Roasted Fennel and Sausage with Lemon & Herbs

Easy fennel recipes don't get better! This Roasted Fennel and Sausage is bursting with flavour. A comforting autumn side dish – check it out!

May 22, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Alright, let's dive into this!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wonder what to do with that weird bulb from your csa recipes box? i got you! this fennel recipes dish, roasted fennel and sausage with lemon & herbs, is about to become your new favorite.

It's got that amazing savory-sweet thing going on. honestly, it's a flavor bomb.

Brief Overview

This dish has roots in rustic italian cooking. it's all about simple ingredients cooked well. it's easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for company.

It takes about an hour, start to finish, and feeds 4-6 people.

Main Benefits

Fennel is secretly a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with fiber. it's a perfect autumn side dishes addition to any fall dinner, especially thanksgiving.

What makes this recipe special is how the roasting brings out the herb dressing anise flavor.

Ready to get started?

Roasting is truly my all time preferred cooking method!

Let's talk ingredients.

Fennel & Sausage: A Flavor Powerhouse

You will need 2 large fennel bulbs, sliced thin. also, one pound of italian sausage, sweet or hot, your call! a large yellow onion, some minced garlic, and good olive oil, of course.

Red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy!

Don't forget salt and pepper.

Lemon & Herbs: Brighten Things Up

A lemon is key! Zest and juice. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley too. About 2 tablespoons of each. I even add in a splash of white wine. It adds depth.

You can substitute rosemary, thyme, and parsley with fresh sage or oregano.

Seriously, don't skip the fresh herbs.

Those Cipollini Onions are a nice touch sometimes, but not necessary. Also white balsamic is a great variation too.

Trust me on this one. You'll be amazed.

Alright, let's talk shop about what you'll need to make my favorite roasted fennel dish. i swear, even people who think they hate fennel recipes change their minds after trying this! honestly, it's like magic.

Roasted Fennel and Sausage with Lemon & Herbs Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 large fennel bulbs, thinly sliced (about 700g)
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 200g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 12g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin (30 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, zest and juice (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried) (about 5g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried) (about 5g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish (about 5g)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) (60 ml)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine sliced fennel, crumbled sausage, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
• Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared roasting pan. Pour in the white wine (if using).
• Roast for 30 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
• Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the fennel is tender and slightly caramelized. (Internal temp of sausage should be 165°F/74°C.)
• Garnish with additional fresh parsley and the reserved fennel fronds before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal

First, let’s gather our troops. No need to panic shop!

Main Players

• Fennel Bulbs: You need 2 large bulbs , about 700g total. Slice 'em thin.
• Italian Sausage: Grab 1 pound ( 450g ) of your favorite Italian sausage. Sweet or hot, you do you!
• Yellow Onion: One large one, thinly sliced (around 200g ). I swear onions are the backbone of every good recipe.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Because, garlic.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), extra virgin. Always.

Look for firm fennel bulbs with tightly packed layers. They should smell faintly of licorice. Nobody wants a sad, wilted fennel bulb .

Seasoning Superstar

• Lemon: Zest and juice of one lemon. We're talking about 2 tablespoons of juice and 1 teaspoon of zest. Bright and zesty is the way to go!
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons each of rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Dried works in a pinch ( 2 teaspoons each), but fresh is best.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (about ½ teaspoon ), if you like a little kick.
• White Wine: ¼ cup ( 60ml ). Totally optional, but it adds a certain something . I love using White Balsamic if I have any!
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Season generously!

For the herb dressing, fresh is always better.

Gear You'll Need

• Roasting Pan: A 9x13 inch pan is perfect.
• Large Bowl: For tossing everything together.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Obvious, but essential.
• Zester and Juicer: Get that lemon ready.

Don't have a fancy roasting pan? A baking sheet with sides works great. No zester? A grater will do! We're not aiming for perfection, just deliciousness.

This veggie side dishes is great using csa recipes , and it is also considered a vegetable side , you can also add some cipollini onions , it's all great, especially as autumn side dishes .

When serving don't be afraid to add some more fresh herbs, the recipe will shine!

This is a fantastic recipe for Fennel Recipes where you can use Roasted Fennel .

You know, I once tried making this with dried lemon peel. Big mistake. Huge. The fresh zest is what makes it sing! So, learn from my mistakes, folks! Now go on and make some magic in the kitchen!

Alright, let's dive into this awesome Roasted Fennel recipe! It's a total winner. I promise. You'll impress everyone.

Cooking Method: Roasted Fennel and Sausage Bliss

Roasting vegetables is my jam! It brings out all the natural sweetness. It's super easy and satisfying. We’re roasting fennel with sausage. It's honestly one of my favourite Autumn Side Dishes !

Prep Like a Pro

Okay, first things first: the mise en place . chop your fennel (two bulbs, thinly sliced) and onion (one, thinly sliced).

Mince four cloves of garlic. crumble one pound of sausage, and measure out your herbs. fresh is best, honestly. two tablespoons each of rosemary, thyme, and parsley, chopped.

Zest and juice one lemon. boom. you're ready.

Time-saving tip: Pre-chop your veggies the day before. Trust me. It's a lifesaver. Safety first, kids! Keep those fingers away from the knife.

Roasting Magic: Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Combine sliced fennel, sausage, onion, garlic, two tablespoons of olive oil , half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss it all together.
3. Spread the mixture in a large roasting pan. Pour in one quarter cup of dry white wine (optional, but so good!).
4. Roast for 30 minutes .
5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
6. Return to the oven and roast another 10- 15 minutes . The sausage should be cooked. The fennel should be tender. Aim for an internal sausage temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
7. Garnish with extra parsley and fennel fronds.
8. Serve it up!

Pro Tips for the Win

Want next-level roasted fennel ? Don't overcrowd the pan. This will make the vegetables steam. Not roast! If you are opting for Csa Recipes , make sure everything fits properly.

Common mistake: Not salting enough! Sausage can be salty. Season with caution. However, roasted fennel needs salt.

Make-ahead? Chop the veggies the day before. Mix everything (except the lemon and herbs) the night before. Then, bake it all fresh when you are ready. Easy peasy!

This goes great with a light herb dressing . it is also amazing with cipollini onions . if you really want to show off try it with white balsamic .

This isn't just a veggie side dishes , it's a whole experience.

Fennel recipes are super versatile. i hope this one is a new favorite!. if you need a quick vegetable side , you should always choose a roasted one.

They are so easy to put together!

Alright, so you've got the roasted fennel and sausage with lemon & herbs fresh out of the oven. looking good! but before you dig in face-first (guilty as charged!), let’s talk about some finishing touches and helpful hints.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Fennel Recipes Game

Serving's a Snap: Plating & Pairings

Honestly, this dish is pretty enough to stand on its own. Think rustic Italian charm.

• Presentation: I like to arrange the roasted fennel and sausage on a platter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and those reserved fennel fronds? Chef's kiss! We're talking next level plating.
• Sides: Some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices is a MUST. You know, like when Nonna makes it. A simple green salad with a White Balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness. It's like a palate cleanser that's still yummy.
• Drinks: A crisp Pinot Grigio or even a light Italian beer complements the flavors beautifully. Think sunshine in a glass!

Storing Like a Pro: Keepin' it Fresh

Listen, sometimes leftovers are even better. "I always feel better after a good cry." said Melissa Etheridge, and I feel better after leftovers.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. That's about as long as the food lasts in my house!
• Freezer: I wouldn't recommend freezing this one. The texture of the fennel can change. But hey, if you gotta, you gotta! Just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but it might get a little rubbery.

Remix Time: Variations to Spice Things Up

Okay, this is where you can get creative! Feel like tweaking those Fennel Recipes a bit?

• Veggie Power: For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage with cannellini beans or chickpeas. Add a splash of veggie broth for extra moisture. Perfect for those CSA Recipes and Veggie Side Dishes .
• Spice it Up: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes. A pinch of cayenne pepper can seriously crank up the heat. Remember to start with a little, because you can always add more.
• Seasonal ingredients You can switch up the herbs. Use sage or oregano for a different profile. Cipollini Onions can enhance the sweetness.

Nutrition 101: Fuel Your Body Right

Alright, let's keep it real. This isn’t health food, but it’s got some good stuff!

• The Basics: Each serving is roughly 350 calories, with 20g protein and 25g fat. Remember that this is an estimate!
• The Good Stuff: Fennel is a good source of fiber. Protein from the sausage keeps you full. Plus, those herbs are packed with antioxidants.
• "The first wealth is health." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Look at you. now you're an expert on roasted fennel ! don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! seriously, get in the kitchen and try some autumn side dishes .

And who knows, maybe you'll discover your own signature version of these delicious fennel recipes. go on, get cooking!