17 of our best leek recipes

All hail the leek! Being a member of the onion family, leeks are versatile, but they bring a natural silky sweetness that makes them a particularly good partner to salty cheeses, creamy gratins and pies.

Leeks are not often the star of the show, but their mellowed sweetness intensifies when cooked low and slow with butter, and we think they deserve some time in the spotlight. Try one our very best leek recipes including creamy leek risottos, leek and ricotta tart or cheesy baked leeks with ham.

17 of our best leek recipes

When are leeks in season?

Leeks, a member of the allium family, are harvested between August and December. Their natural sweetness together with their onioniness makes them incredibly versatile and perfect for all kinds of autumn and winter dishes, from tarts and risottos to braises.

17 of our best leek recipes

Leek and watercress risotto

Our new vegan risotto is so clever: it combines peppery watercress with sweet sautéed leeks for a speedy dinner that’s as good for you as it is tasty.

Leek risotto

Find the recipe here

Leek and comte quiche

Georgina Hayden’s leek, comte and thyme quiche can be made ahead and frozen in slices so you can take out a piece whenever the craving takes you.

Leek and comte quiche

Find the recipe here

Mozzarella and burnt leek salad

Leeks work in salads too! Crispy leeks are a wonderful thing – this combination of milky cheese, smoky grilled leeks, peppery watercress and tangy-sweet plums is well worth trying.

Plum salad

Find the recipe here

Leek risotto with kale pesto

This risotto really looks the part, with swirls of kale pesto and crispy prosciutto shards topping it. It’s not difficult to make either, but tastes impressive.

Leek risotto with pesto

Find the recipe here

Cheesy baked leeks with ham

It’s hard to beat a dish of cheesy leeks, baked until brown and bubbling and scooped out on top of a baked potato. This is comfort food at its finest and you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t eat it tonight.

Baked leeks

Find the recipe here

Potato, leek and stilton pithivier

Never made a pithivier? A fancy, French version of pie, this leek and stilton number is a great way to make friends!

Pithivier

Find the recipe here

Chestnut and leek stuffed chicken supremes

Chicken and leek are famously good bedfellows, as pie will attest to – but try stuffing chicken supremes with the vegetable and you’ll have a dinner that’s fancy enough for guests.

Supreme

Find the recipe here

Sherry braised leeks

Braising leeks results in a soft, silky and sweet side dish that will have any protein feeling like they’re playing the supporting role, for once. These get cooked down over half an hour in sherry and stock – you have to try them.

Sherry braised leeks

Find the recipe here

Spicy leek and white bean soup

In this vegetarian stew (which is ready in under an hour), leeks are paired with harissa, lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley for a meal that’s comforting but full of flavour. Serve with plenty of fresh crusty bread to mop up the juices.

Leek stew
Find the recipe here

Leek and feta tart

This low-budget recipe uses just a few ingredients to turn a block of 500g shortcrust pastry into something magnificent. Wrap any leftovers in cling film and chill/freeze for future lunches.

Feta tart

Find the recipe here

Dauphinoise potato and leek pie

This knockout pie takes everything that’s great about dauphinoise and then makes it even better with the additions of sweet leeks and creamy brie or camembert cheese. Do yourself a favour and give this one a go.

Leek pie

Find the recipe here

Leek and pea dumpling curry

Try a vegetarian curry which uses a cheat’s curry paste for a speedy midweek dinner that is ready in under an hour, and won’t break the bank. Serve with chopped coriander, a dollop of yogurt and lime wedges for squeezing over.

Leek and pea dumpling

Find the recipe here

Leek and potato soup

This classic soup makes a big batch meaning you can freeze half and enjoy the rest on another chilly day. At just over £1 a serving, it’s a budget winter lunch that we can’t get enough of.

Leek and potato soup

Find the recipe here

Gnocchi with spinach pesto and caramelised leeks

Enjoy leeks in all their textural glory with this recipe which has rave reviews. The homemade spinach pesto goes so well with the soft and silky leeks on top.

Gnocchi with spinach and leeks

Find the recipe here

Chicken, leek and ham pasties

These pasties make use of leftover roast chicken for a thrifty dinner that’s perfect served with chips or salad, or taken on a winter walk.

Chicken, leek and ham pasties

Leek, pancetta and ricotta tart

You’ll love this beautiful leek, pancetta and ricotta tart, made with homemade pastry. The slices of lemon on top make it look particularly striking and it’s perfect with a glass of pinot gris for a relaxed weekend lunch.

Leek tart

Find the recipe here

Steamed mussels with curry leeks

Leeks pair so well with delicate mussels and this curried broth is rich with crème fraîche and cider. It’s all the good things in a bowl and all you need to accompany it is some crusty bread.

Spicy leek

Find the recipe here

Find more leek recipes in our collection here.

More to discover

Subscribe to our magazine

Food stories, skills and tested recipes, straight to your door... Enjoy 5 issues for just £5 with our special introductory offer.

Subscribe

Unleash your inner chef

Looking for inspiration? Receive the latest recipes with our newsletter

We treat your data with care. See our privacy policy. By signing up, you are agreeing to delicious.’ terms and conditions. Unsubscribe at any time.