Leeks' Best Cheesy Companions: A Flavorful Guide

Leeks and cheese are a classic combination, and there are many ways to serve this dish. Whether you're looking for a simple side or a more indulgent main course, cooking up a batch of leeks smothered in cheese is a great way to go. When it comes to choosing the right cheese to pair with leeks, there are several options to consider, from the humble cheddar to the more sophisticated Gruyere or Caerphilly.

Cheddar and Gruyere

When preparing the leeks, it is important to remove the tough, dark green part and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Season the insides of the leek with salt and pepper, then fry them in butter on low-medium heat until soft and buttery. For thin leeks, you can keep them halved and fry them in a pan. However, for thicker leeks, you may need to quarter them or dice them into rounds.

To make the cheese sauce, start by melting butter and mixing in flour to form a paste. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Once thickened, add in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Gruyere until smooth.

To assemble, spread a spoonful of cheese sauce on the base of your baking dish. Add the leek halves cut-side up, then pour over the sauce. Finish with a sprinkling of cheese to get a crispy, browned finish. Bake at 200°C/390°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This cheesy leek recipe is a perfect side dish for roasted meats or grilled fish.

Parmesan, Cheddar and Brie

Leeks and Cheese

Leeks are a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create delicious dishes. Here are some ideas for using Parmesan, Cheddar, and Brie with leeks:

Parmesan

Braised leeks with Parmesan is a simple yet elegant dish. To make this, leeks are first cut in half lengthwise and soaked in cold water to remove any sand. They are then cooked in olive oil in a skillet until lightly browned. White wine is added to the pan to deglaze it, along with enough water or stock to cover the leeks. The leeks are simmered until tender, and then topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The dish is finished under a broiler, which melts the cheese and adds a crunchy layer on top of the soft, cooked leeks.

Cheddar

For a hearty and indulgent option, try combining leeks with Cheddar cheese. A recipe by Jamie Oliver suggests cooking leeks slowly in a casserole pan with butter, thyme, and garlic until soft and sticky. The Cheddar is then grated over the leeks, along with some Parmesan, and the dish is baked in the oven until golden and bubbling. This creates a rich and flavourful side or main course.

Brie

Brie is a soft and creamy cheese that pairs well with the mild flavour of leeks. For a sophisticated starter or light meal, try making Brie and leek tartlets. This involves cooking leeks with butter and garlic, and then spooning the mixture into miniature phyllo tart shells. Cubes of Brie are added to each tartlet, and they are baked until heated through. These bite-sized treats are sure to impress at any gathering.

Caerphilly Cheese

For a more indulgent dish, leeks can be cooked with butter and cream, and topped with grated Caerphilly cheese. This can be served on toast, or spooned over thick slices of bread and grilled.

For a lighter option, leeks can be pan-fried in oil or butter, and served on sourdough toast with a rarebit topping made from Caerphilly cheese, egg, yoghurt, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Welsh Cheddar Organic Cheese

Leeks and cheese are a classic combination, and Welsh Cheddar Organic Cheese with Leeks takes this pairing to the next level. This cheese is a delicious blend of creamy, mature cheddar and real leeks, resulting in a savoury, classic cheese and onion flavour. It is a limited-edition cheese that can be enjoyed as part of a cheese board or used in cooking.

Taste and Texture

The addition of leeks gives the cheese a savoury, classic cheese and onion flavour, while the mature cheddar provides a creamy texture and a strong, sharp taste. The leeks add enough bite and pungency without detracting from the strength of the cheddar, creating a well-balanced and flavourful cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Nutritional Information

This cheese has a generous serving size of 100 grams, providing 402 kcal of energy. It is a good source of protein, with 24.4 grams per 100 grams of cheese. The fat content is 33.2 grams, including 21.8 grams of saturated fat. The carbohydrate content is low at 2.2 grams, with no sugars, and it provides 0.8 grams of fibre.

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Breadcrumbs

Cheesy leeks are a delicious dish, perfect as a side or a meat-free main. The combination of leeks and cheese creates a rich and indulgent flavour, but to take this dish to the next level, consider adding breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture to the creamy leeks and melted cheese, creating a contrast that enhances the overall taste experience.

Choosing the Right Breadcrumbs

The term "fresh breadcrumbs" is a bit misleading, as they are best made with bread that is slightly stale. This is because fresh bread tends to be too soft, resulting in soggy breadcrumbs. To make fresh breadcrumbs, use slightly stale white or brown bread, removing the crusts if they are tough. Tear the bread into pieces and add them to a food processor, blending until coarse crumbs form. If you don't have stale bread, you can create your own by toasting pieces in a warm oven for about 20 minutes until they dry out.

Adding Breadcrumbs to Cheesy Leeks

Once you've prepared your leeks and cheese sauce, it's time to add the breadcrumbs. After placing the leeks in an ovenproof dish and covering them with the cheese sauce, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. You can also add some extra cheese on top of the breadcrumbs for an even crispier, browned finish.

Baking the Dish

After assembling the dish, it's time to bake it in the oven. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling. This will ensure that the breadcrumbs are crispy and add a delightful texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy leeks with breadcrumbs make an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. They pair well with roasted meats, such as chicken and pork, and are also delicious with grilled fish. For a simple supper, serve them with crusty bread. Cheesy leeks are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

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