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A super easy to make, but absolutely delicious side dish, these Roasted Leeks are melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfect with just a touch of garlic, olive oil and salt.
This recipe was originally published in March 2017. It has been updated for photos and content.
Leeks are awesome guys. Roasted in the oven until they are sweet and caramelized, these roasted leeks are just simple and delicious.
Olive oil, salt and a touch of garlic is all it takes to make this vegetable perfect. Oh, and roasting...leeks are not great raw as they are quite tough. But when roasted, they soften and almost become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
WARNING: Once you make these, you will want to make them at every meal, that's how good they are.
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Ingredients
A good quality olive oil, sea salt and fresh garlic are all you need to make these simple roasted leeks (affiliate links).
What Are Leeks?
Leeks are a root vegetable consisting of a bundle of leaf sheaths. Often used in broths and soups, leeks offer a mild, onion-like flavor with just a hint of garlic.
The white part that grows under ground remains tender, while the green leafy ends tend to be tougher due to exposure to the elements during the growing process. Roasting the leeks tenderizes these tough ends.
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Step By Step Instructions
Start by trimming the top couple inches off the leeks and about an inch at the bottom. Slice the leeks in half, long ways. Rinse them in cold water.
**Leeks are quite dirty, so make sure you wash them very well before using. Otherwise you'll be eating a dish full of dirt...not yummy.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Place leeks on a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil, salt and garlic.
Roast for 10-15 minutes, until ends start to brown and leeks can be easily pierced with a knife. If you use large leeks, you'll need to increase the cooking time. When the leaves are tender, the leeks at done roasting.
Variations
- Add about 3 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to make Parmesan roasted leeks;
- Add some fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano or parsley (really any herb);
- Replace the olive oil with avocado oil, coconut oil, duck fat or butter.
- You can add leeks when roasting any vegetables. For instant, when you roast potatoes, add a sliced up leek for some extra flavor.
- Try these Braised Leeks and Carrots.
Expert Tips
- Wash them thoroughly before using them - leeks can be very dirty.
- Larger leeks will need to roast longer - once a knife can be inserted easily into the thickest part of the leeks, they are done.
- The garlic is optional - I like the extra flavor it adds, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
- Leeks can be reheated in the microwave. They are great leftover!
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
- Roasted Cauliflower;
- Roasted Asparagus;
- Roasted Winter Vegetables;
- Roasted Acorn Squash;
- Roasted Squash;
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Did you make these roasted leeks? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
Simple Roasted Leeks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Trim the top couple inches off the leeks and about an inch at the bottom. Slice the leeks in half, long ways.
- Rinse them very well in cold water.
- Place leeks on a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil, salt and garlic.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, until ends start to brown and leeks can be easily pierced with a knife.
Expert Tips:
- Wash them thoroughly before using them - leeks can be very dirty.
- Larger leeks will need to roast longer - once a knife can be inserted easily into the thickest part of the leeks, they are done.
- The garlic is optional - I like the extra flavor it adds, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
- Leeks can be reheated in the microwave. They are great leftover!
Nutrition
Jen
Never tried leeks this way- fantastic!
Danielle
Thanks!
Erika
I don't think I've ever tried leeks before, so the step by step instructions are perfect for me!
Danielle
Hope you get a chance to try them!
Marcel Corbeanu
I never had roasted leeks before but, you know what? it's on my list for this week-end.
I usually use leeks A LOT in my cooking, from rice to soup to other dishes, but this way would be a first 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Danielle
You're welcome!
Anita
I love roasting leeks and serve as a side dish when they are in season. So simple and so good. 🙂
Danielle
Totally!
Liz
I never really know what to do with leeks so this is so helpful!! Thank you for sharing!
Danielle
You're welcome!
Alpana @ GypsyPlate
I love roasted vegetables, but have never tried roasting leeks. Will be trying this soon. Thanks, Danielle!
Danielle
Hope you love it!
Scarlet
I have never had roasted leeks. Sounds great that it tenderizes them. Then you just cut them into bite size pieces or eat them like greens? Or are they to use in recipes?
Danielle
You can do either. They become soft so you can pretty much eat them like greens - or just cut them up.
Monica
These look amazing, Danielle! I've had extra leeks a few times recently, since I've realized I really like adding them to pot pies and similar, so it's great to have a new idea for using them in a different way! Trying not to waste anything, of course! Thanks for the inspiration!
Danielle
You're welcome Monica!