Breakfast casseroles are usually easy and fast to
make with the added benefit of being able to make them ahead of time.
Leek, Potato and Bacon Casserole
2 leeks, white and light green (about 6 ounces)
6 slices smoked bacon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus for brushing the pan
3 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 medium red potatoes, diced (about 8 ounces or 2 cups)
2 cloves smashed garlic
2 sprigs fresh thyme
6 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
6 ounces Jarlsberg Swiss cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Preheat the oven 325 degrees F. Butter an 8-by-8-inch square glass casserole
dish. Halve the leeks lengthwise, and then cut them crosswise into half circles
(There should be about 1 3/4 cups.). Put the cut leeks in the basket of a salad
spinner, or a colander set in a bowl, and fill with water. Swish the leeks
around to flush out any grit. Lift the basket from water--don't pour the water
off or you will pour any grit right back over the leeks.
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon until crispy, about 5
minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble.
Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the pan drippings, add the butter and leeks, and
season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Cook until tender, about 10
minutes.
Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a small saucepan with the garlic, thyme, and 1
1/2 teaspoons of salt and water, to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then
drain. Discard the thyme and garlic and add potatoes to the leeks.
In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs and half-and-half, then stir in the
leek mixture, 1 cup of the cheese, the bacon, and nutmeg. Season with 1 teaspoon
of salt and some pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, cover with
foil and bake until just set but still moist, about 55 minutes. Remove from the
oven and set aside.
Position a rack in the upper part of the oven and preheat the broiler. Scatter
the remaining 1 cup cheese over the casserole and broil until the cheese browns,
about 3 minutes. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Unmold or serve
from baking dish.
