Easy and delicious Roasted Fennel

Simple side dishes are often the unsung heroes of a nourishing meal, and this easy roasted fennel is proof that vegetables don’t need much to shine. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, roasting transforms fennel’s naturally bold flavour into something soft, slightly sweet, and irresistibly caramelized. It’s one of those recipes that feels both comforting and refined—perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for entertaining.

Beyond its flavour, roasted fennel adds valuable nutritional variety to your plate. Fennel is rich in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamin C, all of which support digestion, gut health, and overall wellness. Including a wider range of vegetables—especially less commonly used ones like fennel—helps diversify nutrient intake, supports hormonal balance, and keeps meals interesting and satisfying.

Whether served alongside roasted chicken, fish, or plant-based mains, this dish effortlessly rounds out a balanced plate. Even better, it pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-style eating patterns, making it a simple way to boost both flavour and nutrition without overcomplicating your routine.

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Gut-Friendly

Easy and delicious Roasted Fennel

Author: Teresa Maiorano, RD Courses: Side Recipe Keys: A Anti-inflammatory D Digestive support

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 425  F Servings: 4

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Dietary:

D Dairy-free G Gluten-free V Vegan

Description

Looking for an easy vegetable side dish that feels a little different? This roasted fennel recipe is simple, nourishing, and packed with flavour. Roasting brings out fennel’s natural sweetness while maintaining a tender bite, making it a versatile addition to both weeknight dinners and special meals. Rich in fibre and antioxidants, it’s an effortless way to add more nutrient-dense vegetables—and more variety—to your plate.

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 bulbs fennel, sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (or Parmigianno Regianno cheese, grated)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Remove the stems of the fennel. Rinse and dry the bulbs. Slice each bulb in half lengthwise. With the cut side down, slice the bulb vertically into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
3. Arrange the fennel slices in a 13 X 9 -inch baking dish. Drizzle them with the olive oil and use your hands to coat them well. Sprinkle the fennel with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven, gently toss the fennel slices, then sprinkle them evenly with nutritional yeast.
5. Return the pan to the oven and keep baking until the fennel is fork-tender and the top is golden brown, about 15 more minutes.

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