If you’re looking for a rustic yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress, this Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe is an absolute winner. I absolutely love how this galette combines flaky, nutty crust with tender potatoes and savory leeks—all wrapped up in a cozy, golden package. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Pistachio Crust: Adds a nutty crunch and beautiful texture that’s a fresh twist on classic galette crusts.
- Savory Filling Combination: Creamy goat cheese, fragrant rosemary, and silky leeks perfectly complement earthy potatoes.
- Impressively Easy to Make: Though it looks fancy, this galette is straightforward, no pie skills needed!
- Versatile for Any Meal: My family goes crazy for it as a brunch star or paired with a salad for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe come together harmoniously. The pistachios bring both flavor and crunch to the crust, while the creamy goat cheese balances the earthiness of the potatoes and the freshness of the leeks. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to have on hand.
- Pistachios: These are the star of the crust—toast them lightly for extra flavor before grinding if you can.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure; make sure to measure carefully for the perfect dough consistency.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it helps create that tender, flaky texture in the crust.
- Leeks: Clean thoroughly since they can hold grit in their layers; I like using the white and pale green parts.
- Yukon Gold potato: Thinly sliced for even cooking and creamy texture—don’t skip the thin slices!
- Goat cheese: Room temperature goat cheese blends beautifully with garlic and rosemary for the filling.
- Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped to awaken the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Egg: Beaten, for brushing the crust to get that gorgeous golden shine.
- Other staples: Garlic, heavy cream, olive oil, kosher salt, and sugar round out the flavor and texture.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. I often switch things up depending on the season or occasion.
- Cheese swap: I’ve tried replacing goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a milder flavor, and it’s lovely—perfect if goat cheese isn’t your thing.
- Nut alternatives: If pistachios aren’t available, finely chopped walnuts or almonds work well for the crust too, though the flavor does shift slightly.
- Herb flexibility: Instead of rosemary, I’ve used thyme or fresh sage, which pairs nicely with the potatoes and leeks.
- Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter and skip the goat cheese for a dairy-free galette—try a cashew cream spread instead!
How to Make Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pistachio Crust Dough
Start by pulsing your pistachios in a food processor until finely crushed but not powdery—that texture adds such a lovely crunch. Then mix them with flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, stirring just until the dough holds together. Form it into a disk, wrap it, and chill for 30 minutes. This chilling step is key for a flaky crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Leeks Until Tender
Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in your well-cleaned leek rounds. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant, but avoid browning them. Soft leeks add just the right gentle sweetness to the galette without overpowering the other ingredients. Once done, transfer to a plate to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together the goat cheese, minced garlic, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. This mixture will help bind the filling and add creamy tang that cuts through the richness of the crust and potatoes. If your goat cheese is cold, let it soften at room temperature first—it spreads much easier that way.
Step 4: Assemble the Galette
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about a 12-inch circle—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; rustic is the charm here. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread your goat cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border. Sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary on top for that herbal punch. Arrange thin potato slices in a circle over the cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Top with the sautéed leeks.
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as needed to contain everything within a sturdy crimped border. Brush the dough edges with the beaten egg to give it a gorgeous golden glow once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pop your galette into the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and crisp and the potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on the edges; if they brown faster, you can loosely tent with foil to avoid burning. Let it cool slightly before slicing—this makes for cleaner slices and helps the filling set just right.
Pro Tips for Making Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and water keep the crust flaky—warmth means toughness, so chill your dough well.
- Prep the Leeks Carefully: Leeks can be gritty; slicing and rinsing in a bowl of cold water in layers helps remove dirt completely.
- Slice Potatoes Paper-thin: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice your potato thinly for even cooking and tender texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Make sure to bake until the crust edges turn golden to get that perfect crunch without drying out the filling.
How to Serve Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe
Garnishes
I like fresh garnishes that brighten the galette’s richness—a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the oven helps elevate flavors. A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil add an elegant touch, too. Sometimes I toss a handful of baby arugula dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette on the side for a peppery contrast.
Side Dishes
This galette pairs beautifully with simple sides that let it shine. A crisp green salad with a citrus dressing or a light tomato and cucumber salad is perfect. If I’m making it for dinner, I often serve with roasted seasonal vegetables or a bowl of delicate soup like butternut squash or fennel.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for a special brunch, I assembled several smaller galettes on individual plates with a bold herb salad on top, making them look like little masterpieces. You can also cut the galette into squares and serve as elegant finger food at a party. I find the pistachio crust really stands out when you use contrasting plate colors for serving—makes it feel extra fancy without any fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve found that storing leftover galette wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the fridge keeps it fresh for about 2 days. When you slice it cold, the filling holds together nicely, so it’s great for next-day lunches. Just let it cool completely before storing to avoid soggy crust.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe, it’s best to freeze before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake and enjoy almost like fresh. I’ve done this a few times when prepping ahead, and it works like a charm.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust re-crisped. Avoid microwaving; it tends to make the crust chewy. I like using a baking sheet with a bit of foil underneath to catch any drips. You’ll get that fresh-baked feel all over again!
FAQs
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Can I make the pistachio crust without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can finely chop the pistachios by hand with a sharp knife, or pulse them a few times in a blender if you don’t have a food processor. Just be careful not to turn them into pistachio butter—fine crumbs are what you want for the best crust texture.
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Can I use other potatoes besides Yukon Gold?
You can, but Yukon Gold is ideal because it holds its shape and has a buttery flavor. Russets tend to be too starchy and might fall apart. If you use red potatoes, they should be thinly sliced and cooked thoroughly for the best results.
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How do I clean leeks properly?
Slice the leeks as directed, then soak them in a bowl of cold water, separating the layers so dirt can sink to the bottom. Lift the leeks out with a slotted spoon or your hands instead of pouring the water out to avoid grit. Repeat if needed.
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Can I prepare this galette vegan?
Yes! Substitute vegan butter for the crust, and swap goat cheese for a cashew cream or a plant-based cheese alternative. Just watch baking times and textures—vegan fats sometimes behave a bit differently, so chill the dough well and enjoy experimenting!
Final Thoughts
This Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels both comforting and a little fancy. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy family dinner—they were blown away by how something so simple could taste so rich and sophisticated. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself to a new favorite, give this recipe a try. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it just like I did!
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Potato and Leek Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Savory Tart
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Potato, Leek, and Rosemary Galette with Pistachio Crust is a savory, rustic tart combining the earthy flavors of pistachio in the crust with creamy goat cheese, tender leeks, and thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes. The fresh rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note, while the flaky galette crust offers a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for a cozy brunch or a light dinner, this galette is both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 14 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cold water
Galette Filling
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 leeks, cut into 1/4 inch rounds and cleaned well
- 4 ounces goat cheese, room temperature
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 large Yukon Gold potato, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Make the crust: Start by crushing pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped. In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and the crushed pistachios. Cut in the unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or pulses in the processor until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the leeks: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cleaned leek rounds and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature goat cheese, minced garlic, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and spreadable.
- Roll out the galette dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place on a floured surface. Roll into a 12-inch diameter circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble the galette: Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary over the cheese. Arrange the thin slices of Yukon Gold potato in a single layer over the cheese mixture. Drizzle the potato slices with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top the potatoes with the cooked leeks. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, about 2 inches, pleating as needed to enclose the sides of the galette. Brush the folded dough edges with the beaten egg to give it a golden shine.
- Bake the galette: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to clean the leeks thoroughly to remove all grit before cooking.
- You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds if preferred, adjusting flavor accordingly.
- Use a mandoline slicer for the potato to ensure even thin slices for uniform cooking.
- Let the galette cool for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator wrapped tightly and reheat in a low oven to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of galette)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg