Crispy Lemon-Parmesan Leeks = The Best Leeks You’ll Ever Have

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Enjoy the sweet and delicate flavor of roasted leeks with this elegant and unique side. We slice leeks into rounds and top them with savory Parmesan cheese and lemon zest that crisps up in the hot oven. Remember to thoroughly rinse and dry the leek rounds to ensure any trapped dirt or sand is removed before roasting.

a recipe photo of the Crispy Lemon-Parmesan Leeks
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Crispy Lemon-Parmesan Leeks

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Ingredients

  • 5 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into ½- to ¾-inch-thick rounds

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

  • 1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper

Directions

  1. Position oven rack in top third; preheat to 400°F. Toss leeks with oil and salt on a large rimmed baking sheet until well coated. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the pan. Roast until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to 450°F.

    a photo of the chopped leeks on the baking sheet

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  2. Meanwhile, stir Parmesan, lemon zest, thyme and pepper together in a small bowl until combined.

  3. Sprinkle the leeks evenly with Parmesan mixture. (It’s OK if some falls off onto the pan.) Roast until the undersides of the leeks are well browned and the Parmesan is melted and browned in spots, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the leeks to a platter; use a spatula to scrape up the remaining bits of Parmesan and sprinkle onto the leeks.

    a photo of the cooked leeks being taken off the baking sheet

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are leeks healthy?

    Leeks belong to the same family as onions and garlic, and they provide a wealth of nutrients and potential health benefits. They provide small amounts of several nutrients, including fiber and vitamins A and K. Leeks are rich in flavonoids, which have been linked with reduced inflammation. They also act as a prebiotic, providing food for your beneficial gut bacteria.

  • Is Parmesan cheese good for you?

    Like most other cheeses, Parmesan delivers essential nutrients, including protein and calcium. It is considered a higher-sodium cheese, but its pungent smell and flavor go a long way. This allows you to use less of it and still get the flavor, which is great if you’re watching your sodium intake.

  • What is the best way to wash leeks?

    For this recipe, where you cut the leek into rounds (or coins), cut off the dark green leaves from the top of the leek and reserve those for another use. Remove some of the tough outer leaves and set those aside too. Slice off and discard the root end of the leek. After you slice across the leeks into the desired thickness, place the rounds in a bowl of cold water. Gently swish them around and let the dirt settle to the bottom of the bowl. Once you see your leeks are clean, remove each round by hand; place them in a colander over the sink and let drain.


    For those darker leaves that you reserved: If you aren’t ready to use them immediately, store them unwashed in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator (they should keep this way for about two weeks). When you’re ready to use them, slice them up into ribbons or pieces and wash them as you did for the leek rounds, or if you prefer whole leaves, you can push a stream of water through each leaf under the kitchen faucet and use your fingers to wipe the dirt away. There are many ways to enjoy leek greens, but a couple of ideas include tossing them in a pan with a bit of olive oil and garlic plus your favorite seasonings for about 5 to 10 minutes or roasting them in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes—until the leaves are soft and tender. Then, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you wish.

  • What should I serve with roasted leeks?

    Leeks sweeten and mellow with cooking, so you can serve them with just about anything. Some suggestions include grains, pasta, chicken, beef, fish, eggs, potatoes and spring vegetables, such as carrots and asparagus.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, April 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

123 Calories
6g Fat
16g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 5 leek rounds
Calories 123
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 4g 8%
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Vitamin A 98µg
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 10%
Folate 45µg
Vitamin K 50µg
Sodium 231mg 10%
Calcium 129mg 10%
Iron 2mg 12%
Magnesium 29mg 7%
Potassium 181mg 4%
Zinc 0mg 4%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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