Golden, cheesy, elegant, and holiday‑ready — this gratin is exactly the kind of polished comfort John serves for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Thinly sliced potatoes and leeks bake into a creamy, luxurious dish with a crisp, golden top.
This gratin is classic Preppy Kitchen: refined, cozy, and beautifully plated. The leeks soften into a sweet, delicate base, the potatoes become tender and creamy, and the cheese forms a golden crust that looks stunning on a holiday table.
Prep 15 min Cook 45 min Serves 6
Ingredients
3 large leeks, sliced
4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
2 tbsp butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup Gruyère or cheddar, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme
to taste salt & pepper
Instructions
- Prep oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish. - Cook leeks
Sauté leeks in butter until soft and fragrant. - Layer
Layer potatoes and leeks in the dish, seasoning each layer. - Add cream
Pour cream over the layers and top with cheese. - Bake
Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling. - Finish
Let rest 10 minutes before serving for clean slices.
Beauty Benefits
- Leeks: detoxifying sulphur compounds; vitamin K → circulation; antioxidants → glow
- Potatoes: potassium → hydration; vitamin C → collagen
- Cheese: protein + calcium → hair + nail strength
- Thyme: anti‑inflammatory; supports skin calmness
- Cream: healthy fats → skin barrier support
Health Benefits
- High‑fibre leeks support digestion
- Potatoes provide sustained energy
- Cheese adds protein + minerals
- Herbs add antioxidants
- Comforting but balanced
Storage
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Reheat at 300°F until warm
- Freezer: 1–2 months (texture softens slightly)
Substitutions
- Potatoes: sweet potatoes, parsnips
- Cheese: Gruyère, Parmesan, cheddar
- Cream: half‑and‑half, coconut cream
- Leeks: shallots, fennel
History
Gratin dishes originated in France, where cream, potatoes and cheese were layered and baked until golden. Preppy Kitchen’s version modernizes the classic with leeks, herbs, and polished presentation — perfect for holidays.
Enjoy Preppy Kitchen Inspired: Creamy Leek Gratin!
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
