Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
In a large stock pot, add the half and half, cream cheese, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until cream cheese is melted into the mixture. Remove from heat.
Mix in the hash browns. Stir until well combined.
Place 1/3 of the potato mixture into the prepared 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with 2/3 cup of the Swiss cheese and 1 Tbsp of the chives. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining potatoes and Swiss cheese. Place butter cubs on top. Cover and bake at 375 for 35 minutes/
Uncover and bake for 10-20 more minutes until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and let set for 10 minutes. Serves 12.