• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or a cooking spray.

Creamy Mashed Potato Layer:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 inch chunks.

  8 medium potatoes
• Add them to a large pot of cold salted water.
• Bring to a boil on high and cook the potatoes until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
• Drain then return to the pot.
• Add the butter and cream, stir, then mash the potatoes until smooth.

  6 tbsp butter, 2/3 cup cream
• Stir in the shredded cheese, salt and pepper.

  1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• Add the mashed potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to spread the potatoes evenly in the dish.

Potato Gratin Layer:

• Peel and slice the potatoes to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

  4 medium potatoes
• Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl then add the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix well, the potatoes should be coated with the butter/cheese mixture.

  3 tbsp melted butter, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• Layer the slices on top of the mashed potato mixture. To do this lay individual slices at a slight angle and repeat until all the slices cover the mashed potato layer.
• Cover the dish lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. The gratin is done when the top is golden and the potatoes are soft.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.