Place one potato onto a wooden spoon to hold it comfortably and beginning about ½” from one end slice potato down at 1/8th” intervals – not all the way through. Return potato to bowl of water and prepare the rest in the same way
Drain and pat dry. Butter generously and place on a baking dish side by side in one layer, cut side up
Baste with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
Place in centre of oven at 160 degrees C and roast for 30 mins
Sprinkle bread crumbs and remaining butter over the potatoes and continue to roast until they are golden brown and show no resistance to testing with a pointed knife.
Sprinkle with the cheese, if wished. 5 minutes before they are done