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Crispy Potato-Leek Kugel

2.9

(13)

Photo of potato kugel in a baking pan a classic Jewish holiday potato recipe.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, prop styling by Brian Heiser, food styling by Rhoda Boone

Inspired by the flavors of potato-leek soup, this kugel is creamy on the inside, crackly on the outside, and completely irresistible.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 hours

  • Yield

    Serves 8

Ingredients

9 medium russet potatoes (about 4 1/2 pounds), peeled
7 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 medium leeks, white and pale-green parts only, thinly sliced crosswise
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small onion
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, divided

Special Equipment:

An 8x8" baking pan

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°. Cut 4 potatoes into 1" chunks and place in a medium pot. Cover with cold water by 1". Season water generously with salt, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook until potatoes are tender, 10-12 minutes. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl, and mash with a potato masher; set aside.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium until shimmering. Add leeks, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and golden, 5-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes more. Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.

    Step 3

    Grease bottom and sides of an 8x8" baking pan with 2 Tbsp. oil. Place pan in oven for 10 minutes.

    Step 4

    Meanwhile, grate 3 potatoes and onion using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor fit with a shredding blade. Wrap potatoes and onion in a clean dishtowel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as you can; add to the bowl with the mashed potatoes. Stir in sautéed leeks and garlic, eggs, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1 Tbsp. thyme, 2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper; mix until well combined.

    Step 5

    Thinly slice remaining 2 potatoes and toss with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, 1 tsp. thyme, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl; set aside.

    Step 6

    Carefully remove preheated pan from oven and transfer potato-onion mixture to the pan (it should sizzle when it hits the hot oil). Smooth top with a spatula. Layer potato slices over the top in a shingled fashion. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, 60-75 minutes. Heat broiler; broil kugel until crispy crust forms, 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn. Let cool briefly, then cut into squares to serve.

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