Asiago, Potato, and Bacon Gratin

Another option to boiling the potatoes in the initial cooking process is cooking them in the microwave.  I learned this from Cooks Illustrated and you can use this technique for speeding up many a potato dish.   For this recipe, just place sliced potatoes in a large microwave safe bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap.  Microwave for a few minutes then remove and stir them up (be careful removing the plastic wrap, the steam will be HOT!).  Cook for an additional few minutes or until the potatoes are almost tender. Recipe from Cooking Light.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds peeled Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

1 teaspoon salt, divided

Cooking spray

2 tablespoons minced shallots

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups 1% low-fat milk, divided

3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Asiago cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.
Place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender. Drain. Sprinkle potatoes evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt; set aside and keep warm.
Heat a medium saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add shallots; cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Sprinkle flour over shallots. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Gradually add remaining 1 1/2 cups milk, stirring with a whisk. Cook over medium heat 9 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt, Asiago, chives, pepper, and bacon.
Arrange half of potato slices in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour half of cheese sauce over potato slices. Top with remaining potato slices and cheese sauce; sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.