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.
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.
Serving size | 879.3 grams (879.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1730 |
Total Fat 129.20g | 166% |
Saturated Fat 65.20g | 326% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 275mg | 92% |
Sodium 4937mg | 215% |
Total Carbohydrate 82.60g | 30% |
Dietary Fiber 16.30g | 58% |
Total Sugars 23.90g | |
Protein 60.30g | 121% |
Vitamin D 39IU | 193% |
Calcium 1458mg | 112% |
Iron 8mg | 44% |
Potassium 2486mg | 53% |
Source of Calories