easy cheesy leeks

ByEditorial Staff February 4, 2024February 4, 2024

Make these bubbling, cheesy leeks the ideal side dish, perfect for a weekend roast or family meal. Toped with breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

Prep: 20 mins
Cook:20 mins
Easy
Serves: 6

Ingredients

600g leeks (about 3 medium), trimmed and cut into 2cm rounds
50g butter
50g plain flour
500ml milk
100g mature cheddar grated
1 tsp English mustard
50g stale bread, blitzed to crumbs
2 tsp thyme leaves

easy cheesy leeks Method

Step: 1 Warm the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Into a steamer basket tip the leeks and steam for around 6-8 mins or until bright green and just becoming tender.

Step: 2 For now, in a saucepan heat the butter and flour together, mixing till you have a thick paste. Then, add milk, a splash at a time, and keep stirring till all the milk has been added. Now cook for the next 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes thickened enough to cover the back of a spoon. Mix in most of the mature cheddar, the mustard, and a little seasoning.

Step: 3 Fold the steamed leeks into cheese sauce, and tip everything into an ovenproof baking tray. Disperse over the breadcrumbs, thyme, and last cheese, now bake for around 20 minutes until golden, crisp on top, and bubbling at the sides. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.