Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible 'Leeks N Bacon' recipe, a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. Tender leeks are softened in a skillet with garlicky bacon fat, then heightened with a drizzle of rich heavy cream for a luscious finish. Crispy bacon bits are stirred back in for a delightful crunch, creating a dish that pairs beautifully with roast meats, or transforms into a satisfying light meal atop crusty bread. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is a fantastic way to make the most of seasonal leeks, with simple pantry staples adding layers of flavor. Whether served as a hearty side or a cozy starter, this always earns rave reviews! Keywords: leeks and bacon recipe, creamy leek side dish, quick bacon recipes, easy skillet dishes, vegetable and bacon recipes.
Trim the tough dark green tops and roots off the leeks. Slice each leek in half lengthwise, then chop into 1/2-inch slices. Rinse the chopped leeks thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or sand, then drain well.
Chop the bacon into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the leeks to the skillet and stir well to coat them with the bacon fat and garlic. Cook the leeks for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become tender.
Pour the heavy cream over the leeks and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream slightly thickens.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir it into the leek mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish or over crusty bread as a light meal.
Calories |
648 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.2 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 1793 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.4 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 182 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 731 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.