If you’re looking for a new delicious way to use up leeks then look no further. I mean, not that there’s anything new about throwing copious amounts of cheese over vegetables, certainly not on this blog anyway 😂 But let’s be real, it never gets boring. Follow me…
Preparing Leeks
The dream: smother leeks in cheese and bake. The reality: prepare leeks or you’ll end up with chewy dirty (cheesy) leeks.
How to prepare Leeks
First thing you’ll want to do is essentially get rid of half the poor thing. Well, not half. Just the dark green/tough part. Saving grace is you can save this for making stock though! Second thing you’ll want to do is remove the dirt. Leeks are notorious for storing dirt in between the layers, which is difficult to remove unless you slice open the leek. Keeping the root intact, just slice the leek lengthways and wash out the dirt. Ensure you then thoroughly dry them.
Don’t forget the seasoning!
Realistically the leeks are the star of the show here, so it’s important they don’t get lost in the cheese sauce. Season the insides of the leek with a hefty pinch of salt and pepper. Process shots: trim leek (photo 1), slice open with root intact (photo 2), soak in cold water (photo 3), slice off root (photo 4).
Cooking Leeks
You can cook leeks in a variety of different ways. Like onions, you can fry, roast, steam or even eat them raw. Whilst the leeks will cook slightly as they bake in the cheese sauce (we’ll get to that in just a sec) they do need some pre-cooking or they’ll come out tough and chewy.
Pan Fried Leeks
Because this recipe calls for thin leeks, you can get away with keeping them in half and frying them that way. Just keep them on a low heat with a dollop of butter and allow them to soften right through. This step will not only ensure the leeks obviously cook, but it also injects flavour into them when they caramelize in the butter. Because, as we know, butter makes everything better. Process shots: add leeks flesh side down in butter (photo 1), fry until buttery soft (photo 2).
Cheese Sauce
Leeks done and dusted, onto the sauce. Which by the way will start in the same pan as the leeks were cooked, just to use up any leftover flavour.
What Cheese to use?
Here I use two difference cheeses: Cheddar and Gruyere. Gruyere has a really gorgeous nutty flavour to it that not only goes amazingly with cheddar, but also goes great with leeks.
Two secret weapons
To really take this sauce to new heights I HIGHLY recommend adding in a dollop of dijon mustard and a good few pinches of nutmeg. The mustard emphasises the sharp cheesy tones of the cheddar, whilst the nutmeg brings out those gorgeous nutty tones in the gruyere. As far as making the cheese sauce goes it’s just a regular roux. Process shots: melt butter and mix in flour (photo 1), gradually whisk in milk (photo 2), add in seasoning (photo 3) add in cheese (photo 4).
Baked Leeks
As you can imagine, from here the process is pretty simple. Here’s a few tips to help along the way:
First Layer – You’ll want to spread a spoonful of the sauce on the very first layer to ensure the leeks don’t stick to the dish. Cut side up – Ensure you stack the leeks cut side up so the sauce seeps right into the leeks. Extra Cheese – Finish everything with a good sprinkling of cheese to get that crispy, browned finish!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yup! Just allow to cool and tightly store in the fridge until ready to bake. Process shots: spread sauce then add half of the leeks (photo 1), pour over sauce (photo 2), add leeks (photo 3), pour sauce and top with cheese (photo 4).
Serving Cheesy Leeks
Once they come out the oven they’ll be hot as hell, so just let them rest for 5 mins or so.
What to serve cheesy leeks with?
My two favourite things to serve these with are Homemade Sausages and Roasted Spatchcock Chicken! If you’re after another cheesy and delicious side dish check out my Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese! For more similar recipes check out these beauties too:
Easy Side Dish Recipes
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Crispy Smashed Potatoes Garlic Green Beans Cheesy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these cheesy leeks shall we?!
How to make Cheesy Leeks (Full Recipe & Video)
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