Blue Cheese Leeks is a rich and tasty side dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Tender, sweet leeks are served in a bold and tangy blue cheese sauce.
Creamy leeks with blue cheese offer a luxurious twist on a classic side dish.
My whole family loves how this recipe combines the subtle sweetness of leeks with the bold flavor of blue cheese, creating a creamy and indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
I make it for special occasions or when we're simply craving something comforting. It goes with so many main courses. I sometimes stir it into pasta, or my husband has his on steak.
We love using seasonal leeks, so be sure to try some other tasty recipes to use them up. We often enjoy Cheesy Leeks, Buttered Sautéed Leeks, or Grilled Leeks with Lemon and Parmesan.
Unsure just what leeks are, or how to clean them properly? Be sure to check out this handy guide: What are Leeks?
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
- Versatility: Creamy leeks with blue cheese make a delicious and rich side dish, but it's also great as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for omelets.
- Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant green hue and creamy texture, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Sophisticated flavors: Elevate date night with the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish.
About Leeks
Leeks belong to the same family as onions and garlic and are prized for their mild, sweet flavor.
They're rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. When shopping for leeks, look for ones with firm, white stems and bright green leaves, and be sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris trapped between their layers.
Ingredients
- Leeks: Leeks add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and helps to cook the leeks, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Double Cream / Heavy Cream: Cream contributes to the luscious, creamy texture of the dish.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese provides a bold, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the leeks.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick and helps to balance the richness of the dish. Try dijon or wholegrain.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Thinly slice the leeks and wash to remove any dirt or debris (see how to clean leeks).
Melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring often for a few minutes.
Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid and let the leeks soften and ‘sweat’ for 7-10 minutes, stirring often.
Check often so they don’t scorch in the pan. You want them soft but not browned.
Increase the heat to medium and stir in the cream, blue cheese, mustard, salt and pepper.
Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the creamy leeks with blue cheese as a side dish alongside roast chicken or grilled steak.
- Spread the leeks on toasted sourdough bread for a delicious open-faced sandwich.
- Use the leeks as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for savory tarts.
- Stir your blue cheese leeks into cooked pasta (I love it with linguine) for a quick and tasty meal.
Storage
Creamy leeks with blue cheese are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Top tips
- Clean the Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can harbor dirt and debris between their layers, so be sure to wash them thoroughly under running water.
- Don't Rush the Cooking Process: Take your time cooking the leeks until they are soft. This will help develop their sweet flavor.
- Use a lid: For this recipe, you don't want the leeks to be browned or crispy. A lid steams the leeks and sweats them, so they become beautifully tender and sweet.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: While blue cheese adds a distinctive bold flavor, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese such as goat cheese or Gruyère for a different twist.
FAQ
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the creamy leeks with blue cheese a few hours in advance and reheat before serving.
Single cream, or half-and-half, can be used as a lighter alternative, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Leeks with Blue Cheese
Equipment
- skillet / frying pan
Ingredients
- 4 leeks 500g/17.5 ounces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 100 ml double cream ½ cup
- 50 g blue cheese crumbled or chopped 1.75 ounces
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or wholegrain
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Thinly slice the leeks and wash to remove any dirt or debris (see how to clean leeks).
- Melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring often for a few minutes.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid and let the leeks soften and ‘sweat’ for 7-10 minutes, stirring often. Check often so they don’t brown or scorch in the pan.
- Increase the heat to medium and stir in the cream, blue cheese, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Serve warm as a side dish, or on slices of toasted sourdough.
Nutrition
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.
Kristine
Loved these leeks, a very flavorful side dish. My husband practically liked the pan clean - the sauce is incredible!
Tiffany
This side dish impressed my family! The sweetness of the leeks goes well with the blue cheese! Thank you
TAYLER ROSS
Wash lovely and rich. Perfect with a juicy steak.
Gwynnie
This was fantastic! Fresh, bold flavors I've never had together. My family loved this side dish.
Lauren
I'd never had leeks like this before, but I love blue cheese so decided to give this recipe a try. It's SO good! I'll definitely be making them this way more often now.