Leeks Stuffed with Cheese and Ham

Stuffed leeks are a delicious option that you can prepare in a short time. If you want to learn how to make leeks stuffed with ham and cheese, read the recipe below.

Written and verified by the nutritionist Florencia Villafañe.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Leeks stuffed with ham and cheese are a delicacy that you won’t regret trying. This recipe, which you can make in a simple way, can be an excellent option as a starter to a gourmet dish. In addition, it’s the ideal way to vary your typical appetizers.

Leeks, a vegetable that belongs to the onion, spring onion, and garlic family, are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Thanks to their slightly sweet flavor, they can be prepared steamed or added to broths or soups.

On this occasion, we’ll tell you how to prepare these delicious leeks stuffed with ham and cheese, so you can enjoy their flavor to the fullest. Keep reading and discover the recipe along with step-by-step instructions.

The materials and ingredients you’ll need to make stuffed leeks

Keep in mind that these quantities make enough for 5 people:

• 1 egg
• 1 deep pot
• 8 large leeks
• 50 grams of butter
• 100 grams of sliced ham
• Salt and seasoning to taste
• 1 flat oven-safe dish
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 250 grams of cream cheese or mozzarella cheese

Step-by-step instructions

To prepare this recipe, the first thing you should do is cook the leeks in boiling salted water for 20 minutes or until tender. This time is approximate. Keep in mind that they should remain whole.

While waiting for them to soften, crack an egg into a bowl and beat with a fork for a few minutes. Then, cut the mozzarella cheese into cubes and place it in the same bowl. Add the mustard, salt, and seasoning. After this, cut the ham into strips and add it to the bowl as well.

At this point, turn the oven on at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating, drain the leeks, run them under cold water, place them on a cloth napkin or paper towel, and let them cool for 10 minutes.

This step’s important so that you can stuff them without getting burned. Next, you’ll need to remove the center of the leeks by pressing on them. It’s best to hollow them out.

With the help of a spoon, stuff all the leeks and place them in a buttered dish. If you want, before stuffing, you can cut the leeks into smaller pieces, to make this task easier.

Once you’ve finished, arrange them side by side and spread the rest of the butter with the help of a spoon. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

How to accompany this recipe for leeks stuffed with ham and cheese?

Of course, you can also use these leeks stuffed with ham and cheese as part of your main dish. To do this, you’ll need to prepare something to accompany their flavor.

An example could be baked or grilled meat. To make it, simply season a piece of red meat with thyme, salt, and juniper and cook in the oven. Don’t use the same dish as the stuffed vegetables or the juices released by the meat could cause your stuffed leeks to come apart.

On the other hand, this recipe  also combines well with sweet potato or baked potatoes. In this case, what you should do is to cut these tubers in thin slices with their skin and cook them for 10 minutes in the oven with a little olive oil and turmeric or paprika.

Another alternative is to use white rice with vegetables, such as corn, peas, and bell peppers. Whichever option you choose, all of these options combine well with leeks stuffed with ham and cheese.

What aspects to take into account?

One aspect to keep in mind is that this recipe can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fats. For this reason, it’s not a good option for those who suffer from metabolic problems, high blood pressure, or high triglycerides to consume it frequently. In this regard, several studies point out that limiting these nutrients is necessary in order to avoid further complications.

However, it’s possible to adapt this recipe and achieve a healthy version. To do so, you can avoid the butter and use extra virgin olive oil or choose a lean cheese, such as low-fat ricotta.

Why is it healthy to eat leeks?

In addition to the fact that this vegetable can be used in different preparations, it’s excellent for incorporating nutrients into the body. In fact, according to the “Libro de la alimentación española” (the Spanish book of foods), leeks are a source of dietary fiber and certain vitamins.

Among these, leeks contain vitamin B9 or folic acid, which contributes to the formation of blood cells. According to the book, 150 grams (6 oz) of leeks provide 48% of the recommended intake.

At the same time, they contain vitamin C, which is partly lost with the cooking process. They’re also rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.

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Prepare these delicious leeks stuffed with cheese and ham

Although leeks aren’t as common a vegetable in the kitchen as onions or garlic, they’re a versatile ingredient that will give a unique flavor to your dishes. And this recipe is the perfect way to take advantage of them.

Keep in mind that if you’re short on time, you can boil the leeks beforehand and leave them in your refrigerator for whenever you want to stuff them. Now, there’s no excuse not to try them!