Baked Fennel Recipe

Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible Baked Fennel recipe! Tender fennel bulbs, boasting a delightful crunch, are baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping. A hint of fennel's signature flavor shines through, making it the ideal complement to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even fish. This easy recipe is ready in under an hour and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 312.2 kcal
Protein 18g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Baked Fennel

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Fennel

  • Fennel Bulbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • Olive Oil
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Fresh Breadcrumb
  • Salt And Pepper

How to Make Baked Fennel

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Clean 1 large fennel bulb, reserving the feathery fronds for garnish. Slice the bulb lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  3. Place fennel slices in a medium saucepan. Pour in 1 cup of milk to cover.
  4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fennel is easily pierced with a fork. Do not overcook.
  5. Remove fennel from milk and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  6. Lightly grease a small baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches).
  7. Arrange fennel slices in a single layer in the baking dish.
  8. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the fennel. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  10. While fennel bakes, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix well.
  11. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the baked fennel.
  12. Continue baking for 5-7 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  13. Garnish with the reserved fennel fronds and serve hot or at room temperature.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

28g

Carbs

8g