Celebrate leek season with this collection of 23 of the best Leek Recipes! You’ll find recipes for potato leek soup, mushroom risotto and pasta, along with handy info such as nutrition information, how to cut them and more!

23 best leek recipes long collage pin

Leeks always make me think of spring. They’re one of my favorite ingredients because of their delicate onion flavor, and they truly make every dish even more special.

I think they’re underused because people just haven’t been exposed to them outside of classic potato leek soup, and they’re great prepared so many other ways!

They’ve been a staple in my kitchen for many years, and I hope that the information and recipes provided in this post will inspire you to use them more often. 🙂

If you love produce, be sure to check out the following round ups:

Chopped leeks in a teak bowl

FAQs

What are leeks?

Leeks are vegetables in the Allium ampeloprasum family, which also includes varieties of onions and garlic.  While onions and garlic form tight bulbs, leeks grow in long cylinder shapes comprised of bundled leaf sheaths or layers.

They look similar to green onions but they’re much larger. They’re often 1 – 2″ in diameter and up to 12″ long.

What part of leeks are edible?

While the dark green parts are edible, they’re not often used because they’re quite tough.  The white and light green parts are great raw or cooked, and you can save those dark green parts for your homemade vegetable stock.

What do leeks taste like?

Leeks have a very mild onion aroma and flavor, and they’re a bit sweeter than regular onions.  They’re delicate flavor will never overpower your dish, and they won’t make you cry when you cut them either. 🙂
Leeks

Choosing and storing

Select leeks that are firm and straight, with no signs of discoloration, wilting or cracking.  It’s best to choose ones that are untrimmed as the dark green leaves promote longer life.

The younger the leek the more delicate the flavor, so look for leeks that are no less than 1/2″ in diameter and not much larger than 1 1/2″ in diameter. You should also look for some that have at least 2-3 inches of white/light green parts since those are the parts that you’ll be using in your recipes.

Store leeks in the refrigerator untrimmed and unwashed for up to 5 days to 2 weeks in the vegetable crisper drawer, depending on their freshness. They have a strong aroma that can be absorbed by other foods in your refrigerator, so you can wrap them in plastic wrap to avoid this (I’ve never wrapped my leeks and have never had a problem with this).

Freezing leeks isn’t recommended as their delicate flavor will turn bitter and the texture can be mushy.

Nutrition benefits

Leeks provide the same nutrients and health benefits that garlic and onions do.  They’re high in Vitamin A, C and K, and are good sources of iron, calcium, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium and thiamin.

Alliums like onions, garlic and leeks are known for their cancer and disease fighting compounds, and they also contain diuretic, laxative and antiseptic properties.

How to cut leeks


How to cut leeks

1. Remove the dark green tops.
2. Trim the “hairy” end off of the bottom of the leek, being careful not to remove the entire base
Slice the leek in half lengthwise, leaving the base intact.
3. From there, clean the leeks.  My favorite way to do this is to gently spread the layers and hold upright under cold running water.  Be sure to spread each layer well to allow the water to rinse away all the grit.  Blot dry before slicing.
4. Place cut-side down on the cutting board and cut into thinly sliced half moons. Once prepped, use within 1-2 days.

Sliced leeks in a bowl

23 Best Leek Recipes:

pasta primavera skillet overhead shot

30 Minute Skillet Pasta Primavera Skillet

One Pot Pasta Primavera is packed with veggies, fresh basil and cooks up in a creamy sauce. It's a vegetarian dinner the family will love, and it's on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Bacon leek dip in a bowl with chips

Bacon Leek Dip

This Bacon Leek Dip recipe is full of chunks of smoky bacon swirled with caramelized leeks, crème fraiche, cream cheese, and goat cheese.
Get the Recipe
Creamy asparagus soup in a bowl with chives on top

Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe

This Creamy Asparagus Soup recipe is like spring in a bowl! It's smooth and luxurious, and bursting with the flavors of lemon and fresh chives. It's an easy spring recipe that's guaranteed to impress!
Get the Recipe
Meal prep quiche in pie pan

Bacon Mushroom Make Ahead Quiche (Dairy-Free)

Bacon mushroom make ahead quiche is easy to prep ahead and freeze for an easy brunch or lunch. Tips on how to reheat frozen quiche, and how to serve it as a meal prep lunch.
Get the Recipe
Butternut squash soup in a white bowl with croutons on top

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup is velvety smooth, creamy, and one of the most comforting soups you'll ever eat. It's naturally gluten free, vegetarian and great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe
Dirty rice with collards and leeks in a bowl

Dirty Rice with Collards and Leeks {vegan and gluten-free}

Dirty Rice with Collards and Leeks–a vegan and gluten-free version of New Orleans “dirty” rice. With brown rice and pumpkin seeds.
Get the Recipe
Instant pot risotto with mushrooms on a plate

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Risotto is creamy and delicious with mushrooms, fresh lemon and plenty of parmesan! It's perfect every time with no stirring involved and it's on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
Autumn vegetable soup in a bowl with rosemary and parmesan on top

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Autumn Vegetable Soup is packed with chunky fall vegetables, creamy white beans, herbs and kale for a healthy meal prep lunch or dinner!
Get the Recipe
Farro salad on a white plate

Farro Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts and Leeks – Floating Kitchen

Farro Salad is packed with wholesome veggies and makes a healthy meal prep lunch or vegetarian dinner!
Get the Recipe
Potato leek soup with orzo in a bowl

Healthy Potato Leek Soup with Orzo

This healthy potato leek soup is thick and creamy without cream. Orzo is added near the end of cooking for a hearty addition to this easy soup recipe.
Get the Recipe
overhead shot of low carb riced cauliflower stuffing in serving bowl with sage on top

Low Carb Riced Cauliflower Stuffing (Gluten Free, Keto)

Low Carb Riced Cauliflower Stuffing is an easy keto stuffing recipe that's hearty and bursting with the flavors of traditional stuffing.  You'll never miss the bread!
Get the Recipe
Potato kale soup in a bowl

Instant Pot Irish Potato Kale Soup

Delicious 5-ingredient vegan recipe for Instant Pot Irish Potato Kale Soup. With sautéed leeks and garlic. Made easy in pressure cooker.
Get the Recipe
spring risotto in a bowl with fork with lemon and oarsley

Spring Vegetable Risotto

Spring Vegetable Risotto is creamy vegetarian risotto packed with spring produce and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.  Recipe includes tips to make perfect risotto every single time!
Get the Recipe
Leek and parmesan muffins on a plate

Leek and Parmesan Muffins

This blog post is all about what leeks are, how to clean a leek, what to do with leeks. I also have a healthy leek snack recipe: Leek and Parmesan Muffins
Get the Recipe
Cauliflower soup with parsley on top

Cauliflower Soup Recipe – Kristine’s Kitchen

This Cauliflower Soup is smooth, creamy and comforting! Roasting the cauliflower brings out its delicious caramelized, nutty flavor.
Get the Recipe
One pot pasta in a bowl

One Pot White Bean Pasta with Leeks – Sweet Peas and Saffron

A healthy vegetarian one pot white bean pasta recipe made with leeks, asparagus, lemon and gruyere. Ready in 30 min, only one pot to wash up!
Get the Recipe
Spinach frittata in a skillet cut into slices

Spinach Frittata Recipe

This Spinach Frittata Recipe is packed with creamy feta cheese and plenty of mediterranean flavor.  It's ready in about 30 minutes and it's great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe
Roasted leeks in a baking dish

Parmesan Roasted Leeks – Spend With Pennies

For a tasty side dish that will enhance any savory meal, try roasted leeks. They have just a few ingredients and make an easy and delicious side!
Get the Recipe
Spring potato salad in a bowl with a serving spoon

Spring Potato Salad – Making Thyme for Health

Spring Potato Salad- a combination of spring’s best produce tossed in a simple vinegar dill dressing. (vegan, grain-free + gluten-free) Growing up in Florida, I never imagined Georgia to be a particularly special place. We often drove through on our way up to North Carolina and to be honest, there j…
Get the Recipe
Cheesy broccoli strata in baking dish with serving missing

Overnight Cheesy Broccoli Strata

Overnight Cheesy Broccoli Strata is an easy make-ahead breakfast casserole loaded with broccoli, leeks, and plenty of cheese.  It’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch!
Get the Recipe
Instant pot vegetable soup in a bowl with parsley and pepper.

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is healthy, flavorful and so easy to make! It's gluten-free, vegan and great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe
overhead shot of spanakopita stuffed zucchini boats on sheet pan

Spanakopita Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Spanakopita Stuffed Zucchini Boats are an easy zucchini boat recipe filled with a flavorful spinach feta filling.  This is the low carb, gluten-free way to enjoy Greek spanakopita!
Get the Recipe
Sweet potato and leek hash in a bowl with egg on top

Sweet Potato and Leek Hash with Andouille Sausage

Sweet Potato and Leek Hash with Andouille Sausage is a hearty, easy, and satisfying breakfast. Make sweet potato hash on all the weekends!
Get the Recipe

References:

Sharing is caring!