Are you a fan of leeks? We’ve curated a selection of our top 15 leek recipes that you can easily make at home. The humble leek has been a symbol of Wales since Shakespeare’s time, so you’re in good company if you enjoy them! As an allium, leeks are part of the same family as garlic, chives, shallots, and onions. They can range in size from thin and delicate to large and robust, with the tough outer leaves often used to add flavor to chicken stock.
The tender inner parts of the leek are what you’ll typically use in recipes – whether raw in salads, fried for a crunchy texture, or boiled to soften. Their mild, earthy flavor makes them easy to cook with, adding depth and richness to a variety of dishes. One key thing to keep in mind when working with leeks is that they can be quite dirty, thanks to their layered leaves.
Make sure to take the time to separate the leaves carefully, wash away any dirt or debris, and dry them thoroughly before using. The beauty of these recipes is that many can be prepared ahead of time and then slow-cooked to keep the food warm throughout your meal. If you’re new to cooking with leeks, we encourage you to start with some of our simplest and most delicious recipes, such as roasted carrots and leeks, roasted leeks, or potato leek soup.
And don’t miss out on our #6 recipe, which combines leeks with the savory flavor of bacon for a truly decadent dish.
Leek and Potato Gratin
Experience the timeless charm of au gratin potatoes with a twist – a leek recipe that will leave you craving more. With a subtle flavor profile, this side dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The process is simple: sauté, layer, and bake, but don’t forget to allow an hour for the magic to unfold in the oven!
This versatile potato gratin is equally at home as a comforting accompaniment to your favorite main course or served solo in a large bowl, perfect for satisfying any comfort food craving.
Simple Roasted Leeks
When it comes to deciding what to do with leeks, think outside the box for once. One unassuming yet delicious option is to keep things extremely straightforward. Simply wash, cut, season, and roast the leeks in the oven – minimal effort required! Before serving, remove the outer leaf, but that’s about it. This simplicity yields a mild flavor profile, making them perfect for dipping or enjoying as is straight from the plate.
30-Minute Chicken with Mushroom Sauce & Leeks
With an unbeatable trio of flavors – chicken, mushroom, and leeks – it’s hard to imagine anything going awry. And yet, this harmonious union is nothing short of exceptional. By cooking each component in stages within the same pan, you’ll not only streamline your cleaning process but also ensure a seamless culinary experience. As you progress through the recipe, be on the lookout for the concise step-by-step instructions that make it easy to involve the whole family in the cooking process.
Potato Leek Soup
As you cook with leeks, you’ll discover that their subtle sweetness has a unique ability to elevate the flavors of other ingredients. This potato leek soup is a perfect example, where the gentle flavor of the leeks harmonizes beautifully with the richness of heavy cream and the heartiness of potatoes. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly winter evening or a warm summer afternoon, this comforting soup is sure to become a new favorite.
To achieve the smoothest, most velvety texture, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s silky and divine. The addition of other vegetables cooked in chicken broth adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, while a sprinkle of black pepper on each serving takes it to the next level. And when you’re ready to indulge, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before taking that first spoonful – it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen.
Leeks in White Wine Sauce
Leeks are incredibly versatile ingredients, and their uses don’t stop at just one dish. This recipe shows you how to prepare leeks that can be used as a topping for proteins, adding a touch of elegance to even the simplest meals. Imagine using them with chicken or as a rich sauce over pasta, or even as a standalone side dish – the possibilities are endless! With this method, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of these flavorful bulbs and add them to your repertoire of go-to ingredients.
Bacon Leek Pasta
The mere mention of bacon has a way of capturing my attention. I’m sure you’ll find yourself just as enthralled when you discover the unbeatable combination of crispy bacon, savory pasta, and sweet leeks. This recipe is so impressive that it’s hard to decide which one deserves the top spot – but with its simplicity and flavor, it’s certainly a strong contender for your next meal. And did I mention it only takes 30 minutes to prepare? That seal-of-approval moment has arrived!
Simply cook each component separately before combining them for a truly satisfying serving. With this dish, you’ll be indulging in deliciousness for days to come.
Creamy Chicken and Leeks Recipe
The notion that chicken and leeks are meant to be together like peanut butter and jelly is undeniable, given their repeated pairing in various forms. This harmonious union takes center stage in this creamy chicken and leeks recipe, where the star ingredients shine bright with fresh herbs adding a delightful touch.
With this dish, you’re free to decide whether you’d prefer another side dish or a refreshing salad to round out the meal.
Lemon Braised Leeks and Quinoa Salad
Looking for a delicious salad recipe featuring leeks? Look no further! This recipe offers a versatile and tasty solution that can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it perfect for any occasion.
To get started, you’ll learn the easy steps to lemon braise leeks, as well as craft a refreshing fresh lemon dressing to drizzle on top. This clever cooking method transforms leeks into the star of the show.
One of the best parts?
You can easily turn this recipe into a main dish by following some simple tips. For example, having cooked quinoa ready to go ahead of time will significantly speed up your preparation time.
Pan-Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
If you’re a Brussels sprouts enthusiast or new to the green veggie, this recipe is sure to convert you into a fan! The key to its success lies in the harmonious balance of flavors, with crispy bacon adding an irresistible smokiness. Cooking from scratch allows for a deeper appreciation of ingredients, as you can precisely control the preparation process and enjoy the resulting taste.
This recipe is a tried-and-true winner, offering a delightful combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Scalloped Potatoes with Leeks and Thyme Recipe
This hearty scalloped potato and leek recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, letting the natural flavors of the potatoes, leeks, butter, cream, and garlic shine through. The result is a comforting side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The process begins on the stovetop, allowing for a rich development of flavors before being transferred to the oven where it bakes to perfection for an hour.
As you take it out of the oven, you’ll be hit with the most incredible aroma, filling your home with warmth and inviting everyone to gather ’round. To add a touch of elegance, simply top the dish with a sprig of fresh thyme – its subtle flavor will elevate the entire experience. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! When you’re ready to serve, garnish with another sprig of thyme for added visual appeal.
Roasted Carrots and Leeks
Elevate your humble carrot side dish by introducing a new dimension of flavor. To do so, combine sliced carrots and leeks into a harmonious union, making it effortless to enjoy them together. The key lies in seasoning the ingredients according to the Roasted Carrots and Leeks recipe and then spreading them out in a single pan for an oven-roasting experience. For those new to cooking with leeks, this is an excellent starting point, as the process remains relatively straightforward.
Asparagus Leek Quiche with Roasted Potato Crust
When it comes to satisfying vegetable-based cravings, this quiche recipe shines. By combining a crispy potato slice crust with an array of vegetables like asparagus and tender chopped leeks, along with the classic eggs and savory seasonings, you’ll have a delightful and filling treat on your hands. The crowning glory is Gruyere cheese, which elevates the dish to new heights in terms of flavor. This quiche is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Prasopita (Greek Leek Pie)
Imagine indulging in the rich flavors of Greece with every bite. The foundation of this delectable dish lies not only in its savory leek and cheese filling but also in its crispy, homemade filo crust. As you carefully craft the pastry, the aroma of buttery goodness wafts through the air, heightening your anticipation for the final product.
And when you finally take that first bite, the combination of tender leeks, creamy ricotta, and tangy feta cheese explodes with flavor, making every moment spent preparing this Mediterranean masterpiece well worth it.
Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms
This recipe showcases the delightful flavor of leeks, offering a culinary experience that’s hard to resist. The preparation process is straightforward and well-explained, allowing you to effortlessly combine the components on the stovetop before transferring them to the oven for a satisfying bake with penne, leeks, and mushrooms.
What’s more, this recipe lends itself beautifully to customization, making it an ideal choice for a scrumptious pasta meal that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser – in fact, we predict that dish will be the star of your gathering!
Eggs Baked in Creamy Spinach and Leeks
When it comes to showcasing culinary mastery, some might argue that saving the best for last is the way to go – a philosophy that rings especially true when it comes to this delectable leek recipe. The harmonious union of eggs, butter, spinach, and leeks creates a dish that’s not only tantalizing to the taste buds but also satisfying in its ability to fill and nourish.
The bottom line
Leeks are surprisingly accommodating, regardless of your level of familiarity with them. Unlike some other vegetables that can dominate a dish if not handled properly, leeks tend to be gentle and easy to work with.