Leeks Au Gratin

Leeks Au Gratin is a comforting and elegant side dish that transforms humble leeks into a rich, creamy delight. Tender leeks are simmered until crisp-tender and then enveloped in a velvety sauce made with skim milk, flour, and sharp Gruyere cheese. The dish is finished with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe balances mild sweetness from the leeks with savory, cheesy depth.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling

Cuisine: American

Courses: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 12

Calories: 451.7

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

Leeks Au Gratin is a comforting and elegant side dish that transforms humble leeks into a rich, creamy delight. Tender leeks are simmered until crisp-tender and then enveloped in a velvety sauce made with skim milk, flour, and sharp Gruyere cheese. The dish is finished with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe balances mild sweetness from the leeks with savory, cheesy depth.

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the sliced leeks, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain well.
3
In a small bowl, mix the dry bread crumbs with melted margarine to prepare the crumb topping. Set aside.
4
In a 2-quart saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of margarine over low heat.
5
Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the margarine is fully absorbed and the mixture is smooth.
6
Gradually stir in the skim milk. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
7
Boil and stir for 1 minute to thicken the sauce.
8
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
9
Stir the cooked leeks into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
10
Spray a shallow 1-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the leek mixture into the dish.
11
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
12
Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 451.7kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.0g24%
Saturated Fat 7.6g38%
Cholesterol 26.1mg9%
Sodium 4178.4mg175%
Total Carbohydrate 46.2g16%
Dietary Fiber 9.2g37%
Sugars 10.8g
Protein 10.7g22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: leeks, au gratin, gruyere, cheese, breadcrumb topping, vegetarian, side dish, comfort food, baked, creamy, american cuisine, holiday dinner, leek recipe, gratin, easy dinner, comforting, vegetable casserole, skim milk, margarine, healthy side

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/leeks-au-gratin/