When making this cheesy leek bake, ensure you properly clean and cut the leeks during the preparation time. Given they have many layers, leeks can easily conceal dirt. Once you’ve trimmed down the leeks it’ll be easier to spot any residual soil and clean this away prior to cooking. And you don’t need to discard the green ends either. Hold onto the ends and use them in recipes such as leek soup or to make hearty stock.
Choosing cheeses and dairy for the sauce
For the cheese sauce, we’ve used a combination of options in the recipe above to achieve a smooth texture and add depth of flavour to the dish. Cheddar cheese melts effortlessly and brings a stronger flavour to the recipe, whereas parmesan contributes a savoury kick to offset the creaminess of the whole milk. Some chefs will also incorporate varieties such as Gruyère for a nutty and classically cheesy taste.
Variations on cheesy leeks
To balance the flavour profile of these cheesy, indulgent leeks, you can add a dash of Dijon mustard to the sauce. Or, try creating a herby leek bake as a twist on this recipe. Herbs such as chives, parsley or tarragon work well and can be mixed into the sauce before baking.
With breadcrumbs or nuts
In this recipe, we’ve shared a method using fresh breadcrumbs, but for a crunchier outer texture, you could switch in a variety of nuts instead. Toasted hazelnuts, almonds or walnuts bring a welcome crunch to the dish and add an earthy flavour to the leeks.
Lighter or gluten-free options
Creamy, cheesy leeks are very rich. If you’d prefer a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe and enhance the flavour using ingredients such as Dijon mustard or herbs instead.
For gluten-free guests, switch in nuts for the breadcrumb topping and thicken the sauce with cornflour instead of plain flour.
What to serve with cheesy leeks
A cheesy leek bake is a mouthwatering side dish for any roast dinner and even better when served at a festive lunch. The creamy cheesiness pairs well with roast chicken or turkey, and brings a touch of indulgence to a nut roast. Serve alongside other classic roast dinner sides such as roast potatoes or buttered greens.
Storage and reheating
Cheesy leeks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat the leeks before serving again, cover with kitchen foil and heat in the oven at 170ºC for 20 minutes until fully warmed through.
