Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of Leek Gratin, a classic French side dish that combines tender leeks with a rich, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. This recipe is sure to elevate any meal with its decadent taste and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Leeks:
- 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced lengthwise)
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium baking dish.
- Prepare leeks: Arrange cleaned, halved leeks cut side up in the dish.
- Make sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, then add cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Assemble: Pour cream mixture over leeks. Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan on top. Add breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15–20 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, sauté the leeks in butter before baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a holiday side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
