I offered this treat at a party, and everyone couldn’t stop discussing it.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a large baking dish with butter.

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish.

Sprinkle half of the ham over the potatoes.

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.

Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and ham.

Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, ham, and cream mixture.

Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture. For a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the cream mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or fontina, to suit your taste preferences.