STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden color on the potatoes.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE POTATOES

Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and a consistent texture. The mandoline is particularly helpful here, as it not only speeds up the process but also ensures that each slice is uniform, which is key to achieving the desired texture in the finished dish.

STEP 3: MAKE THE CREAM MIXTURE

In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. This mixture will add rich flavor to the potatoes as they bake. You can also consider infusing the cream with additional herbs or spices, such as nutmeg or sage, for a unique twist on the traditional flavors.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE BUNDLES

Grease a muffin tin with butter to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of the potato slices and arrange them into a loose bundle. Dip the bundle into the cream mixture, allowing it to soak briefly.

Place the bundle upright in the muffin tin, and repeat the process until all the slices are used. Depending on the size of your muffin tin, you should be able to make about 8 bundles. This method of bundling not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also helps to keep the potatoes moist and flavorful as they cook.

STEP 5: ADD CHEESE

Once all the bundles are in the muffin tin, pour any remaining cream mixture evenly over the bundles. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of each bundle, ensuring they are well-covered. A combination of cheeses can also work well; for instance, combining the sharpness of aged cheddar with the nutty flavor of Gruyère adds depth to the dish.

STEP 6: BAKE

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the tops are golden brown and bubbly. To check for doneness, a fork should easily pierce through the potatoes. The baking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of your potato slices, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

STEP 7: REST AND SERVE

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bundles rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to remove the bundles. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each bundle and gently lift them out using a spoon or fork. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper can also elevate the final presentation.