Description
This homemade tomato basil bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or pairing with soups and salads. Made with fresh basil and tomato puree, it delivers a delicious balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you bake it as a loaf or rolls, this recipe is a must-try for bread lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup tomato puree (or diluted tomato paste)
- ½ cup warm water (110°F – 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil)
For Topping (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add the yeast mixture, tomato puree, olive oil, and chopped basil.
- Mix until the dough forms a rough ball.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with dried basil.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Enjoy fresh, toasted, or as a sandwich base.
Notes
- For a cheesy version, add ½ cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella to the dough.
- To make gluten-free tomato basil bread, use a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for structure.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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