Welsh Anglesey Eggs for House Banefort

Welsh Anglesey Eggs is a hearty, comforting dish that combines mashed potatoes, tender leeks, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Traditionally enjoyed in Wales for centuries, this recipe is both rustic and elegant—perfect for a family supper, brunch, or even a special vegetarian main course. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the best of comfort food: creamy mashed potatoes, savory leeks, and gooey melted cheese. The eggs add protein, making it hearty enough to serve as a main meal. It’s vegetarian, affordable, and versatile—you can enjoy it hot out of the oven or even chilled the next day. With roots in Welsh tradition, it’s also a unique recipe to try if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• potatoes

• butter

• hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved

• leeks, washed and chopped

• warm milk

• flour

• ground nutmeg

• sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

• salt and pepper

• thyme and basil

Directions

1. Peel, chop, and boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10–15 minutes. Drain, mash, and mix with half the butter, salt, and pepper.

2. Hard-boil the eggs for 8–10 minutes, then run under cold water. Peel and cut in half.

3. Boil the leeks for 4–5 minutes until tender. Drain and stir into the mashed potatoes.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter. Spread the potato-leek mixture into the dish.

5. In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Simmer until smooth and thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in most of the cheese.

6. Arrange the egg halves cut side up over the potato mixture. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese, thyme, and basil.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• With bacon: Add crispy bacon pieces to the potato and leek mixture for a smoky twist.

• Cheese swap: Try Red Leicester, Gruyère, or even parmesan for a different flavor.

• Herb lovers: Use fresh parsley, dill, or tarragon in place of thyme and basil.

• Garlic flavor: Sauté the leeks in garlic butter instead of boiling for extra richness.

• Egg style: Replace hard-boiled eggs with cracked raw eggs baked into wells in the potato mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the potatoes and sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

What are Anglesey Eggs?

They are a traditional Welsh dish of mashed potatoes, leeks, hard-boiled eggs, and cheese sauce baked together.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Can I make it vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is naturally vegetarian, provided the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold mash well and give a creamy texture.

Can I sauté the leeks instead of boiling them?

Yes, sautéing in butter adds a deeper flavor than boiling.

Is nutmeg essential?

Nutmeg enhances the sauce, but you can omit it or replace with white pepper for a subtle kick.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, any strong melting cheese works, such as Gruyère, Red Leicester, or sharp white cheddar.

How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?

Whisk constantly when adding the milk to the butter-flour mixture, and use warm milk.

Can this dish be served cold?

Yes, it can be eaten cold, though it’s most flavorful when hot and bubbly.

Is this dish filling enough for a main course?

Yes, the combination of potatoes, eggs, and cheese makes it hearty and satisfying.

Conclusion

Welsh Anglesey Eggs is a timeless comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish. With creamy potatoes, tender leeks, savory eggs, and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s both rustic and indulgent. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main, a brunch centerpiece, or even a side dish, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Wales to your table.

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