Scalloped Bacon Potatoes

Ingredients

• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch slices
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 2 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
• 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 8 cubes