Oven-Roasted Fennel with Parmesan Crust
Transform the humble fennel bulb into a gourmet side dish with this Oven-Roasted Fennel with Parmesan Crust recipe. When baked, fennel develops a sweet, caramelized flavor and a delightful tender texture. The addition of rich chicken or vegetable stock infuses the dish with warmth, while the generous topping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese forms a beautifully golden crust. Perfect as a comforting side for your main course or as a light lunch, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Don't forget to savor each bite, as the unique flavor of fennel truly shines in this elegant preparation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fennel
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut in half)
butter
3 tablespoons (divided)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
chicken stock
1/2 cup (or use vegetable stock)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Roasted Fennel with Parmesan Crust?
It is a gourmet side dish where fennel bulbs are roasted with stock and butter until tender and sweet, then topped with a golden Parmesan cheese crust.
What does roasted fennel taste like?
When baked, fennel loses its sharp anise bite and develops a sweet, caramelized flavor with a soft, delightful texture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, this recipe is fully vegetarian.
How do I prepare the fennel for this recipe?
The fennel bulbs should be trimmed and cut in half before roasting.
What kind of stock should I use?
You can use either chicken stock for a rich flavor or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
How much fennel do I need?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of fennel bulbs.
What creates the golden crust?
A half-cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used to create the beautifully golden crust.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter, which should be divided during preparation.
Is this roasted fennel dish healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthy side dish that highlights the natural nutritional benefits of the fennel bulb.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While typically a side dish, its rich flavor and comforting nature make it suitable for a light lunch.
What is the texture of the fennel after roasting?
The fennel becomes tender and soft, contrasting perfectly with the crispy Parmesan topping.
How much stock is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable stock.
Are there any other seasonings in this dish?
Besides the cheese and stock, the dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, this is an easy-to-prepare dish that uses only six ingredients but yields elegant, gourmet results.
What part of the fennel is used?
The recipe uses the bulb of the fennel plant.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
For the best results and a better crust, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended.
Does the fennel taste like licorice?
While raw fennel has a licorice-like scent, roasting mellows this significantly into a mild sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add extra spices?
While the recipe is simple to let the fennel shine, you could add herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
How do I trim the fennel?
Cut off the stalks and the very bottom of the bulb, then slice the bulb in half vertically.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
While butter provides a rich flavor, you can substitute olive oil if you prefer a different fat source.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: fennel, butter, salt, pepper, stock, and Parmesan cheese.
Is this a good side dish for holidays?
Yes, its elegant presentation and unique flavor make it an impressive addition to holiday meals.
What if I don't have stock?
Stock provides moisture and depth; if you don't have it, water could be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be less rich.
Is this dish low-carb?
Fennel is relatively low in carbohydrates, making this a great option for those watching their carb intake.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you would need to use a plant-based butter substitute and a vegan cheese alternative.
Why do you divide the butter?
Dividing the butter allows some to be used for roasting the fennel and some to help crisp up the cheese crust.
Can I use the fennel fronds?
Yes, you can save the leafy green fronds to use as a garnish for extra color and flavor.
Does the cheese get crispy?
Yes, the Parmesan melts and bakes into a golden, slightly crispy crust on top of the vegetables.
What makes the fennel caramelize?
The natural sugars in the fennel react with the heat of the oven and the fat from the butter to create caramelization.