Creamy Cheddar Leek and Potato Casserole
This Creamy Cheddar Leek and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food, effortlessly marrying the smoothness of mashed potatoes with the subtle sweetness of cooked leeks, enriched with sharp cheddar cheese. It's a versatile dish that can serve as a hearty side or steal the spotlight as the main course with its rich flavors. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this dish can be prepared in advance, making it both delicious and convenient. Top it off with some savory gravy, and it's sure to become a household favorite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
900 g (boiled and mashed)
Butter
50 g (divided)
Leeks
3 (cut into 1 cm slices)
Cheddar Cheese
200 g (grated)
Egg
1 (large)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2
Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender.
3
Meanwhile, melt half of the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook them gently for about 10 minutes or until they are soft and fragrant.
4
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and mash them thoroughly in the pot. Add the remaining butter, the egg, and three-quarters of the grated cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Fold the cooked leeks into the mashed potatoes until well combined.
6
Transfer the mixture into a large ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. If the dish was made in advance and refrigerated, it may take slightly longer to heat through.
9
Serve hot, optionally with a side of thick gravy for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Leek and Potato Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish that combines mashed potatoes with sautéed leeks and sharp cheddar cheese, baked until golden.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are 900g of potatoes, 50g of butter, 3 leeks, 200g of cheddar cheese, and 1 large egg.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 220°C (428°F).
How should the leeks be prepared?
Leeks should be cut into 1 cm slices and cooked gently in butter for about 10 minutes until soft.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish.
What is the purpose of the egg in the recipe?
The egg is added to the mashed potatoes to help bind the mixture together.
How much cheese goes inside the potato mixture?
Three-quarters (75%) of the grated cheddar cheese is folded into the mashed potatoes.
What do I do with the remaining cheese?
The remaining quarter of the cheese is sprinkled over the top of the casserole before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It typically bakes for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
What should I do if I am baking the dish from the refrigerator?
If the dish was made in advance and chilled, it may require a slightly longer baking time to heat through completely.
Are there any suggested toppings or sides?
Serving the casserole with a side of thick gravy is highly recommended for extra flavor.
How are the potatoes prepared initially?
Potatoes should be boiled in water until tender and then thoroughly mashed.
How much butter is used for cooking the leeks?
Half of the 50g of butter (25g) is used to sauté the leeks.
When is the rest of the butter added?
The remaining butter is added to the potatoes during the mashing process.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich and distinct flavor.
How do I know when the leeks are done cooking?
The leeks should be soft and fragrant after about 10 minutes over medium heat.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
A large ovenproof dish should be used to spread the mixture evenly.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to serve as a hearty side dish or as a main course.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but it is a rich, comfort-style dish.
How should the potatoes be seasoned?
You should season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The casserole has a smooth and creamy texture from the mashed potatoes and melted cheese, with soft pieces of leek throughout.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
How many grams of potatoes are needed?
You will need 900 grams of potatoes.
Can I add other seasonings?
While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you can add herbs like thyme or garlic if desired.
Is the serving size specified?
The recipe is designed for 4 servings, though the specific weight per serving is not listed.
Should the leeks be brown?
No, they should be cooked gently until soft and fragrant rather than browned.
What makes this a good potluck dish?
Its ability to be prepared in advance and its crowd-pleasing comfort flavors make it ideal for potlucks.
Does the recipe require peeling the potatoes?
The instructions specify boiling and mashing; peeling is generally standard for a smooth mashed potato casserole.