Description
This rich and flavorful Potatoes au Gratin with Pancetta and Leeks is a delicious twist on the classic French dish, featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory pancetta, and sweet leeks baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz diced pancetta
- 2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced leeks and sauté until soft and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the cream and milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and about 1 cup of Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Top with half of the leek mixture and half the pancetta. Pour over half the cheese sauce.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, leeks, pancetta, and sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes.
- Can be made ahead and reheated for serving.
- Substitute bacon for pancetta if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
