Blue Cheese Baked Fennel
Elevate your dinner table with the sophisticated flavors of Blue Cheese Baked Fennel, a comforting gratin that’s as simple as it is indulgent. Tender wedges of fennel, blanched to perfection, are blanketed in a rich layer of creamy heavy cream and sharp, tangy blue cheese. A golden, crispy topping of Parmesan and breadcrumbs adds irresistible crunch, while fresh parsley and fennel fronds provide a burst of freshness to each forkful. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick bake in the oven, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, hearty grain bowls, or a crisp green salad. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, this fennel gratin recipe will delight both cheese lovers and those looking to experiment with unique, flavorful ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 fennel bulbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.75 cups blue cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Trim the stalks and fronds from the fennel bulbs, reserving a few fronds for garnish. Slice each bulb in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 1/2-inch thick wedges.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the fennel wedges for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
In a large baking dish, arrange the fennel wedges in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Pour the heavy cream over the fennel, ensuring even coverage. Scatter the crumbled blue cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fennel and blue cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and the topping is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and reserved fennel fronds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
361 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.6 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 817 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.7 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 268 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 592 mg | 13% | |
*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.
