How to Cook the Best Potato Leek Gratin

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

gruyere cheese

🥗Healthier: fontina cheese

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Fontina provides similar melting qualities at a lower fat content

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: pecorino cheese

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and can provide a similar richness

Slice the ends off the leek and use only the white and light green parts, rinsing thoroughly to remove dirt.

Slice the leeks down the middle and then into quarter-inch pieces, placing them in a bowl.

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, cook chopped bacon until done but not crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.

Drain most of the bacon grease, add a couple tablespoons of butter, and then add the chopped leeks, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook the leeks for about 5-6 minutes until soft, then remove them from the saucepan into a bowl.

Add 1 cup of cream, 2 smashed garlic cloves, a sprig of thyme, and a bay leaf to the saucepan, bringing it to a simmer.

Once simmering, turn off the heat, cover, and let steep for about 15 minutes.

Butter an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish and drain the sliced potatoes, then layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of the dish.

Season the first layer of potatoes lightly with salt and pepper, then spread the cooked leeks over them.

Add the cooked chorizo (optional), followed by half of the cream mixture and half of the cheese.

Layer the remaining potatoes on top, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper again, then pour the rest of the cream mixture and cheese over it.

Top with a mixture of panko and Parmesan cheese, cover with foil, and bake in a 350°F oven for about 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Let the gratin sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens