Name: Fennel Gratin With Walnut-Thyme Breadcrumbs
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds fennel bulbs (about 4 small), thinly sliced lengthwise; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 2 tablespoons thyme leaves, divided; Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper; 1 1/2 cups very coarse fresh breadcrumbs; 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan (about 1 cup)

Image may contain Plant Food Produce and Vegetable

Photo by Alex Lau

A doubly crunchy topping marks a breakthrough moment for creamy roasted fennel.

Recipe information

Total Time
1 hour
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds fennel bulbs (about 4 small), thinly sliced lengthwise

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 cup heavy cream

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons thyme leaves, divided

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 cups very coarse fresh breadcrumbs

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ounce finely grated Parmesan (about 1 cup)

Preparation

Step 1
Place rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 400°F. Place fennel, onion, cream, butter, and 1 Tbsp. thyme in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Transfer to an 8x8" baking dish; bake until fennel is crisp-tender and cream is reduced by half, 30–35 minutes.
Step 2
While fennel is baking, combine breadcrumbs, walnuts, and oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss until bread is evenly saturated and walnuts are coated. Add Parmesan and remaining 1 Tbsp. thyme and toss again to combine.
Step 3
Scatter breadcrumb mixture evenly over gratin and bake until breadcrumbs and walnuts are deep golden brown and fennel is tender, 12–15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

TagsGratin Casserole Fennel Root Vegetable Vegetable Thyme Herbs & Spices Walnut Nut Parmesan Cheese Dairy Side Starter Dinner Vegetarian Oven Bake Bon Appétit

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

27 Fennel Recipes for Crunchy Salads and Savory-Sweet Sides
Whether shaved into crunchy ribbons or caramelized and golden-sweet, fennel enhances every dish it touches.
59 Casserole Recipes for Creamy Comfort With Crispy Edges
Big on delicious, low on mess.
An Italian Easter Feast
Celebrate the season with our best Italian-inspired spring holiday recipes.
Our 35 Best Thyme-Infused Recipes
Our favorite ways to use the lemony, earthy herb.
Our Favorite Sides for Beef Tenderloin
When you're serving a beef roast, you want a side dish with flavor that will stand up to the meat, but won't overpower it. Here are 43 suggestions we love.
How to Make Bacon Croutons for Salads, Soups, and...Snacking
This hybrid of bacon and brioche belongs in your recipe rolodex. And on top of your salad.
15 Ways Breadcrumbs Can Make Any Dish Better
From pasta topping to strudel filling, breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient in our everyday arsenal.