Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C Fan/ Gas Mark 4). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
Thinly slice the Jersey Royal potatoes using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for slices about 2-3mm thick. Place in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the leeks.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook gently for 5-7 minutes, until softened but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Drain the potatoes and add them to the saucepan with the leeks and garlic. Stir to combine.
Pour in the Jersey milk and double cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften slightly and the sauce to thicken a little.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in half of the grated Gruyere cheese and half of the chopped fresh thyme.
Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese and thyme over the top of the gratin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition per serving (420g)
For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the gratin for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
If you don't have Gruyere, you can substitute with another good melting cheese like Comté or Emmental.
Add other seasonal vegetables alongside the leeks, such as chopped asparagus or spinach, for a more colourful and nutritious dish.
The gratin can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Oven
Stove
Mandoline (optional)
9x13 inch Baking Dish
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.