Creamed Leeks
Creamed leeks are a delicious side dish. Cooking them in cream brings out their sweetness, and they pair perfectly with various main courses.
Creamed leeks are one of those quietly luxurious side dishes that make a meal feel special. Gentle cooking brings out the leeks’ natural sweetness, and a splash of cream turns them into something soft, silky, and deeply flavorful. The result is a dish that feels rich and indulgent, yet comforting and uncomplicated.
This version is simmered in chicken broth and finished with heavy cream and Parmesan for a savory, mellow flavor that complements almost anything — roast chicken, baked fish, pork tenderloin, or even a plate of grains and beans. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a polished holiday spread, creamed leeks are the definition of understated elegance.
Why You’ll Like This Dish
Simple ingredients. Just leeks, cream, broth, and Parmesan create an incredible depth of flavor.
Rich but not heavy. The creamy texture feels luxurious without being overly rich.
Versatile side dish. Perfect alongside chicken, pork, fish, or even vegetarian mains.
Ingredient Notes
- Leeks. Look for firm leeks with plenty of white and pale green sections — that’s where the tenderness and sweetness come from. Rinse them thoroughly between layers to remove grit.
- Broth. Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese. Parmesan adds a savory note, though Fontina or Gruyère can be substituted for a richer flavor.
How to Make Creamed Leeks
1. Clean, slice, and simmer
Trim off the dark green tops and root ends of the leeks, leaving the white and light green parts. Slice lengthwise and rinse under cool water to remove any dirt between layers, then cut into thin half-moons.
Clean and slice the leeks, then add broth or water and gently simmer them, covered, until they are softened.
2. Finish the dish
Once the leeks are soft and most of the liquid has reduced, pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let the mixture bubble gently until thickened slightly.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and glossy.
Serve the creamed leeks warm, spooned over or alongside your favorite main dish.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy. Replace Parmesan with Fontina or Gruyère for an extra-rich, meltier sauce.
- Herbed. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley or thyme just before serving.
- With Mushrooms. Add ½ cup of sliced mushrooms with the leeks for an earthy touch.
- Lightened. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roast chicken or turkey for a cozy meal.
- Pair with baked or pan-seared salmon for an elegant dinner.
- Add to mashed potatoes or spoon over rice for extra richness.
- Complement beef short ribs or pork tenderloin for a satisfying side.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store cooled creamed leeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
To Reheat. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the texture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts.
Creamed Leeks
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 leeks, large, washed, thinly sliced (white and light green only)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Dash freshly ground black pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper, optional
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the leeks: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks, broth, and a dash of salt and pepper. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes or until the leeks are softened.
- Finish with cream and serve: Add the cream and Parmesan cheese to the leeks and taste. Add salt and pepper as needed. Stir and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
