Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes (Italian Style)
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Italian style Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes is one of those dishes that can elevate a simple meal to the extraordinary level. The taste of roasted fennel with sweet cherry tomatoes is irresistible. It works perfectly topped on your favorite grilled, fried or baked fish, as well as chicken cutlets, pork or Veal Milanese.
Below I’ll show you how to cut the fennel for perfect roasting and will give you some more serving suggestions. If you’re looking for more roasting veggie ideas then you may like these Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes – Perfect Side Dish or Topping for Meat or Fish
One time in my favorite Italian specialty store I was looking for some dinner ideas. I approached the deli section to get some potato salad. But as I did so I noticed Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes and decided to give it a try. Oh my goodness it was delicious! I served it on top of chicken cutlets and my husband was super impressed with the dish.
What surprised me though was the way the fennel was cut into tiny slices. This made it roast evenly and it paired beautifully with the small cherry tomatoes. Now I’d roasted fennel before, but never in slices like this, and to be honest there was always a piece somewhere that was either too hard or too chewy. Even though I love the taste of roasted fennel, this was always a little problematic for me. Once I tried this roasted fennel from the Italian store I immediately knew what I was doing wrong. I will show you below how to prep the fennel for perfect roasting.
But once you have it out of the oven, you can serve it with whatever you like. It’s really versatile and works beautifully on fish as well as meat. Think about a roasted halibut or pan-fried cod or grilled swordfish.
I served this one with my Veal Milanese, but chicken cutlets, pork cutlets or even slow-roasted chicken will work really well here too.
How to Prepare Fennel for Roasting
- Cut off the top of the fennel and either discard it or use it for a soup
- Cut off the bottom
- Cut it in half
- Cut in quarters
- Remove the core
- Remove the outer leaves (these are the ones that can get hard or chewy when roasted so you want to get rid of them)
- Slice your fennel into 1/4 inch pieces
How to Make Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes
- Once your fennel is prepared you can spread it on the sheet pan;
- Add halved cherry tomatoes;
- Add Salt;
- Add Pepper;
- Add Olive Oil, and then place pan into the oven, preheated to 375F, for about 40-45 minutes, mixing it once in a while (the roasting time may take longer or shorter so watch it to make sure that it is soft and slightly brown – it will depend on how big your fennel was and how crowded your sheet pan is).
What to Serve Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes
As mentioned above this dish works perfectly with any fish or meat. It could also be a perfect addition to a vegetarian meal. The possibilities are endless.
Here are a couple of my suggestions:
- Oven Roasted Chicken Legs and Drumsticks
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Dijon Chicken with Meyer Lemons
- Olive Oil Chicken Mediterranean Style
- Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Pan-Seared Ribeye
Other Side Dishes to Try
Roasted Fennel with Tomatoes (Italian Style)
Ingredients
- 3 bulbs Fennel
- 2 boxes Cherry Tomatoes Each is 1 US Dry Pint
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil Extra Virgin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Grounded Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
Prepare the Fennel
- Cut off the top of the fennel and either discard it or use it for a soup. Cut off the bottom.
Cut it in half. Cut in quarters. Remove the core. Remove the outer leaves (these are the ones that can get hard or chewy when roasted so you want to get rid of them). Slice your fennel into 1/4 inch pieces.
Assemble to baking sheet
- Once your fennel is prepared you can spread it on the sheet pan; Add halved cherry tomatoes; Add Salt & Pepper;
- Add Olive Oil, and then place pan into the oven for about 40-45 minutes, mixing it once in a while (the roasting time may take longer or shorter so watch it to make sure that it is soft and slightly brown - it will depend on how big your fennel was and how crowded your sheet pan is).
Nutrition
Read about the author Edyta here or follow Eating European on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Such a beautiful use for the fennel. It sounds incredible paired with the tomatoes. I just love roasted vegetables.
Thank you. I think roasted vegetables are simply the best!
This is a great use of fennel and thank you for teaching how to properly cut it. Makes so much sense now.
Thank you so much, Andrea, I’m happy it was useful.
Fennel is so under-appreciated and I don’t think a lot of people ever try it. I’m always happy to see recipes that feature it. I especially love the flavors when it is roasted
I love roasted fennel – this will make perfect side or with some crusty bread as a bruschetta. YUM!
I just love roasted fennel! No one else in my house will eat it – more for me! I’ haven’t tried it like this before but tomatoes sound like the perfect match!
I bet this would be great on spaghetti squash!
Roasted fennel and tomatoes are fantastic. I always add a Vidalia or sweet onion and a few garlic gloves. It is a filling dinner for myself. Leftovers are just as delicious.