Name: Roasted Fennel Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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If you’ve never tried Roasted Fennel before, you’re in for a delicious surprise. This simple yet vibrant dish completely transforms fennel’s crisp, slightly licorice-flavored bulbs into meltingly tender wedges with golden edges and irresistibly sweet, caramelized notes. Effortlessly elegant and bursting with Mediterranean charm, Roasted Fennel is just as at home next to a roast chicken as it is stealing the spotlight on a vegetarian table. Let’s dive into why this recipe might be your next obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Roasted Fennel truly shines thanks to a handful of key ingredients that balance fresh, savory, and citrusy flavors. Each element plays a crucial role, so even though this list is short, don’t be tempted to skip anything — it all works together for that perfect bite!

Fennel Bulbs: The star of the show! Look for ones with bright white bulbs and feathery fronds for the freshest flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and encourages the fennel to caramelize beautifully as it roasts.
Sea Salt: Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness and bring all the flavors into focus.
Black Pepper: Offers gentle heat and complexity without overpowering fennel’s delicate aroma.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick, this sneaky spice adds subtle warmth.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A finishing squeeze of zestiness that brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): A savory, nutty topping that melts slightly over the warm fennel — I highly recommend trying it!

How to Make Roasted Fennel

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a trusty baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. While the oven warms, trim the fennel bulbs and slice them into beautiful 1/2-inch wedges. This not only helps the pieces roast evenly but also looks gorgeous on the plate!

Step 2: Season the Fennel

Arrange your fennel slices on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle over the sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and (if using) a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together right on the tray, making sure every slice gets a glossy, seasoned coating.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned fennel in a single layer — this is key for that irresistible caramelization rather than steaming. Slide the sheet into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the wedges halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when the fennel is tender, golden at the edges, and your kitchen smells absolutely divine.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

As soon as your Roasted Fennel emerges from the oven, drizzle it generously with fresh lemon juice for a pop of brightness. If you’d like, shower the warm wedges with a snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt in while the fennel is still hot. Now comes the best part — dig in!

How to Serve Roasted Fennel

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, a sprinkle of fennel fronds or freshly chopped herbs like parsley brings a burst of color and freshness to your Roasted Fennel. If you’re a cheese lover, the classic shower of Parmesan adds just the right richness and a little salty tang.

Side Dishes

Roasted Fennel loves company! It’s wonderful paired with simply grilled fish, roast chicken, or tossed alongside a platter of roasted potatoes and Mediterranean vegetables. For a vegetarian meal, serve it over creamy polenta or alongside a grain salad with lentils or quinoa for extra heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking Roasted Fennel wedges into paninis with mozzarella, tossing them through warm pasta with olives and capers, or arranging them over a green salad with citrus segments. For an elegant appetizer, layer them over crostini with a swipe of ricotta — the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Roasted Fennel keeps beautifully in the fridge! Place any leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers a little treat on their own.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can absolutely freeze Roasted Fennel for up to a month. Store the cooled wedges in a single layer in freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture when reheating.

Reheating

To bring Roasted Fennel back to its just-roasted glory, spread the wedges onto a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil — perfect for reviving all that irresistible caramelization!

FAQs

Can I make Roasted Fennel ahead of time?

Absolutely! Roasted Fennel tastes great served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can prep and roast it up to a day ahead and gently reheat before serving.

What does fennel taste like when roasted?

Roasting transforms fennel’s raw, crisp, and slightly licorice-like bite into something softer, sweeter, and deeply aromatic. It turns mellow and delicate, with lovely caramelized notes and a hint of anise that pairs beautifully with savory sides.

Do I need to core the fennel before roasting?

You can leave the core in if the wedges are large enough to hold together, but for the most tender results, feel free to remove any tough central core after slicing, especially if the bulb is extra large or fibrous.

Can I add other vegetables to this Roasted Fennel recipe?

Definitely! Roasted Fennel shares the tray easily — try adding sliced carrots, red onions, or even bell peppers for a colorful side. Just make sure the slices are similar in size so everything cooks evenly.

Is Roasted Fennel healthy?

Yes — it’s naturally low in calories and high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Plus, it’s vegetarian and gluten-free! You can always skip the Parmesan for a lighter or dairy-free option without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Roasted Fennel enough for anyone looking to shake up their side dish rotation or impress guests with a new favorite. It’s simple to make but tastes like pure elegance, with flavors that seem to get better with every bite. Give it a try and let this dish win you over — I promise, your dinners will never be the same again!

Roasted Fennel Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this simple and flavorful recipe for Roasted Fennel. Tender fennel wedges are roasted to perfection with a blend of olive oil, seasonings, and a hint of citrus, creating a delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Fennel:

2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Serving Suggestions:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Fennel: Place sliced fennel on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly and spread out in a single layer.
Roast Fennel: Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Finish: Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve warm.