Cheesy Crusted Caramelized Leek Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Crusted Caramelised Leek dish brings together tender, sweet leeks with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. It’s a comforting and elegant side that pairs beautifully with many main courses or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only), sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position an oven-safe baking dish on the middle rack.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced leeks, salt, sugar, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3: Lightly grease your baking dish or cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking while the leeks cook.
4. Step 4: Cook the leeks until they are golden and soft, about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Transfer the caramelised leeks to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cheddar and parmesan cheese, and add fresh thyme if using.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
7. Step 7: Broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end to create a crisp, golden brown cheese crust.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm as a side dish, on toasted bread, or inside a savory tart.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine or sherry to the leeks while cooking.
• Swap cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors and textures.
• Fresh thyme can be replaced with rosemary or sage depending on your preference.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melted and the leeks warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen leeks for this recipe?

Frozen leeks can work, but fresh leeks yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain thoroughly before cooking.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but double-check that the cheeses you use do not contain animal rennet for strict vegetarian diets.

Cheesy Crusted Caramelized Leek Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 122 reviews

This Cheesy Crusted Caramelised Leek recipe features tender, sweet leeks caramelised in butter and olive oil, topped with a luscious blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection and finished with a crisp golden crust. It’s a savory, versatile side dish or a flavorful topping for toast and savory tarts.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Leeks and Seasonings

• 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only), sliced thinly
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheeses

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Optional

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position an oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet on the middle rack to warm slightly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced leeks along with salt, sugar, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Cook the leeks, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, about 25–30 minutes, allowing natural sugars to caramelise.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: While the leeks cook, lightly grease your baking dish or cast-iron skillet with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the caramelised leeks to the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated cheddar and parmesan cheese over the top. Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped thyme for added flavor.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake the leeks and cheese uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts fully and starts bubbling around the edges.
6. Finishing Touches: Switch your oven to broil and broil the dish for 2–3 minutes, carefully watching to create a golden brown and crisp cheesy crust without burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm as a side dish, spread on toast, or incorporated into savory tarts.

Notes

• Be sure to slice only the white and light green parts of the leeks, as the dark green parts can be tough.
• Caramelising the leeks slowly over medium heat brings out their natural sweetness; don’t rush this step.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can omit it or substitute with dried thyme (use about half the amount).
• Use a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish to easily transition from stovetop to oven.
• Keep an eye on the dish during broiling to avoid burning the cheese crust.

Keywords: caramelised leeks, cheesy leek bake, roasted leeks with cheese, savory side dish, leek recipe