Leek and Gruyère Tart
Why this recipe works
- Creamy, sliceable filling: Eggs and double cream set into a rich custard that stays soft but cuts neatly after resting.
- Balanced savoury depth: Sweet leeks, nutty Gruyère, Dijon mustard and a little nutmeg give the tart depth without making it heavy.
- Crisp pastry base: Blind baking the pastry before adding the filling helps prevent a soggy bottom and gives the tart structure.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Rest before slicing: Let the tart stand for at least 10 minutes after baking so the custard settles and the slices hold their shape.
- Best served warm: The filling is at its creamiest when served warm rather than straight from the oven or fully cold.
Texture tips
- Keep the base crisp: Chill the lined pastry until firm, then blind bake until the base looks dry before adding the custard.
- Avoid a rubbery custard: Bake until the centre is just set with a slight wobble; it will continue to firm as it rests.
Ingredient notes
- Wash leeks thoroughly: Leeks often trap grit between their layers, so slice them first and rinse well before cooking.
- Choose a good melting cheese: Gruyère gives the tart its nutty, savoury character, while Emmental makes a milder alternative.
Make-ahead tips
- Bake ahead: The tart can be baked in advance, cooled completely and refrigerated well covered for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm slices on a baking tray at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot so the pastry re-crisps slightly.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze the cooled tart or individual slices tightly wrapped, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23 cm tart tin and set it on a baking tray.
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line the tin, pressing it neatly into the corners. Prick the base all over with a fork, then chill in the fridge until firm.
- Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for 8 to 10 minutes more until the base looks dry and lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, trim and wash the leeks well, then slice them into thin rounds. Melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium-low heat, add the leeks with a pinch of the fine sea salt, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until soft and sweet but not browned.
- Spread the Dijon mustard over the warm pastry base. Scatter over the softened leeks.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the double cream, ground nutmeg, remaining fine sea salt and black pepper. Stir in most of the Gruyère cheese, reserving a small handful for the top.
- Pour the custard into the tart case, then sprinkle over the reserved Gruyère. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the centre is just set with a slight wobble and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest the tart for 10 minutes before slicing so the custard settles. Serve warm with a crisp salad, if you like.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- If your leeks are gritty, slice them first, then swish in a bowl of cold water and lift them out so the grit stays behind.
- For the cleanest slices, let the tart rest for at least 10 minutes, then cut with a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
- Eggs should be fully cooked for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system; bake until the centre is set.
Substitutions
- Replace Gruyère cheese with Emmental cheese for a milder, nuttier flavour.
- Replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a gentler heat and more texture.
- Replace double cream with crème fraîche for a slightly tangier filling; keep the oven temperature the same and bake until just set.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate well covered. Reheat slices on a baking tray at 180°C (355°F) for 10 to 15 minutes until piping hot; freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 35min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: French
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Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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