Name: Creamy Sauerkraut Gratin With Duck Confit
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 6 (main course) servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup plain fine dry bread crumbs; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf; 1/4 teaspoon juniper berries (see cooks' note, below), crushed; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 pounds sauerkraut, drained and chopped; 3 Confit Duck Legs at room temperature; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 4 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 2-quart shallow gratin

turquoise gratin dish with Sauerkraut Gratin with duck showing crispy topping.

Photo by Romulo Yanes

For this beautifully balanced duck gratin recipe, food editor Paul Grimes drew inspiration from the Alsace region of France, where it is common to pair preserved meats with sauerkraut. We love how the fat of the confit tempers the sharpness of the sauerkraut, which in turn is smoothed out by the creamy custard perfumed with juniper. It makes a great autumn dinner, perfect with a green salad and a cold beer. One note: Do not rinse the kraut (preferably the bagged fresh kind found in the refrigerated section) or you will lose its engaging acidity.

Cooks' notes:

•Juniper berries can be found in the spice section of the supermarket.
•Vegetarian option: Sauerkraut gratin, without duck confit, can be served as a side dish.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

21 Great Gratins for Cold Weather Comfort
All it takes is a dish and a dream. And plenty of heavy cream.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

21 Great Gratins for Cold Weather Comfort