 2

If using bacon add In a large skillet, cook the bacon until just crisp. (About 3-5 minutes) Remove bacon from pan and set aside

Step 3

Drain the oil an leave about 2 tablespoons or more of bacon drippings in the skillet

Step 4

Then add butter, followed by onions, garlic and thyme

Step 5

Sauté for about a minute or more until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 6

Pour in cream, and milk followed by , salt, pepper, and nutmeg

Step 7

Bring to the cream mixture to a boil and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool down a little.

Step 8

You may(optional) discard the onions and thyme (use a sieve for this process). Transfer cream mixture in to a Dutch oven

Step 9

Add, sliced potatoes into the creamy mixture. Cover Dutch oven adjust heat temperature to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15minutes until potatoes is almost tender when pierced with fork

Step 10

Then transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese if desired . Bake until potato mixture is bubbling around sides and the top is golden brown. Remove and immediate sprinkle with bacon

Step 11

Sprinkle with cheese and bacon and let it cool before serving.