Anglesey eggs is one of THE best comfort foods out there, and it’s easy to make too.
This particular recipe is one my Nain (Nain is Welsh for grandmother for those who don’t know) used to make often.
My Nain, who lived on Anglesey, was a fantastic cook; we used to love visiting for the delicate scones, fruity bara brith and melt in the mouth Welsh cakes.
This recipe was a speciality and we used to eat it with crispy skinned baked potatoes. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes, chips or some crusty bread to mop up all of that lovely cheesy sauce. It’s also amazing with Classic Baked Ham.
Anyway, my Nain gave this recipe to my mum, who also used to make it often throughout our childhood. When I was desparate for a comforting, nostalgic meal one day I asked her for the recipe – and now I’m sharing it with you. It is tasty, cheap and easy, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family has.
There are other versions of Anglesey eggs that have mashed potato incorporated into the dish: I much prefer this version, where you can choose your sides yourself.
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Welsh Style Potato Dauphinoise (Potato au Gratin) – give them a go!
Anglesey Eggs – The Ingredients
- Eggs – the recipe below uses 6 eggs, but you can increase the number if you are serving more people. The key is boiling your eggs for 6 minutes – this way, the yolk is still slightly jammy when you add the sauce.
- Leeks – leeks are such an important Welsh vegetable. They are best friends with cheese and eggs, so this recipe was always going to be a winner. Make sure you wash your leeks well because they can be very muddy.
- Butter – butter is used to both cook the leeks and start the bechamel sauce.
- Flour – plain flour thickens the sauce.
- Milk – use any kind of milk – I use semi-skimmed.
- Cheese – I make this recipe with cheddar cheese, but if you can get hold of Caerphilly cheese, do use that! Unfortunately, my local supermarkets here don’t stock it.
- Smoked paprika – the secret ingredient! Smoked paprika is sprinkled on top and brings everything together beautifully.
Anglesey Eggs
Ingredients
- 3 medium leeks
- 6 eggs
- 30 g butter
- 20 g plain flour
- 1 pint milk
- 80 g cheddar cheese grated
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Slice the leeks and add them to a frying pan with 10g of the butter. Saute over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes until soft.
- Meanwhile, hard boil your eggs in boiling water for 6 minutes. Once they’re done, run them under the cold tap for a couple of minutes, then gently peel them.
- For the sauce, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan then stir in the flour. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Gradually whisk in the milk, then put it back on the heat and cook, whisking all the time, until thick. Stir in most of the grated cheese, and some salt and pepper.
- Transfer the leeks to an oven proof dish. Lay the eggs on top (keep them whole), then pour over the cheese sauce. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and the smoked paprika, then put under the grill for 5 minutes or so until golden and boiling. Iechyd Da!
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Nutrition
I loved the creamy mashed potatoes, savory smoked haddock, and flavorful cheese sauce. It was so easy to make and my family absolutely devoured it. Definitely adding this to our regular dinner rotation!
I had never had this until now. Boy oh boy was it good! Thank you for the recipe!
This recipe was delicious! So glad that I gave it a try.
This is amazing – thank you so much for sharing!
I made these eggs yesterday and they were incredible! So creamy and delicious!
This dish sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory leeks, and hard-boiled eggs is simply delicious. The addition of a cheesy topping takes it to the next level. Definitely a comfort food winner!
This looks like total comfort food! Can’t wait to try it soon!
This was such a great way to serve eggs. This was perfect for a family brunch.
Wow! This looks really delish.
Oh my….these look so delicious!!!!!
What a recipe – I have this one on my list for when I see some bargain leeks!
This looks like an amazing brunch dish. Family recipes are so special. Automatically taste better. I’ve never had Anglesey Eggs, can’t wait to give em a try.
I try to eat a lot of eggs and this will be a great addition to my collection. Thanks!
That didn’t come out right 🙂 I try to eat eggs often and so I am always looking to add variety!
Hi Harriet,I love the sound of your recipe for Anglesey Eggs. Must confess I’d never heard of them before – but they reminded me of a favourite luncheon dish of my mum’s. Same eggs with the cheese sauce but with asparagus not leek.
I’d forgotten all about this dish, but I used to adore it! Now I’m going to make myself your lovely recipe. Thank you. Mimsey
Enjoy!
This looks seriously yummie! I’ll bookmark it and give it a go. Thanks, Harriet!
Dear Welsh cousin, I can hear your wonderful accent in your writing; I cannot wait to try this. what are the wee breads I can see in the picture? Anyhoo, what a great idea for tea! 😉
I hope you enjoy it! The bread is just little bread rolls – warmed in the oven a little to make them nice and crispy. Not made by me unfortunately!
These look yummy! I’ll have to try them soon!
I’m intrigued!
I’ve never had this! I’m from South Wales, but never even seen it. Clearly been missing out! Going to have to try 🙂 Thanks!
These look delicious, I am definitely giving them a try 🙂
Mae’n edrych yn dda! I’ll be trying them this week. 😉
This looks really good!! YUM! I don’t think that I ever had anything welsh before.. Maybe some kind of cookies? I lived in Bristol for a while when I went to uni haha and visited Cardiff a few times 🙂
Give it a go – Welsh food is lovely!
this looks like my next brunch. weekend: get here stat.
That sounds delicious ?
This looks amazing!!!! WOW!
Y U M – total comfort food heaven right there! Perfect for this chilly weather, too.
Now I’m hungry… and I don’t have leeks! 🙁 …but I definitely have to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing it!
These look amazing. I am an absolute egg fiend so this is right up my street!
Oh I had forgotten about Anglesey Eggs, I used to make them a lot and don’t know why I stopped. I thought they had potatoes in too but baked potatoes sounds much better! Aren’t family recipes the best? X
I completely agree, there’s something wonderful about a meal that not only tastes good but also fills your mind with happy memories! x
What alovely brunch recipe, that looks so creamy and rich.
This has pretty much every single one of my favorite comfort foods (if you include those crispy potatoes). Can wait to try it!
Oops… *cant wait to try it! 🙂
😀
I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Wonderful recipe Harriet, I just love family recipes. This really is a comfort food recipe and I can imagine how delicious it is with crisp skin potatoes.
I agree, family recipes are the best aren’t they?