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Warm Caramelized Fennel and Leek Cheese Dip
5 from 18 votes

Warm Caramelized Fennel and Leek Cheese Dip

Warm Caramelized Fennel and Leek Cheese Dip combines seared fennel, softened leeks, garlic, and a blend of Brie, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The vegetables are cooked to develop sweetness and depth, then pureed with cheeses and lemon zest for brightness. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip offers creamy texture with mild spice and herb notes, perfect as a warm appetizer served with bread or crackers.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 TO 6 (AS AN APPETIZER)
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 fennel bulb 1 1/2 lbs, *thinly sliced with a few fronds reserved as garnish
  • 1 leek thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic minced, cloves
  • 7 ounces Brie cheese room temperature and removed from the rind
  • 2 ounces parmesan-reggiano cheese about 1/2 cup; shredded
  • lemon zest from 1 small
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 ounce mozzarella cheese about 1/4 cup; shredded
  • bread for serving, or crackers

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium skillet, set over medium heat, add the oil. When hot, add the fennel and sear on both sides, for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches depending on how big your skillet is. See note below for slicing the root end off each slice. After you’re done with the fennel, transfer it to a food processor.
  2. In the same medium skillet, add a teaspoon of olive oil, if needed. Add the leeks and cook, mixing often, until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer the leek mixture to the food processor, along with the brie cheese, Parmesan-Reggiano, lemon zest, salt and crushed red pepper. Pulse until mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. Give it a taste and adjust the salt to your liking.
  3. Transfer to a small oven-safe baking dish or bowl. Top with the shredded mozzarella and place in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned on top, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with slices of bread or crackers.

Notes

  • Slice fennel vertically, keeping the root end intact to maintain slice shape during searing, then remove the tougher root ends after cooking.

Nutrition Information

Serving 4g

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 TO 6 (AS AN APPETIZER)

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 4g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.