Ale-Infused Leek and Cheddar Toast
Warm up your fall or winter afternoons with this delectable Ale-Infused Leek and Cheddar Toast. Created by the culinary genius Donna Hay, this dish is perfect for those cozy moments accompanied by a good book and a crackling fireplace. Succulent leeks are nestled beneath a luscious, creamy cheddar sauce with hints of dark ale and English mustard, all atop crispy, thick bread slices. This toast is the epitome of comfort, striking a balance between simplicity and gourmet refinement.
4
Servings
338
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
30 g (divided into two portions)
leeks
2 (trimmed and sliced)
plain flour
1 tablespoon (all-purpose)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
dark ale
1/4 cup (such as stout)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
hot English mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
egg yolks
2 (none)
sea salt
to taste (none)
cracked black pepper
to taste (none)
thick bread
4 slices (none)
Instructions
1
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat 15 g of butter over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 15 g of butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook while stirring continuously for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to turn light golden without burning.
4
Slowly whisk the milk into the saucepan, ensuring a smooth consistency. Continue to cook the mixture for about 30 seconds till it thickens.
5
Incorporate the dark ale into the sauce. Then, whisk in Worcestershire sauce, English mustard, grated cheddar, egg yolks, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6
Preheat the grill (broiler) to high.
7
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Top each slice with half of the sautéed leeks, then pour the cheese and ale mixture evenly over the leeks.
8
Grill the prepared toasts under the preheated grill for 1-2 minutes, or until the tops are bubbly and golden.
9
Serve immediately as a warm, savory snack or lunch option.
Nutrition Information
22.5 g
Fat
23.8 g
Carbs
8.8 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ale-Infused Leek and Cheddar Toast?
It is a savory comfort dish featuring sautéed leeks and a creamy sauce made of cheddar, dark ale, and mustard served on thick bread.
Who is the creator of this recipe?
This recipe was created by culinary expert Donna Hay.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 338 calories per serving.
What type of ale is recommended for the sauce?
A dark ale, such as stout, is recommended for the best flavor.
How long should the leeks be sautéed?
The leeks should be cooked for 5-8 minutes until softened and golden brown.
What kind of cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian, though you should ensure your Worcestershire sauce is a vegetarian variety.
What type of bread should I use?
Thick slices of bread are best to support the creamy topping.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this toast provide?
This dish provides 8.8 grams of protein per serving.
How much butter is required in total?
The recipe requires 30 grams of butter, divided into two portions.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting 15g of butter and stirring in flour to create a light golden roux.
How much milk is needed for the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of milk.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill (broiler) should be preheated to high.
How long do the toasts need to be grilled?
Grill the toasts for 1-2 minutes until the tops are bubbly and golden.
How many egg yolks are used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 2 egg yolks.
What type of mustard is used in this recipe?
One teaspoon of hot English mustard is used.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What are the ideal seasons for this dish?
This recipe is perfect for fall and winter afternoons.
How much flour is used?
One tablespoon of plain all-purpose flour is used.
How should the leeks be prepared before cooking?
The leeks should be trimmed and sliced.
What is the suggested serving time?
It should be served immediately as a warm snack or lunch.
Should the milk be added all at once?
The milk should be whisked in slowly to ensure a smooth consistency.
How long do you cook the sauce after adding the ale and cheese?
Cook the mixture for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Can I substitute the dark ale?
While dark ale is preferred for flavor, you could use a lighter beer or extra broth, though the taste will change.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What seasonings are used?
Sea salt and cracked black pepper are used to taste.
Is the bread toasted before adding the toppings?
The instructions indicate placing toppings on the bread and then grilling them together.