Buttery Leek and Mature Cheddar Toastie Recipe
Slow-braised buttery leeks and sharp mature cheddar melted between thick slices of sourdough. Make the leeks ahead for an easy lunch.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 40 grams salted butter plus extra to butter the bread
- 3 cups finely sliced and cleaned leeks (aprox 3 medium-large) white and pale green parts (loosely packed)
- 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
- 6 slices sourdough bread fairly thickly cut
- Dijon mustard A thin spread per sandwich (optional)
- 120-150 grams 12 - 18 month mature Cheddar grated
Instructions
- Add the butter to a non-stick frying pan. Sauté the onions for about 2 minutes before adding the leeks. Add the bay leaf, thyme leaves, and season with salt and white pepper. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes until very soft and sticky.
- Butter the bread on one side only. Add a very light spread of Dijon if you are using it. The buttered side will be on the outside of the sandwich. Divide the braised leeks and cheese between three slices of bread and spread to fill each evenly. Top with the second slice of bread (buttered side facing outwards).
- Preheat a panini press or large frying pan.
- When the Grill is ready, place the buttered sandwiches on, close and toast until golden brown. Alternatively fry them in batches in a frying pan until golden on both sides and the cheese has melted.
Notes
Make ahead: The braised leeks keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before using.
Storage: These are best eaten immediately. If you have a leftover half, wrap it and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Assembled but untoasted sandwiches do not store well, because the bread absorbs moisture from the leeks.
Reheating: Reheat in a dry frying pan over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp and hot through. Avoid the microwave, which turns the bread soft and the cheese greasy.
Freezing: Not recommended for the assembled sandwich. The braised leeks freeze well on their own for up to 3 months.
Servings: 3