Leek, Bacon and Cheese Tart

Name: Leek, Bacon and Cheese Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 slices
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed); 1/4 cup cold water; 3 medium leeks (white and light green parts only, sliced); 4 slices bacon (diced); 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1 egg (lightly beaten); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

75 min 6 slices Medium

All Recipes

A delicate and flaky tart featuring leeks, bacon, and cheese, perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Prep

30 min

Cook

45 min

Total

75 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The leek, bacon, and cheese tart is a classic French dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavourful and elegant meal. Leeks offer a subtle onion taste that pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon and creamy cheese. This tart is an excellent choice for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Its flaky crust and savoury filling are both satisfying and versatile, making it a favourite for many home cooks. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or the main event, it's sure to impress.

Ingredients

Servings

Pastry

Filling

Instructions

Prepare the pastry

In a large bowl, mix flour and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a pastry cutter for even mixing.

Cook the bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Pro tip: Save bacon fat for added flavour in the filling.

Cook the leeks

In the same skillet, add leeks to the bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Avoid browning the leeks; they should remain soft.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll out the pastry

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Fit the dough into the pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.

Pro tip: Chill the rolled dough in the pan for 10 minutes before baking.

Bake the crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Pro tip: Blind baking ensures a crisp crust.

Prepare the filling

In a bowl, combine leeks, bacon, cheese, egg, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour into the pre-baked crust.

Pro tip: Mix just until combined to avoid overworking.

Bake the tart

Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

Pro tip: The centre should jiggle slightly when done.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use cold butter for a flakier crust.</li><li>Cook leeks slowly to bring out their sweetness.</li><li>Pre-bake the crust to avoid a soggy bottom.</li><li>Choose a sharp cheese for more flavour.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tart warm with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light red for a more robust flavour experience. You can make the tart ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispness before serving.