Parmesan Roasted Leeks

Roasted leeks soften and caramelize as they cook and have delicious flavor perfect served alongside Oven Baked Chicken Breasts or Salisbury steak.

What are Leeks?

Leeks are a mild-tasting member of the onion family. They grow upright in stalks instead of bulbs, and are white and light green at the bottom, darkening into a deeper green at the top. The layers are thinner than those of onions.

Also unlike onions, leeks don’t really work too well in their raw state. They need to be cooked. When they are, they become melt-in-your mouth tender and develop a surprisingly rich and mildly onion flavor. They can be used as a substitute for onion in any hot dish, like potato leek soup!

How to Cut Leeks

Leeks are easier to chop and handle than slippery bulb onions. For roasted leeks, you’ll want to use the white and lightest green parts (the dark green part tends to be tough). Leeks often have a lot of grit/dirt between the layers so be sure to clean them well.

To Prep Leeks:

Trim the root end and cut off the tough dark green tops. (You can use the tops to flavor soup stocks.)
Cut each stalk in half lengthwise. Fan under cold running water to dislodge any grit particles.

For more information check out this guide on how to cut leeks.

How to Roast Leeks

This roasted leeks recipe is so simple to prepare, and you can roast them in the same oven that you are preparing your main dish in. Here’s all you do:

Place the leeks and water in a baking dish, cut side down.
Simmer on the stove top for a few minutes, then drain.
Flip the leeks over, add the butter and seasoning, top with the parmesan and bake until done.

Another great way to serve these veggies is with potatoes – roasted leeks and potatoes are one of my favorites. If you are going this route, you’ll need to cut and prep your leeks differently:

After trimming the bottom and tops, cut into one-inch rounds.
Then swirl the slices under cold running water in a large mixing bowl to dislodge the grit.
Lift the leeks out with a strainer and drain well. Then, add the to the pan when making roasted potatoes!

More Roasted Veggie Favorites

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – Super quick to make and roast
Roasted Kohlrabi – Elegant and delicious
Roasted Cabbage Steaks Recipe – Perfect side dish!
Roasted Carrots – Family favorite (my kids love these).
Roasted Tomatoes – Summertime favorite.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Great side in place of potatoes!

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