Preheat oven to 400ยฐF.ย Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter.
In a large bowl, combine two-thirds of the grated Toma, cream,
garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Add potato slices and toss with your hands
until potato slices are coated with cream mixture.ย
Remove a handful of potatoes with your hands, arrange them into a
neat stack, and place them in the casserole dish vertically, so they stand
upright. Continue arranging the potatoes in the dish, until all are added
tightly packed.ย
Pour the excess cream and cheese mixture evenly over the potatoes
until the mixture comes halfway up the sides of the casserole. You may not need
all the excess liquid.
Cover dish tightly with foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30
minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until the top is pale golden brown,
about 30 minutes longer. Carefully remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining
cheese, and return to oven. Bake until deep golden brown and crisp on top,
about 20 minutes more.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes.ย Garnish with additional chopped thyme and
serve.ย
