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Creamy Cheesy Leeks Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

This Creamy Cheesy Leeks recipe features tender leeks cooked in a smooth, cheesy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, Dijon mustard, and aged Cheddar. Finished with a crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs, thyme, and extra cheese, then baked to golden perfection. A comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Leeks

  • 1.8-2 lbs leeks (850 g / 28-31 oz)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter (30 g / 1 oz)
  • 3 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 g / 1 oz)
  • 1 ½ cups full-fat milk (350 ml / 12 fl.oz)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt or Kosher salt (more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, grated (100 g / 3.5 oz)

Topping

  • 6 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
  2. Clean and Slice Leeks: Trim the ends of the leeks. Clean thoroughly by checking between layers for any dirt. Slice the cleaned leeks into 1 inch (2 ½ cm) thick slices.
  3. Cook Leeks: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 7-8 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain the leeks well in a colander.
  4. Make Roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly golden, forming a roux.
  5. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the full-fat milk to the roux, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and three-quarters of the grated Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Mix Leeks with Cheese Sauce: Add the drained leeks to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  8. Assemble the Leek Bake: Pour the cheesy leek mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the dried thyme and the remaining cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the leek mixture.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Make sure to clean leeks thoroughly as dirt can hide between their layers.
  • Adjust salt to your taste, especially if using salted butter or cheeses.
  • Use good quality aged Cheddar for a richer flavor and better melting.
  • Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/creamy-cheesy-leeks-recipe/