Healthy, Crispy and Delicious Fennel Cordon Bleu
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Looking for a creative way to elevate fennel into a star dish? Enter Fennel Cordon Bleu—a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, appetizers, or even a unique family meal.
What is Fennel Cordon Bleu?
Fennel cordon bleu is a playful take on the traditional cordon bleu, replacing the usual chicken or veal with fennel for a lighter, yet equally indulgent dish. Originating in Europe, “cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon,” symbolizing excellence. While the classic version features meat wrapped around ham and cheese, this version takes thinly sliced fennel, sandwiches it with ham and cheese, and coats it in a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a great way to showcase fennel in a way that’s approachable and satisfying for even those who don’t typically love vegetables.
Why Everyone Will Love Fennel Cordon Bleu
This dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Fennel’s subtle, slightly sweet anise flavor contrasts beautifully with the savory ham, melted cheese, and crispy coating.
- It’s crispy and cheesy, yet incorporates a nutrient-rich vegetable, making it a more balanced indulgence.
- It's highly customizable, so you can swap the cheese or ham for your favorites—think mozzarella, Swiss, or even a plant-based ham alternative.
- Serve it as a comforting main dish, a side, or even as bite-sized appetizers for a party.
Tips for Making the Perfect Fennel Cordon Bleu
- Pick bulbs that are firm, white, and free from bruises for the best texture and flavor.
- Aim for even, thin slices of fennel so they cook evenly and are easy to sandwich with ham and cheese.
- For an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- If you want an extra crispy crust, repeat the coating process—flour, egg mixture, breadcrumbs—twice.
- Fry the fennel in oil heated to 350°F to ensure it becomes golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
FAQ Section
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What Cheese Works Best for This Recipe?
Melty cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyère work best, but you can experiment with your favorites.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded fennel on a baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I Know When the Fennel is Cooked?
The fennel should be tender but not mushy. Fry until the coating is golden brown, and the cheese inside has melted.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can coat the fennel in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before frying or baking.
How to Store Fennel Cordon Bleu
If you have leftovers, let the fennel cordon bleu cool completely before storing. Wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Ingredients
How to Make Fennel Cordon Bleu
- Remove the green fronds and slice the fennel bulbs widthwise into even discs.
- Place a slice of ham and cheese on one fennel disc and top it with another, creating a "sandwich.
- In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, ¼ cup of milk, and a pinch of salt.
- First, dredge each fennel sandwich in flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry each fennel sandwich until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with a side salad, dipping sauce, or on their own as a delicious appetizer or main dish.
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