Savory Leek, Potato, and Bacon Bake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Potato lovers find pure comfort in this hearty leek potato and bacon bake that combines rustic flavors with simple ingredients.

Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to soft, creamy potatoes nestled between layers of tender leeks.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling crust that promises incredible depth of flavor.

Seasonal produce makes this dish feel both familiar and exciting for weeknight dinners.

Quick preparation means you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of smoky, rich, and creamy elements that will make you want to savor every bite.

Why James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake Is So Cozy

• Quick Comfort Meal: Dive into a hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth and happiness to your table with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using just a few cookware pieces, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without extensive washing.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and cheese, this bake appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples into a mouthwatering casserole that feels like a gourmet experience without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

What Goes Into James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake

• Potatoes: Creamy, starchy base that provides texture and substance to the bake.
• Leek: Mild onion-like vegetable that adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that brings depth and richness to the recipe.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden and crispy surface.

• Garlic, Pepper: Seasonings that add aromatic and spicy notes to the bake.
• Oil, Soup: Ingredients that help bind and moisten the dish.

Steps To Cook James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to 180C (160C fan-forced). Grease a 6-cup baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil The Potatoes

Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the potatoes and cook until they’re just tender, around 12 to 15 minutes. Drain the water and let potatoes rest in the bowl for 10 minutes. Slice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Sauté The Leeks

Pour oil into a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the leeks and cook while stirring, allowing them to soften and become fragrant for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Bacon And Garlic

Introduce bacon and garlic to the pan with the leeks. Sizzle and cook for 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour soup into the pan and mix thoroughly. Transfer everything to a large bowl. Add the sliced potatoes and season with pepper. Gently fold the mixture to ensure even coating.

Step 6: Bake And Serve

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheese generously over the top. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips To Make James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake Better

• Slice Potatoes Carefully: Cut cooked potatoes into even, thick slices to ensure uniform cooking and prevent mushy texture.
• Control Bacon Crispness: Cook bacon just until it starts to crisp for optimal flavor without burning, adding a delightful crunch to the bake.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Distribute leeks, bacon, and potatoes evenly in the dish to guarantee balanced taste in every bite.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Select a melting cheese like cheddar or gruyère that provides rich, golden coverage and enhances overall flavor.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat potatoes dry after boiling to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp, appetizing texture in the final dish.

Tasty Variations For James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace bacon with plant-based bacon or smoked tofu, using vegetable stock instead of cream soup for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular soup for gluten-free cream soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced green chiles, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and include some cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, keeping the bacon and leek base while reducing overall carbohydrate content for those following ketogenic or low-carb eating plans.

What Matches With James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy, rich flavors of the leek potato bacon bake. Its acidity cuts through the dish's heaviness and refreshes the palate.
• Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the bake's richness. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a bright counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety. Warm the bread slightly to enhance its crispy exterior and soft interior.

How To Store James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F. Let stand 1 minute before serving.

FAQs For James Martin Leek Potato And Bacon Bake

• What ingredients make this dish creamy?

The condensed cream of potato soup provides a rich, creamy base that coats the potatoes and leeks, creating a smooth and comforting texture without needing additional cream.

• Can I substitute bacon with another protein?

Yes, you can replace bacon with ham, pancetta, or for a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or plant-based bacon alternatives to maintain a similar savory flavor profile.

• How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Boil potatoes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork, which typically takes 12-15 minutes. They should be soft but not falling apart, allowing them to hold their shape in the bake.

Leek Potato And Bacon Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 54 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty leek potato and bacon bake delivers comfort straight from French countryside kitchens. Crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and caramelized leeks meld into a soul-warming dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 400 grams (14.1 ounces) bacon or double-smoked ham, diced
• 535 grams (18.9 ounces) country chicken soup

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 800 grams (28.2 ounces) sebago potatoes, peeled
• 1 leek, trimmed, halved, washed, and thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) tasty cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 180C (160C fan-forced) and lightly coat a 6-cup baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Submerge potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice into even rounds.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté leeks until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add chopped bacon and minced garlic to the leeks, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes until bacon edges crisp slightly.
5. Pour cream soup into the skillet, mixing with the leek and bacon mixture. Transfer entire contents to a large mixing bowl.
6. Gently fold sliced potatoes into the mixture, seasoning generously with freshly ground black pepper. Ensure potatoes are evenly coated.
7. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier, firmer texture that holds shape during baking.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat bacon dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent excess grease in the final bake.
• Consider using reduced-sodium soup and low-fat cheese for a lighter, healthier version of this comforting dish.

• Prep Time: 17 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg