How to Cut Fennel

Wondering how to cut fennel? Here’s a step by step guide and video that shows you exactly how to cut a fennel bulb (how to dice fennel).

Video: How to cut fennel

Are you wondering how to cut fennel but not sure the best way? Alex and I love to use fennel in our recipes; it brings an unexpected depth. But how to cut fennel? Here’s our method, which we use when we make our famous Tuscan soup with white beans (otherwise known as pizza soup). Here’s our step by step guide for how to cut a fennel bulb, including a video of me cutting fennel in our kitchen.

Want more? Head to 20 Knife Skills Videos: How to Cut Everything!

How to cut fennel step by step

Step 1

Using a large chef’s knife, cut off the fennel fronds. (You can use the wispy portions as a garnish if you’d like.)

Step 2

Cut off the root end of the fennel.

Step 3

Remove any tough outer layers of the fennel and discard them.

Step 4

Slice down the center of the fennel bulb.

Step 5

To slice the fennel, place the fennel on its cut side and cut thin half-moon slices parallel to the root end using a circular motion. OR…

Step 6

To dice the fennel, cut slices parallel to the root end, leaving room at the end so that the slices stay attached. (Make the slices wider for diced and narrower for minced / small diced.) Then rotate the fennel and cut slices in the other direction, following the curve of the fennel. When you’ve cut halfway through, flip the fennel down onto the flat cut side and continue slicing. When you get to the end that didn’t have the slices, give it a few more chops. See the video for this part!

And there you have it: how to cut fennel in 6 easy steps!

Let us know if you try our method for how to cut fennel and tell us how it goes in the comments below.

Looking for fennel recipes?

Now that you know how to cut fennel, here are some of our favorite fennel recipes for you to try:

• Perfect Roasted Fennel
• Fennel Orange Salad
• Tuscan Soup with White Beans
• 53 Fresh Fennel Recipes

Best chef knife & cutting boards

Alex and I are often asked about the best kitchen tools. And every time we answer, “A good sharp chef’s knife!” A good knife can drastically improve your time in the kitchen, and lasts for years (we’ve had our chef knives for 10 plus years). Here are some of the knives we recommend, as well as cutting boards and the best knife sharpener. These recommendations are perfect for outfitting your own kitchen, or great gifts for a wedding registry or someone who loves to cook!

Video: Knife Skills, Gear, & How to Hold a Knife!

• 7″ Chef’s Knife — our best knife recommendation
• 10″ Chef’s Knife — our favorite large knife
• 8″ Chef’s Knife — our favorite affordable knife
• Paring Knife
• Serrated Knife / Bread Knife
• Non-Slip Wood Cutting Board (used in the video!) or Non-Slip Bamboo Cutting Board
• Non-Slip Plastic Cutting Board
• Knife Sharpener
• Drawer Knife Organizer — this is how we store our knives, and it’s even slicker than a knife block

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