• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
You Say Potatoes
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Air Fryer
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Melted Leeks

    Published: Feb 16, 2022 by Kate

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Spoon in a dish of cooked leeks, with text: melted leeks.
    A casserole dish of leeks, with text: Easy melted leeks.

    If you're looking to use leeks in a way that's versatile and easy, try out this Melted Leeks recipe. This simple method for slowly cooking leeks is easy to follow and results in a soft, melted leek that can be used in many different ways. Serve them as a side dish as is, or add them to a casserole, soup, or breakfast frittata.

    A bowl of melted leeks on a striped tea towel.

    While there are many ways you can cook leeks, my favorite way is making melted leeks.

    Melted leeks are chopped leeks that are braised in butter and water and slowly cooked until super soft and 'melted'.

    These soft, tender, mild, and tasty leeks can be used in many different ways!

    I like to serve them as a side dish, or serve them on potato cakes or in casseroles or soups.

    Leeks are one of my favorite vegetables to cook because they're so versatile. You can use them in just about any dish, and they add lots of flavor without being overpowering.

    A leek is a type of onion that's related to the garlic family.

    It has a long, white stalk and green leaves. When cooked they taste a bit like sweet onion, but with a little more depth of flavor.

    If you love these melted leeks, then be sure to also try Buttered Cabbage and Roasted Beets. Tasty ways to get your five-a-day!

    Jump to:
    • Why Make This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Melted Leeks recipe
    • Cook's Tips
    • Variations
    • Storage & Freezing
    • FAQs
    • More vegetable recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why Make This Recipe

    Leeks are a delicate vegetable that adds a mild onion flavor to any dish as well as fiber and vitamins.

    When cooked properly, melted leeks are a delicious side dish or addition to any soup, casserole, or breakfast.

    They're also perfect for making into a sauce or dip - just swirl them into a mix of sour cream and mayo, with some garlic powder.

    This is a great way to use up extra leeks so they don't go to waste.

    Ingredients

    • Leeks - This vegetable is long and has a white bottom with a green top. You can find them in the grocery store in the produce section usually near the root vegetables.
    • Butter - Helps soften the leeks while giving them a rich buttery flavor.
    • Water - Gives the leeks a bit of steam to work with so they break down to become nice and soft and 'melted'.
    • Salt & Pepper - Helps enhance the flavor of the leeks. Add to taste.

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.

    How to make Melted Leeks recipe

    Wondering how to make this Melted Leeks recipe? It's easy!

    Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Chopped leeks on a cutting board.

    Prepare the leeks: Cut off and discard the root and dark green leaves of the leeks. Wash the remaining light green and white part in cold water. Be sure to remove as much dirt as possible. Using a sharp knife, cut into ¼” rounds. Set aside.

    Leeks and butter in a casserole pot.

    Combine ingredients: add the butter to a pot or casserole dish and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add the water and leeks. Give it a stir to combine.

    Melted leeks in a pot.

    Melt the leeks: Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let the leeks cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they become very soft. Check every 5 minutes or so to stir if necessary.

    Adjust and serve: Add salt and pepper to the cook leeks and serve while hot.

    Cook's Tips

    If necessary, add more water to the pan if the water starts to cook off before the leeks are cooked through.

    Washing leeks thoroughly is very important. Dirt can get trapped in between the leaves, so it's important to take your time when washing them. You can soak them in cold water in a bowl to ensure the dirt gets removed.

    If you're not going to serve the melted leeks right away, keep them warm in a covered pot or casserole dish until ready to eat.

    Variations

    Flavor variations and add-ins ideas:

    Try adding freshly chopped garlic to the melted leeks for a richer flavor.

    Give them a kick of spice by adding in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

    Add in some of your favorite shredded cheese for a cheesy melted leek dish.

    Stir in some cooked bacon or ham for extra protein and a layer of smoky flavor.

    Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added fresh herb flavor.

    Storage & Freezing

    Storing: If you have any leftover melted leeks, store them cooled in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them by heating in a pot over low heat until warmed through.

    Freezing: You can also freeze melted leeks by transferring them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a pot over low heat until warmed through.

    Closeup of a spoon in a dish of melted leeks.

    FAQs

    Can you eat the green part of a leek?

    Yes! The green part of the leek is edible. In fact, it's mostly used for flavoring dishes. However, you should discard the dark green leaves before using them in a recipe. They are not edible because they are too tough.

    Why do they call them melted leeks?

    The name melted leeks comes from the fact that they are cooked in butter and water until they become very soft and "melted". This makes them perfect for using as a side dish or adding to recipes.

    Can I make vegan melted leeks?

    Yes! To make vegan melted leeks, simply use vegan butter in place of regular butter. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

    More vegetable recipes

    We hope that you love this tasty melted leeks recipe! Be sure to also check out these other vegetable side dishes too!

    • Microwave Acorn Squash
    • Buttered Cabbage
    • Air Fryer Cauliflower
    • Easy Roasted Beets

    Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of melted leeks on a table.

    Melted Leeks

    This Melted Leeks recipe is a simple method for slowly cooking leeks until very soft. Use as a side dish or in casserole, soup, frittata etc.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: French
    Keyword: melted leeks
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 107kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pot with a lid

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound leeks 450g
    • 1 ½ tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

    Instructions

    • Cut off and discard the root and dark green leaves of the leeks. Wash the remaining light green and white part and cut into ¼” rounds. Set aside.
    • Add the butter to a small lidded pot (or casserole dish) and melt it over a medium heat. Add the leeks and water and stir to coat.
    • Cover the pot with the lid, reduce the heat to low and allow the leeks to cook gently for 10-15 minutes or until very soft. Check the pot now and again and stir if necessary.
    • Season with the salt and pepper and serve.
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

    Notes

    If necessary, add more water to the pan if the water starts to cook off before the leeks are cooked through.
    Washing leeks thoroughly is very important. Dirt can get trapped in between the leaves, so it's important to take your time when washing them. You can soak them in cold water in a bowl to ensure the dirt gets removed.
    If you're not going to serve the melted leeks right away, keep them warm in a covered pot or casserole dish until ready to eat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2022IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Mashed Potato Recipes
    • Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
    • Pineapple Stuffing
    • Microwave Brussels Sprouts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie

      February 16, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, what a beautiful side to any meat dish. Looks so delicious. I can't wait to make this.

      Reply
    2. Erin

      February 20, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      I served these as a side dish with some bacon mixed in. Delicious!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kate cooking.

    Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

    More about me →

    Latest Recipes

    • Sweet Chili Chicken
    • Air Fryer Donuts with Lemon Glaze
    • Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Legs
    • Buffalo Chicken Bites
    Collage of press logos.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Cookie Policy
    • Website Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 You Say Potatoes