Bushra Griffith
Cheesy leeks are a delightful dish of tender steamed and pan-fried leeks smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. They are a great side dish for roast chicken, grilled fish, or a vegetarian option for a Sunday roast. This simple and versatile dish can also be served as a meat-free main course. The basic leek and cheese sauce can be used as a filling for jacket potatoes or stirred through freshly cooked pasta. This recipe uses a combination of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, to create a creamy and rich sauce. The leeks are then baked or grilled until the topping is crisp and golden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish |
| Main ingredients | Leeks, cheese, breadcrumbs |
| Ideal for | Sunday roast, family meal, supper |
| Goes well with | Chicken, pork, grilled fish, roast lamb, jacket potatoes, pasta |
| Cheese sauce ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, double Gloucester, red Leicester, parmesan, brie |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Leeks in cheese sauce as a side for roast chicken
Leeks in cheese sauce is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with roast chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious accompaniment.
First, select fresh leeks; choose leeks of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Trim, wash, and cut the leeks into short lengths, leaving all the white part and some of the green. The size of the pieces can vary from 2-3 cm. Steaming is a popular method to cook the leeks until they are tender, but they can also be boiled or pan-fried.
While the leeks are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. Start by making a roux: melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until a thick paste forms. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously, to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in your choice of cheese. A combination of cheddar, double Gloucester, or red Leicester with mozzarella and cream cheese will result in a flavourful and creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and mustard to taste.
Once the leeks are tender, place them in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over them. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture and additional cheese for a golden finish. Bake in the oven at a temperature between 170-220°C for 12-30 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning and crispness.
Leeks in cheese sauce is a versatile dish that complements roast chicken beautifully. It is a simple and tasty way to elevate your roast dinner, and it is sure to impress both meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Cheese Fondue Without a Fondue Pot: Alternative Serving Ideas
You may want to see also
Leeks in cheese sauce as a vegetarian main
Leeks in cheese sauce is a delicious and simple vegetarian main. It is a classic British dish that can be served as a side or a light entrée. The key to this dish is the combination of tender, sweet, and mildly flavoured leeks with a creamy, luscious cheese sauce. The dish is then topped with a crunchy gratin crust, adding a textural contrast.
To make this dish, start by preparing the leeks. Wash, trim, and slice the leeks to your desired thickness. It is recommended to choose leeks of similar thickness so they cook evenly. You can steam, boil, or pan-fry the leeks until they are tender. The leeks can also be sautéed with garlic and thyme for added flavour.
Next, prepare the cheese sauce. The basic sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually adding milk to form a smooth, creamy sauce. For extra flavour, add mustard, nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, or a combination of these ingredients. You can also include cream cheese, grated cheddar, or parmesan for a more indulgent sauce. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper.
Now, it's time to assemble the dish. Place the cooked leeks in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and dot with butter. The breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture to the dish and can be made from stale bread blitzed in a food processor. You can also add extra cheese to the breadcrumbs for a more indulgent topping.
Finally, bake the dish in the oven until the topping is golden brown and crispy. The baking time will vary depending on your oven temperature, but it typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Leeks in cheese sauce can be served as a vegetarian main, paired with a fresh salad, gourmet crackers, or a bowl of soup. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences and can be a satisfying and comforting vegetarian option.
The Ultimate Guide to Serving Cougar Gold Cheese
You may want to see also
Leeks in cheese sauce as a side for grilled fish
Leeks in cheese sauce make a great side dish, and they go particularly well with grilled fish. Here's a recipe for cheesy leeks that you can serve as a side for grilled fish.
First, trim, wash, and slice the leeks at an angle, to a thickness of about 2-3cm. You can also use ready-sliced fresh or frozen leeks. Steam the leeks for 6-8 minutes until they are bright green and tender. If you're using frozen leeks, you can put them straight into the pan and let them defrost and steam in their own water.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour, cooking for about 10-15 seconds. Then, gradually add milk, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. You can also add a ladleful of the leek cooking liquid for extra flavour. Add mustard, and season with salt and pepper. For the cheese, you can use a combination of mature cheddar, double Gloucester, red Leicester, mozzarella, and cream cheese.
Now, fold the steamed leeks into the cheese sauce and transfer everything to an ovenproof baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese, and bake for 12-20 minutes until golden and bubbling. You can also brown the dish under a hot grill for a crispy topping.
Your leeks in cheese sauce are now ready to be served as a side for grilled fish! Enjoy!
The Perfect Pair: Wensleydale and Cranberries
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Leeks in cheese sauce as a side for roast dinners
Leeks in cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a meat-free main. It is an ideal side dish for roast dinners, especially chicken and pork, and is a great alternative to cauliflower cheese. The combination of tender steamed or pan-fried leeks and creamy cheese sauce is simply delicious.
To prepare the leeks, trim, wash, and slice them into rounds about 2-3 cm thick. You can steam or cook them in lightly salted boiling water until tender. If you want to add extra flavour, you can sauté the leeks before combining them with the cheese sauce.
For the cheese sauce, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, double Gloucester, red Leicester, mozzarella, Parmesan, or Brie. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and stir until a thick paste forms. Gradually add milk, mustard, and the grated or chunked cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Combine the steamed leeks with the cheese sauce in an ovenproof baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese, then bake until golden and bubbling. The dish can be served alongside roast dinners, providing a delicious and indulgent side option.
Leeks in cheese sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until piping hot and golden, ensuring a crisp and indulgent side dish to accompany your roast dinner.
American Cheese: How Much is a Serving?
You may want to see also
Leeks in cheese sauce as a side for pork
Leeks in cheese sauce make a great side dish for pork. The creamy cheese sauce and the crunchy breadcrumbs create a delightful combination of contrasting tastes and textures. This simple and versatile dish is perfect for a Sunday roast or a family meal.
To make leeks in cheese sauce, start by preparing the leeks. Choose leeks that are of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Trim and wash the leeks, leaving all of the white part and some of the green. Cut the leeks into short lengths or rounds, ensuring they are well cleaned and free from dirt and grit. You can also buy ready-sliced fresh or frozen leeks, which can be added directly to the pan. Steam or cook the leeks in lightly salted boiling water for 5-10 minutes until they are just tender and bright green.
While the leeks are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour, cooking until you have a thick paste. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. You can also add a ladleful of the reserved cooking liquid from the leeks for extra flavour. Crumble or grate your chosen cheese into the sauce. You can use a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, double Gloucester, Red Leicester, mozzarella, or cream cheese. Add mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg.
Once the leeks are tender, drain them and place them in an ovenproof baking dish. Spoon the cheese sauce over the leeks and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. You can use fresh or stale bread to make the breadcrumbs, blitzing them in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Dot the top with butter and bake in the oven at 190°C for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is crisp, golden, and bubbling.
Leeks in cheese sauce can be served as a side dish for pork, chicken, or grilled fish. It pairs particularly well with Sunday roasts and can be enjoyed as a meat-free main course as well.
Mac & Cheese: The Perfect Ham Companion
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Leeks in cheese sauce make a great side dish for roast chicken or pork, grilled fish, or a vegetarian Sunday roast.
You can use a variety of cheeses for the sauce, such as cheddar, double Gloucester, red Leicester, mozzarella, or cream cheese.
You can add mustard, thyme, or garlic to the sauce for extra flavour.
Cauliflower, broccoli, or other vegetables can be used as a substitute for leeks in cheese sauce.
Yes, you can make leeks in cheese sauce in advance up until step 5 of the recipe. Then, cover and chill until you are ready to bake and serve.
