Creamy Brussels Sprout Gratin

Roasting Brussels sprouts and then adding cream brings out their sweet, mellow side. This gratin can convert even the most confirmed Brussels sprout critic into a devotee.

• 2 lb. Brussels sprouts, stem ends trimmed and outer leaves removed; sprouts cut in half through the stem end
• 3 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (from a baguette or other white bread)
• 3/4 oz. (1/4 cup) finely grated Gruyère
• 1-1/4 cups heavy cream

Heat the oven to 425°F. Put the Brussels sprouts in a shallow baking dish that will hold them in a snug single layer (a 9x13-inch rectangle or slightly smaller oval is good). Toss with 2 Tbs. of the melted butter, 3/4  tsp. salt, and several grinds of pepper. Spread them evenly in the dish and roast, tossing once or twice, until browned in spots and tender when pierced with a knife, 25 to 30 minutes.

While the sprouts roast, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 Tbs. melted butter and 1/8  tsp. salt in a small bowl. Mix in the Gruyère.

When the Brussels sprouts are tender and browned, pour the cream over them and conntinue baking until the cream has thickened to a saucy consistency and coats the sprouts, 5  to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Set the oven to broil and position a rack to 6 inches below the broiler. Sprinkle on the breadcrumb mixture. Broil the gratin until the crust is deep golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Potato, Thyme & Olive Oil Gratin

The recipe can be made completely up to 4 hours ahead; let the dish sit on the counter and, 20 minutes before serving time, reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

• 5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup homemade or low-salt chicken broth

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Coat the inside of a 9x9-inch or equivalent baking dish with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil. Peel the potatoes, slice them into 1/8-inch-thick rounds, and put them in a bowl. Add the thyme, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper and toss to coat everything evenly, making sure that you separate all the sticking potatoes. Pour the potatoes into the baking dish and arrange them in an even layer.

Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Whisk the remaining 4 Tbs. oil into the broth and pour the mixture over the potatoes. Press down on the potatoes with the back of a spatula to distribute the liquid. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 min. Remove from the oven and remove the foil. Press down on the potatoes with a spatula to get the juices to bubble up over the edges of the potatoes. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered now, and cook for another 15 min. Repeat this process of pressing on the potatoes every 15 min. two more times for a total cooking time of 1 hour and 15 min. When done, the gratin will be lightly brown on top and the potatoes tender when pierced with the tip of a small knife. If the top of the gratin isn’t browned after this amount of time, press on the potatoes again with the spatula and return the pan to the oven for up to another 10 min.

Keep the potatoes moist and flavorful by pressing down on the gratin with a spatula several times during the baking process to redistribute the liquid.

Remove the dish from the oven. Press one last time with the spatula and then let the dish rest on a cooling rack for 30 min. before serving.