Name: Fennel Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 large fennel bulbs (trimmed and sliced); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional); Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with Fennel Gratin, a dish that captures everything wonderful about French-inspired comfort cooking. Delicate fennel slices are bathed in a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce, topped with a golden crust of Gruyère and Parmesan, and baked until irresistibly bubbling. This incredibly fragrant side is as striking on a festive table as it is cozy for a weeknight dinner. Creamy, savory, and just a bit sophisticated, Fennel Gratin delivers that wow factor without any fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fennel Gratin calls for just a handful of simple, highly flavorful ingredients—each chosen for the way it transforms both the taste and texture of the finished dish. Take a peek below at what makes this classic combination so special!

Fennel Bulbs: Their mild, sweetly aromatic flavor mellows even more as they soften and bake, making them the absolute star of this gratin.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps create that signature silkiness in the cream sauce.
Garlic: Just one clove, minced and sautéed, gives the sauce a heady, irresistible aroma.
Heavy Cream: Creates a heavenly, ultra-creamy filling that hugs every fennel layer.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty, and nutty, it crisps up beautifully on top and deepens the overall flavor.
Gruyère Cheese: Melts lusciously and adds a gentle, earthy undertone with gorgeous gooey pockets.
Nutmeg: Just a hint enhances the creaminess and makes everything taste a touch more elegant.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for waking up all the flavors and providing balance.
Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional): For those who love a little crunch on top, panko breadcrumbs make a perfect golden crust.
Fresh Thyme (Optional): A few sprigs bring a whisper of herbaceous freshness as the perfect garnish.

How to Make Fennel Gratin

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Fennel Gratin will bake evenly and develop that delicious golden top. Lightly butter a medium baking dish—trust me, this extra step guarantees nothing sticks and every serving comes out perfectly.

Step 2: Parboil the Fennel

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then slip in your sliced fennel. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes until just tender. This step softens the fennel and removes any bitterness, setting the stage for that luscious cream soak later on. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Let it all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes for a dreamy, aromatic sauce, then take it off the heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Fennel Gratin

Arrange your fennel slices in the prepared baking dish, taking a moment to layer them for even coverage. Pour the creamy garlic sauce all over, making sure every piece is well coated. Generously sprinkle Parmesan and Gruyère across the top. If you’re after extra crunch, scatter those panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide your Fennel Gratin into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and gloriously bubbly. Be patient and let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set just enough for perfect slices.

How to Serve Fennel Gratin

Garnishes

Once your Fennel Gratin emerges from the oven, a scatter of fresh thyme leaves on top does wonders—it adds irresistible color and a bright herbal note that wakes up all the creaminess. A little extra Parmesan shaved over the top is also a welcome touch for cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

Fennel Gratin pairs irresistibly well with simple roasted chicken or pork, and it truly shines alongside grilled fish or seared salmon. For a vegetarian spread, try it with a crisp green salad or earthy roasted root vegetables. Its versatility means it can anchor a holiday feast or elevate your weeknight dinner game.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch. Or, bake it family-style in a rustic gratin dish and let everyone help themselves at the table. Leftovers sliced into wedges also make a show-stopping addition to a brunch buffet!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Fennel Gratin keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making those leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can freeze Fennel Gratin before baking by assembling everything, covering tightly, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed. Once baked, it’s best not to freeze as the creamy texture won’t be quite the same.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until piping hot, covering with foil if you want to keep the top from browning further. Individual portions can also be microwaved, though the oven will best restore the gratin’s original texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?

Absolutely! Half-and-half is an easy swap for heavy cream and will give your Fennel Gratin a slightly lighter but still lovely richness. For a dairy-free version, try full-fat coconut milk or an unflavored plant-based creamer, though the flavor will change a bit.

Is Fennel Gratin gluten-free?

Yes, if you skip the panko breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free panko, this dish is safely gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

How do I pick the best fennel bulbs?

Look for bulbs that are firm, white, and heavy for their size, with bright green fronds and no bruising. Smaller to medium bulbs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but large ones work perfectly in this gratin, especially when sliced thin.

Can I assemble Fennel Gratin ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the entire dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking straight from cold.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Comté, Fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar can be delicious alternatives or additions to the Gruyère and Parmesan blend. Each cheese brings a different nuance to the Fennel Gratin, so experiment to find your favorite combo.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about putting together a bubbling dish of Fennel Gratin—the aroma, the golden top, and the creamy, tender layers inside. Whether it’s your first time or you’re already a fan, I hope this recipe brings a new favorite to your table. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and let this simple, elegant side show off just how special fennel can be!

Fennel Gratin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Creamy and flavorful, this Fennel Gratin is a delightful side dish featuring tender fennel bulbs baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Fennel Gratin Ingredients:

3 large fennel bulbs (trimmed and sliced)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium baking dish.
Prepare Fennel: Boil sliced fennel in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain.
Make Cream Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Assemble: Arrange fennel in dish, pour cream mixture over, sprinkle with cheeses, and top with breadcrumbs if using.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let rest, garnish with thyme, and enjoy!