Tonja's Table

Welcome to Tonja’s Table. I have been inspired by many friends and family to share my recipes and love for cooking.

  • Home
  • My Book
  • About Me
  • Catering
  • Grazing Tables
  • Work With Me

Spring Appetizer—Fennel, Leek, and Fontina Bites

May 13, 2019 by Tonja Leave a Comment

Spring flavors of fennel and leeks pair wonderfully in this easy appetizer. I love sautéing  fennel because it mellows the anise flavor enough and makes for a silky texture.  Fontina cheese has a mild, somewhat nutty flavor, while rich, herbaceous and fruity. It’s a great melting cheese. Serve these with a crisp dry Rose’ and cheers to the long winter behind us.
Tips:
You can make the fennel leek filling in advance and put this together before your guests arrive.
Buy your leeks at Trader Joes.  They are already cleaned and trimmed.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spring Appetizer—Fennel, Leek, and Fontina Bites

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Tonja Engen
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tbls. butter
  • 2 medium fennel bulbs, green tops removed
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium leeks, sliced thin, white parts only
  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces Fontina shredded
  • 1 package puff pastry squares

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
  2. Prepare the fennel by quartering it lengthwise, removing the core, and then slicing the fennel quarters crosswise into thin (about 1/8-inch) slices.
  3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fennel, leeks and garlic. Season well with salt and pepper, thyme, and sugar and stir to coat.
  4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fennel is golden brown and fork tender, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. (This can be done up to 3 days in advance.)
  5. Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Top each square with 1/4 cup of fennel leek mixture and 1/4 cup of cheese.
  6. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops of the tartlets are golden brown, and the puff pastry is cooked through. Cut into triangles and serve immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @officialtonjastable on Instagram and hashtag it #tonjastable

 

Filed Under: Appetizers Tagged With: Appetizer, bites, fennel, fontina, garlic, leek, puff pastry, spring

« To Your Mom Who’s “Everything” Bagel Breakfast Bake
Memorial Day Grilling—Favorite Marinated Pork Chops With Soba Noodle Salad »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Sign up for our mailing list!

About Me

Tonja

Welcome to Tonja’s Table. I have been inspired by many friends and family to share my recipes and love for cooking.

Follow Tonja’s Table

Categories

Find A Recipe

My Cookbook

My Cookbook

Recent Posts

  • Skillet Dinner–Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Tomatoes
  • 4th of July— Strawberry Blueberry Trifle
  • St. Patty’s Day–Reuben and Swiss Sliders
  • Valentines Dinner—Herb and Butter Basted New York Strip For Two (Video)
  • Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta w/ Basil
  • Blueberry Crumble Bars

Follow Tonja’s Table

Categories

Copyright © 2025 · by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress