Creamy Fennel Bulb Gratin with Parmesan Crumble

Creamy Fennel Bulb Gratin A Parmesan Dream Fennel Recipes

By Sarah Chen-MartinezAugust 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what to do with that weird looking fennel bulb ? Honestly, I used to feel the same. But trust me, these fennel bulb recipes are about to become your new obsession.

The subtle anise flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Brief Overview

This Fennel Bulb Gratin recipe is originally a French classic. It is easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.

This dish takes roughly an hour, and serves about 4-6 people. It turns a simple fennel into something special.

Main Benefits

One amazing benefit is fennel's high fiber content. That makes it good for your gut. Serve this elegant dish alongside your Sunday roast. It's different from your standard side, and it's delicious!

Ready to make something amazing? Let's get started!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This creamy fennel gratin recipe is a game changer. Seriously. I was intimidated by the béchamel at first, you know? But with a little patience, it's a piece of cake.

It gives you a comfort food feel that is great for the soul. And the Parmesan fennel bake ? Oh my gosh, it is cheesy perfection.

Choosing The Right Fennel

Finding the perfect fennel is important. Look for firm, white fennel bulbs without any bruises. The stalks should be perky, not wilted.

The fronds can be a bonus for garnish, or adding a bit of extra fennel-y flavour. Did you know you can eat them?

Gathering The Right Ingredients

So, here’s what you'll need to make this magic happen. You will need fennel bulbs , olive oil, onion, garlic, nutmeg, butter, flour, milk, Gruyere, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs.

A pinch of salt and pepper too, obviously.

Getting Started

Okay, so you got all the ingredients and you have a clear head? Now let's dive into the creamy heaven that is a fennel gratin recipe .

Trust me, even if you’re not a veggie fanatic, this is worth a try.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

Right, so you wanna whip up this dreamy creamy fennel gratin ? Sorted. Let's break down what you'll need. This fennel recipe is all about simple ingredients singing together.

Main Ingredients: Fennel Four Ways!

Fennel Bulbs: 2 large ones. We're talking about 600g give or take. Get firm ones, no bruising. The smell should be faintly anise like.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Nothing fancy, just your everyday stuff.
Onion: 1 medium ( 150g ), thinly sliced. Brown or white, you pick.
Garlic: 2 cloves ( 6g ), minced. Jarred is fine in a pinch.

For the dreamy béchamel...

Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted ( 57g ). Real butter, not spread.
Flour: 4 tablespoons all-purpose ( 30g ). Plain flour does the job.
Whole Milk: 3 cups warmed ( 710ml ). Warmed prevents lumps.
Gruyere: 1/2 cup grated ( 50g ). Adds a nutty flavour.

And for that epic Parmesan crumble...

Parmesan: 1/2 cup grated ( 50g ). Freshly grated is always better.
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup ( 15g ). These give a super crispy top.
Butter: 2 tablespoons melted ( 28g ). Again, proper butter.

Seasoning Notes: A Pinch of This and That

The secret weapons? Nutmeg. Seriously, 1/4 teaspoon goes in both the fennel and the béchamel. It warms everything up beautifully.

Also, white pepper in the béchamel is classic, but black's fine if that's all you have. And don't skimp on the salt!

If you are looking for roasted fennel and artichoke hearts for example, you could add some quartered artichoke hearts to the fennel pan before it goes in the baking dish to roast!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Honestly, you don't need a ton of stuff.

Large skillet or sauté pan.
9x13 inch baking dish.
Whisk.
Cheese grater.

No fancy equipment needed for this fennel gratin recipe .

You can probably get away with using a smaller dish. Just adjust the baking time. Also, if you don't have a whisk, a fork will do.

Just make sure you get all the lumps out of your sauce! The user that search for Parmesan fennel bake want this to be a simple dish, right?

Creamy Dreamy: Making My Fennel Bulb Gratin!

Honestly, I've always been a bit intimidated by fennel . You know? That weird anise flavor. But I stumbled upon this recipe, and oh my gosh , it changed my life! This creamy Fennel Bulb Gratin is now my go-to for a fancy ish but easy side.

It is one of my favourite Fennel Bulb Recipes . It's perfect with roast chicken or even just a simple salad.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, prep is key. Slice 2 large fennel bulbs thin, about 1/4 inch. A mandoline helps, but a sharp knife works too.

Dice 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Get all your cheese grated about 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/2 cup Gruyere.

Measure out your flour, milk, and butter. Having everything ready saves so much time! Oh, and safety first, use a cutting board when slicing!

From Bulb to Bake: The Process

Here’s how to turn humble fennel into something spectacular, it is the perfect example of recipes with fennel

Sauté the Goodness: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the onion until soft. Add garlic for one minute until fragrant.
Fennel Time: Toss in the sliced fennel, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender crisp, about 10- 12 minutes.
Béchamel Bliss: Melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 3 cups warmed milk. Keep whisking until thick! Stir in nutmeg, Gruyere, salt, and pepper.
Crumble Time: Mix 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup panko, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Layer Up: Put fennel into a greased 9x13 inch dish. Pour over that béchamel goodness. Sprinkle that Parmesan crumble evenly over the top.
Bake the gratin for 35- 40 minutes at 375° F ( 190° C) . The top should be golden brown and bubbly. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Fennel Fantasies: Pro Tips and Tricks

Honestly, thinly sliced fennel is a game changer! Don’t overcook the fennel; you want a bit of bite. If you are looking for Fennel Recipes using pre-cooked roasted fennel, add it at step 5, and bake until heated through!.

Want extra flavour? Toast the panko breadcrumbs beforehand. It is one of the Parmesan fennel bake for dinner.

One time, I tried to rush the béchamel, and it was lumpy. Don't be like me! Warm the milk and whisk constantly.

If you make a double batch, it also works as the perfect fennel gratin recipe for a larger crowd. If you are making recipes using fennel in advance, you can assemble the whole gratin, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Perfect for dinner parties or those days when you have zero time to cook! If you are vegetarian, and looking for tasty vegetarian fennel recipes , this is a perfect choice.

Recipe Notes for Your Fennel Bulb Recipes Adventure

Honestly, before we dive into this fennel gratin recipe , let's chat. Have you ever stared at a fennel bulb wondering what in the world to do with it? I did, loads of times! Don't worry, this creamy fennel recipes is a total game changer.

It’s simple enough, even for a weeknight. Here are a few tips to make it a smashing success.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Right, so you've got this gorgeous Parmesan fennel bake bubbling away. How do you serve it up posh? A dollop next to some roasted chicken is perfect.

For vegetarians, add a green salad with lemon vinaigrette or serve as a fennel side dish recipes . If you want to show off, sprinkle a bit of fresh fennel fronds on top for extra freshness.

Recipes using fennel never looked so good.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

You've got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I wouldn't freeze this one because the béchamel might split, and nobody wants that! Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving to keep the crumble crisp.

Variations: Adapt and Conquer

Fancy a twist? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the béchamel for a zing. If you're after vegetarian fennel recipes , you're already sorted.

Just make sure your cheese is vegetarian friendly. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Simple as that! Thinking about roasted fennel and artichoke hearts , chuck that in for a Mediterranean vibe.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving is around 350 calories , packing 15g of protein and 4g of fiber. The key health benefits ? Fennel is great for digestion, and it's loaded with vitamins.

Plus, cheese makes everything better, innit? It's worth noting that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Seriously, this fennel bulb gratin is a proper treat. Don't be scared to give it a go, even if you're a bit of a beginner.

I promise you'll nail it! And with all these fennel recipes now in your arsenal, you are ready to experiment.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a bit of a beginner in the kitchen. Is this Creamy Fennel Bulb Gratin recipe too tricky for me?

Not at all! While the recipe is rated as medium difficulty because of the béchamel, it's totally achievable. Just take your time with the white sauce, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Warming the milk beforehand is your best bet against the lumps, think of it like making a good cuppa patience is key!

Can I prepare the Fennel Bulb Gratin ahead of time? I'm always rushed off my feet during the week!

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire gratin, right up to the point of adding the Parmesan crumble, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add the crumble topping and pop it in the oven.

Just like prepping your packed lunch the night before - saves you so much time!

I’m trying to be healthier. Are there any ways to lighten up this fennel bulb recipe?

Certainly! You could use skimmed milk in the béchamel sauce and reduce the amount of butter. You could also replace some of the Gruyere with a lower fat cheese or increase the amount of fennel to keep the portion sizes large. For a vegan alternative, replace the milk with almond milk. Every little helps, eh?

What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese? Can I use something else in this Fennel Bulb Gratin recipe?

No worries, mate! Gruyere has a lovely nutty flavour, but Fontina or Comté cheese would be a brilliant substitute, offering a similar meltability and depth of flavour. Cheddar would work in a pinch, although it'll have a stronger flavour, just make sure it's a good quality cheddar, otherwise you'll be disappointed!

How long will leftovers of this Creamy Fennel Bulb Gratin keep, and what’s the best way to reheat them?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the gratin with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the crumble topping might lose some of its crispness, fair warning!

I'm keen to try more fennel bulb recipes, could you suggest any interesting variations to this gratin?

Certainly! For a burst of sunshine, try adding some lemon zest to the béchamel or toss a handful of chopped walnuts into the Parmesan crumble for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

For a bolder dish, add a pinch of chili flakes to the fennel as it cooks, or mix in some sauteed mushrooms with the fennel for an earthier flavor. If you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of truffle oil after baking would be divine!