leek bread pudding

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup leeks in 1/2-inch thick slices, white and light green parts only, cleaned and rinsed
• Kosher or coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups 1-inch-cubed crustless brioche or Pullman loaf (I used a little less than one loaf)
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped chives (I forgot to buy these; it made me sad)
• 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 cups whole milk, heavy cream or half-and-half or a combination thereof
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 cup shredded Comté, Emmanthaler or Swiss cheese