Bacon and Swiss Au Gratin Potatoes

Did someone say "Bacon"?!! This is my new favorite au gratin recipe... I will never make another recipe again! So good! How can you go wrong with bacon?

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12

Ingredients

• 3  lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 6 medium potatoes)
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream (or milk is fine)
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2  cups swiss cheese, shredded
• 6  slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Butter a large casserole dish.
3. Place potatoes in even layers in casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder as you layer.
4. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter on medium heat. Add flour and whisk. Cook for about 1 minute. Add milk and bacon and stir until slightly thickened. Poor over potatoes and top with Swiss cheese. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and broil, if desired. Let sit for a few minutes and then dig in!
5. Tip: keep your potatoes in a bowl of water until you are ready to use to prevent browning. And you don't have to peel your potatoes -- more vitamins that way. Enjoy!