A cousin to onions and garlic, but with a sweeter, more subtle flavor, leeks are less brashly assertive than many of their allium cousins. As suitable as the center of a dish as it is as a supporting player, leeks are endlessly versatile. Many hearty winter soups and stocks call for leeks—what combination is more classic and comforting than creamy potato and leek?—but their subtle flavor plays just as nicely in a lighter spring soup.
First things first: check out our all-inclusive guide to buying and preparing leeks before placing them in your stockpot. Once you've made your grocery trip, it's time to get creative. Stuff them with raisins and blue cheese before roasting for a wonderfully fragranced stuffed leek recipe. Or cook the leek tops briefly for a bright onion-flavored green dish. From Swiss cheese soup to braised pork belly with leek and ginger, here are the 18 best leek recipes in our arsenal.
Crab, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip
Crab dip is made even better when mixed with artichokes and spinach and topped with crispy pepperoni and cracker crumbs. Get the recipe for Crab, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip »
Stuffed Leeks with Blue Cheese, Raisins, and Almonds
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Chilled Mexican Potato and Leek Soup (Sopa de Poro y Papa)
Swiss Cheese Soup
A traditional dish enjoyed year-round in the Alps of southern Switzerland, this homey soup takes its name from the mountain huts where it’s commonly made. Typically incorporating cheeses from the region, this version is fortified with L’Etivaz (which can be found at specialty cheese shops) and heavy cream. If you can’t find L’Etivaz, substitute Gruyère instead. Get the recipe for Swiss Cheese Soup »
Braised Pork Belly with Leeks and Ginger
Awamori, a lightly sweet rice distillate, is used to blanch and cook—as well as coat—tender pork belly, resulting in a sticky, umami-rich sauce. Get the recipe for Braised Pork Belly with Leeks and Ginger »
Cold Soba with Mushroom and Leek Seiro Broth
For this deconstructed noodle soup, dip cold noodles into the hot broth, then slurp them quickly—the technique preserves the integrity of the tender, fresh noodles. Get the recipe for Cold Soba with Mushroom and Leek Seiro Broth »
Chicken with Cauliflower and Leeks in Red Wine Sauce
Cauliflower, leeks, and bay leaf infuse this chicken dish’s luscious, reduced red wine sauce with flavor. Get the recipe for Chicken with Cauliflower and Leeks in Red Wine Sauce »
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Clam, Leek, and King Oyster Mushroom Foil Yaki
Clams, leeks, and king oyster mushrooms get cooked in a foil pouch that resembles a Jiffy Pop. Get the recipe for Clam, Leek, and King Oyster Mushroom Foil Yaki »
Mustard Tart
Two kinds of mustard bring bright, tangy, and savory notes to this quiche, which is full of vegetables and less heavy than the standard. Get the recipe for Mustard Tart »
Verjus-Brined Pork Chops with Marinated Leeks
These verjus-brined pork chops are accompanied by charred leeks, which are drizzled with vinaigrette and wrapped in foil before they hit the grates. Get the recipe for Verjus-Brined Pork Chops with Marinated Leeks »
Grilled Greens and Leek Tops with Chile-Garlic Sauce
When buying leeks for this dish, cookbook author Amy Thielen says to look for ones that have all or most of their dark green tops still attached. If trimmed leeks are all you can find, use the dark and light green parts only. Get the recipe for Grilled Greens and Leek Tops with Chile-Garlic Sauce »
Cream of Fennel Soup
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Marinated Leeks with Herbs (Poireaux Vinaigrette)
For a simple and delicious side dish, try poaching leeks in a mustardy dressing. Get the recipe for Marinated Leeks with Herbs (Poireaux Vinaigrette) »
Leek Bread Pudding
The chewy sourdough bread cubes in this savory dish soak up custard for a creamy interior and toast to a golden brown for a crunchy topping, perfect for a slow morning. Get the recipe for Leek Bread Pudding »
Six-Onion Pizza
Top your pizza with the unexpected combination of six different types of onion, including leeks, shallots, and red onions, for a sweet-savory delight. Get the recipe for Six-Onion Pizza »
Cong Bao Rou Si (Stir-Fried Pork with Leeks)
Leek Terrine with Goat Cheese
Leek Terrine with Goat Cheese
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Hummus with Pan-Seared Duck, Leeks, and Tapenade
Alon Shaya, chef at New Orleans’ Shaya, tops hummus with baroque toppings like fried eggplant, romanesco, and dates; here, he opts for serving the creamy spread with duck, leeks, and tapenade. Get the recipe for Hummus with Pan-Seared Duck, Leeks, and Tapenade »
Leek and Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi)
This herb-laced frittata of eggs, potatoes, and leeks is a popular Iranian side dish. Get the recipe for Leek and Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi) »
