Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin
This Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin is a delightful twist on classic scalloped potatoes, featuring the sweet, mild flavor of leeks. Generously layered with silky Yukon Gold potatoes, this comforting dish is finished with rich, melted white cheddar and a touch of parmesan, creating a satisfying golden crust. Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or holiday meals, this gratin can be prepped ahead of time for added convenience, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy the rave reviews from friends and family just like I have throughout the years!
8
Servings
600
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (for sautéing leeks)
sliced leeks
2 lbs (use only the white and pale green parts)
butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing baking dish)
whipping cream
2 cups (for mixing with garlic)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Yukon Gold potatoes
4 lbs (peeled and thinly sliced)
grated white cheddar cheese
2 cups (for layering)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a heavy large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, stirring to ensure they are well coated in the butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.
3
Cook the leeks until they are tender, stirring occasionally, which should take about 8 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
4
While the leeks are cooking, greased a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
5
In a small bowl, mix the whipping cream with the minced garlic and set aside.
6
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper.
7
Layer the cooked leeks evenly over the potatoes, followed by half of the grated white cheddar cheese.
8
Ladle half of the cream and garlic mixture over the leeks and potatoes.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, leeks, remaining cheese, and the rest of the cream mixture.
10
Finally, sprinkle the top with the parmesan cheese.
11
If preparing in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Remember to let the dish sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is deep golden brown. Allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
43.75
Fat
37.5
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin?
It is a comforting twist on classic scalloped potatoes that features thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with sautéed leeks, white cheddar, and parmesan in a rich garlic cream sauce.
What kind of potatoes are best for this gratin?
The recipe recommends using 4 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced, for their silky texture and buttery flavor.
Which part of the leeks should I use?
You should use only the white and pale green parts of the leeks for the best flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the leeks for the recipe?
Sauté 2 lbs of sliced leeks in 1/4 cup of butter over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes while covered, then uncovered for 3 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the gratin.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
The dish should bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is a deep golden brown.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the gratin, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before you plan to bake it.
What should I do before baking if I prepared it in advance?
If the dish was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before putting it in the oven.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 9x13 inch baking dish, greased with 1 tablespoon of butter.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated white cheddar cheese for the layers and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese for the topping.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 garlic cloves, minced, mixed into the whipping cream.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 43.75 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from 2 cups of whipping cream combined with minced garlic.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer half the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, add the leeks and half the cheddar, then half the cream mixture; repeat these layers once more.
Does the gratin need to rest after baking?
Yes, let the dish stand for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: butter, leeks, whipping cream, garlic, Yukon Gold potatoes, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While Yukon Golds are recommended for their texture, you could use Russets, though they may result in a starchier consistency.
Is the garlic cooked before being added to the dish?
No, the minced garlic is mixed into the cold whipping cream and then poured over the layers before baking.
How do I know if the potatoes are cooked through?
The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork or knife after 1 hour and 15 minutes of baking.
What should the top of the gratin look like?
The top should have a deep golden brown crust thanks to the melted white cheddar and parmesan.
How much butter is used for the leeks?
You use 1/4 cup of butter specifically for sautéing the leeks.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the oven?
The instructions suggest baking it uncovered to achieve the golden brown top, though you should check it periodically.
How much parmesan is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese to be sprinkled on the very top.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a Potato dish and is tagged as a side dish and comfort food.
How much total butter is needed for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of butter.