Potato and Leek Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Rating
0 out of 5 stars
(0)
Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan
- 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed, thinly sliced
- 1 thick or 2 slimmer leeks, halved, washed, cut into 1-inch segments
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Leaves from 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or homemade are great here)
- 3/4 cup coarsely grated Gruyère, Comté, or baby Swiss cheese
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Preparation
Step 1
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter an 8×12-inch or 3-quart baking dish.
Step 2
Arrange small stacks of sliced potatoes on an angle, slightly fanned, in different directions filling the pan loosely.
Step 3
Tuck leeks, halved side up, between potatoes around the pan.
Step 4
In a medium saucepan, bring cream, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, many grinds of black pepper, garlic, and thyme to a simmer, stirring to ensure the salt dissolves.
Step 5
Pour hot cream mixture evenly over the pan, trying to get every potato and leek coated.
Step 6
Cover pan tightly with foil, place on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 7
Meanwhile, melt 2 remaining tablespoons butter. Add breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to taste and mix to evenly coat.
Step 8
At 30 minutes, briefly remove pan from oven and remove foil. Sprinkle top evenly with cheese, then scatter with buttered breadcrumbs.
Step 9
Return to the oven without foil for 45 minutes, until potatoes are totally tender, the top is browned, and the edges are bubbly. [Insert a knife or skewer into potatoes to feel for crunch or resistance. Return to the oven if needed.]
Step 10
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving hot.
Step 11
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Chef's notes
Gratin can be assembled the day before and baked before a big meal.
It can also be baked for 30 minutes (the foil-on portion) and cooled, finishing the baking time the next day.
Gratin reheats well in a 350-degree oven.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
