Cheesy ham and leek bake Recipe

Cheesy Ham and Leek Bake is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. It combines tender leeks, savory ham, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Here’s a recipe to try!

Cheesy Ham and Leek Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Bake:
  • 2 large leeks, trimmed and sliced (white and light green parts)
  • 1 1/2 cups (225g) cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups (200g) potatoes, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Topping:
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for the breadcrumb topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (around 9×9 inches or similar size).
2. Prepare the Leeks:
   • Heat a pan over medium heat, melt the butter, and sauté the sliced leeks until soft (about 5-7 minutes). Set them aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • In the prepared baking dish, layer the sautéed leeks, diced ham, and potatoes (if using).
   • Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, making sure everything is well coated.
5. Add Topping:
   • For a crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Add extra grated cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips:

• Leek Prep: Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly as they can contain dirt between the layers.
• Optional Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes add an extra layer of heartiness to this dish, but they can be omitted if you prefer a lighter bake.
• Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for extra flavor.

This Cheesy Ham and Leek Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender leeks and savory ham, making it a delicious meal any time of the week!