If you’ve never tried roasted fennel, you’re in for a treat! This Vegan Roasted Fennel with Balsamic Glaze is one of those simple yet elegant dishes that can completely transform your meal. The natural sweetness of fennel pairs beautifully with the deep, tangy richness of balsamic glaze, making this a side dish that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make.

We first fell in love with roasted fennel while exploring Mediterranean flavors. Raw fennel has a mild licorice-like taste, but once roasted, it turns buttery-soft, slightly caramelized, and irresistibly sweet. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you have a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort—our kind of cooking!

🔥 Why Roasting Brings Out the Best in Fennel

Fennel is one of those veggies that completely transforms when roasted. While raw fennel has a crisp texture and an anise-like flavor, roasting it at a high temperature makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender, bringing out its natural sweetness. The edges caramelize beautifully, giving you a perfect balance of soft, sweet, and slightly crispy.

Plus, fennel is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making it a nutrient-rich addition to any meal!

💡 Roasting Tip: Slice the fennel lengthwise to keep the layers intact and get those gorgeous caramelized edges.

🍷 Balsamic Glaze – The Magic Finishing Touch

The secret to taking roasted fennel to the next level? Balsamic glaze. Its deep, tangy, slightly sweet flavor perfectly complements the roasted fennel’s buttery texture. Drizzling it over the fennel just before serving gives the dish a restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort!

You can either use a store-bought balsamic glaze or reduce balsamic vinegar yourself for an extra homemade touch.

💡 Quick Glaze Tip: To make your own balsamic reduction, simmer balsamic vinegar on low heat until it thickens—simple and delicious!

🥗 Perfect as a Side or Main Dish

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It works beautifully as a side dish to pasta, grain bowls, or roasted potatoes, but it’s also substantial enough to be the star of the plate. Pair it with some crusty bread and a protein source, and you’ve got a simple, satisfying meal.

We also love adding it to salads or tossing it with some chickpeas and quinoa for a filling, plant-based meal. The balsamic glaze acts as a built-in dressing, making everything taste extra delicious.

💡 Serving Idea: Try serving roasted fennel alongside a creamy hummus dip or dairy-free yogurt sauce for an extra flavor boost!

🌱 A Dish That Feels Fancy but is Effortless

If you’re looking for a dish that’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for weeknights, this roasted fennel is it. It takes just a handful of ingredients, requires almost no prep, and comes out looking gorgeous every single time.

And let’s be honest—there’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of beautifully caramelized veggies out of the oven, drizzling them with glaze, and watching everyone dig in!

💡 Meal Prep Tip: Roast extra fennel and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—it makes a great addition to lunches and bowls.

🍽️ The Perfect Dish for Every Season

While fennel is often associated with spring and summer, this dish works beautifully year-round. It’s light enough for warmer months but also cozy enough for a winter meal. Pair it with warm grains, roasted nuts, or even some citrus zest for a seasonal twist.

So whether you’re looking for an easy side, a flavor-packed plant-based dish, or just an excuse to try fennel in a new way—this Vegan Roasted Fennel with Balsamic Glaze is your answer. We promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

This Roasted Fennel with Balsamic Glaze is a simple yet elegant dish, featuring tender roasted fennel bulbs enhanced by the sweet and tangy flavor of a balsamic reduction. Topped with fresh herbs, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal, adding a touch of sophistication to your dinner table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Brunch, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

2 large fennel bulbs trimmed and cut into wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey optional
Fresh herbs for garnish such as parsley, thyme, or dill

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Fennel: Trim the fennel bulbs, removing the stalks and tough outer layers. Cut the bulbs into wedges.
Season and Roast: Place the fennel wedges on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the fennel is tender and caramelized, turning halfway through cooking.
Make Balsamic Glaze: While the fennel is roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the vinegar has reduced by half and has a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. If desired, stir in honey for added sweetness.
Drizzle and Serve: Remove the roasted fennel from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the fennel. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

This Roasted Fennel with Balsamic Glaze is a delightful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of fennel with the added depth of balsamic reduction and fresh herbs. Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Vegan Roasted Fennel with Balsamic Glaze

🌿 What Does Roasted Fennel Taste Like?
Roasting brings out fennel’s natural sweetness, making it tender with a mild licorice-like flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

🍷 Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar Instead of Balsamic?
Yes! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar with a touch of maple syrup for a similar sweet-tangy balance.

🔥 How Can I Make the Fennel Extra Crispy?
For extra crispiness, roast at a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C) and spread the slices out evenly on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.

🥦 Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or onions pair well with fennel and soak up the balsamic glaze beautifully.

🧀 Can I Top This Dish with Vegan Cheese?
Yes! A sprinkle of vegan parmesan or crumbled plant-based feta adds extra richness and depth to the dish.

🌡️ How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store roasted fennel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to maintain its texture.

We hope these tips help you enjoy the perfect Vegan Roasted Fennel with Balsamic Glaze! Happy cooking! 🌿🔥🍷