Fennel Gratin

Transform ordinary fennel bulbs into a luxurious side dish with this creamy, cheesy Fennel Gratin. Perfectly tender fennel slices are blanketed in a rich sauce made from Parmesan and Gruyère, spiced with a whisper of nutmeg, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust that’s irresistibly crispy. Blanching the fennel ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the silky roux-based sauce adds decadent layers of flavor. Baked to bubbling perfection, this gratin is a stunning addition to any dinner spread, from holiday feasts to cozy weeknight meals. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, Fennel Gratin elevates comfort food to gourmet status.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 fennel bulbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or butter.

Step 2

Trim the fennel bulbs by cutting off the stalks and fronds. Slice each bulb in half lengthwise, remove the core, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the fennel slices for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup of Gruyère cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and remove from heat once the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7

Arrange the blanched fennel slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the fennel, making sure it covers all the pieces.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses. Drizzle in the olive oil and combine until the mixture has a crumbly texture.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the fennel gratin.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 11

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1505.3 grams (1505.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2239

Total Fat 154.40g	198%
Saturated Fat 88.00g	440%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 426mg	142%
Sodium 5685mg	247%
Total Carbohydrate 122.20g	44%
Dietary Fiber 23.70g	85%
Total Sugars 51.80g
Protein 94.40g	189%

Vitamin D 185IU	925%
Calcium 2716mg	209%
Iron 9mg	51%
Potassium 3578mg	76%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.6%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 21.7%