A golden, robust loaf studded with green fennel fronds and sprinkled with sesame seeds. A couple of pieces sliced showcasing the moist interior filled with specks of fennel and citrus zest, on a rustic wooden board.

Fennel Surprise American Loaf

Name: Fennel Surprise American Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large Fennel bulb, 1 large finely chopped, fronds reserved for garnish; Fresh Orange Zest, 2 teaspoons; Whole Wheat Flour, 2 cups; Sugar, 1 tablespoon; Salt, 1 teaspoon; Active Dry Yeast, 1 package; Water, 1 cup warm (110°F to 115°F); Olive Oil, 1/4 cup; Sesame Seeds, 1 tablespoon

Category Brunch

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 60 minutes

Style American

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: May 23, 2025

Say hello to the savory side of breads! Our 'Fennel Surprise American Loaf' is an innovative spin on traditional bread, featuring the aromatic fennel as a star ingredient, making it a perfect companion for a cozy day in, while the light citrus notes uplift your spirit. This loaf is inspired by the rustic, hearty, and comforting flavors of American cuisine and made special with anise-like aroma and slightly sweet flavor of Fresh Fennel.

Ingredients (for 2)

1 large fennel bulb - 1 large - finely chopped, fronds reserved for garnish
Fresh orange zest - 2 teaspoons
Whole wheat flour - 2 cups
Sugar - 1 tablespoon
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Active dry yeast - 1 package
Water - 1 cup - warm (110°F to 115°F)
Olive oil - 1/4 cup
Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon

Preparation

Step 1 - 🧑‍🍳🥣🥖

In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sugar, salt and active dry yeast. Incorporate the warm water and olive oil. Stir in the finely chopped fennel bulb and fresh orange zest, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2 - ⏰🍞📈

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3 - ⏲️🔥🍳

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
Step 4 - 🖐️😌🥖

Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in the prepared pan.
Step 5 - 🌿🍞💛

Sprinkle the sesame seeds and reserved fennel fronds on top of the dough. Let the loaf rise again for about 30 minutes or until it fills the pan.
Step 6 - 🥖🔥🕰️

Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 7 - 🍞❄️🔪

After baking, remove the loaf from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Additional

You can swap fennel with herbs like rosemary or dill for a change of flavor. To add a nice crunch, consider including a quarter cup of your favorite nuts. Involving kids is a great idea as they can help with kneading the dough or sprinkling the sesame seeds and fennel fronds.