Tomato Basil Bread Recipe - By Hand or in Bread Machine (2024)

Is Tomato Basil Bread Healthy?

This is a subjective question dependant upon how you define "healthy". One slice of this savory bread is approximately 139 calories, most of which come from carbohydrates. There are just 2 grams of fat and little sugar per slice, but 6 grams of protein. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Compared to sweet breads, tomato basil bread is healthier. It can even be considered healthier than the infamous Panera tomato bread, which uses a sweet glaze.

Is Tomato Basil Bread Vegan?

This recipe is not vegan because it uses Parmesan cheese and yogurt. To make it vegan, use a vegan cheese and eliminate the yogurt.

What Does Tomato Basil Bread Taste Like?

This is a savory bread with a robust, tomato flavor. The basil gives it a hint of tang. It has a beautiful orange color and is incredibly soft and tender on the inside with a chewy crust.

Can This Bread Be Frozen?

Yes, freeze bread wrapped in plastic and put in a freezer safe bag. It can be frozen as a full loaf or cut into slices.

Why Didn't My Bread Rise?

There are many reasons that a yeast bread doesn't rise. Room temperature, liquid temperature, altitude, dead yeast, and liquid to dry ingredient ratios all contribute to how well bread rises. Even the humidity in the air the day you make it can affect the outcome. For more details on why your bread may not have risen and what to do about it, see this post.

By Hand Instructions

To make tomato basil bread by hand, you'll need an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. If you don't have one, the Kitchen Aid classic mixer is a great choice.

Step 1: In a small saucepan, heat the water and yogurt until it's steaming, but not boiling. Mix it well so the yogurt is mostly dissolved and then remove from the heat for 5 minutes.

Step 2: In a stand mixer, combine 2 ½ cups bread flour, salt, sugar, basil, Parmesan cheese, and yeast. Mix to combine.

Step 3: Add the yogurt and water mixture, salt, and sundried tomatoes. Knead using the dough hook on low speed until smooth.

Step 4: Once the dough is smooth, increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes, until a tacky ball forms. The dough should be sticky when done, but easily peel off your fingers when touched. If it sticks to your hands and cannot be removed, add ¼ cup bread flour more and knead for 2 minutes. Repeat this until the dough ball is smooth and sticky, but doesn't stick to your fingers.

Step 5: Remove from the mixer and put in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a heavy towel and set in a warm place to rise for 1 hour. The dough should be doubled in size. If it's not, let rise for 20 more minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Punch dough down a few times, then transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Shape into a smooth ball or rectangle and slice an X on top. Cover with the towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 more minutes.

Step 7: Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped and the crust is golden brown.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack and let cool for 30 minutes before slicing. Store in an airtight container, bread box, or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Bread Machine Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, heat the water and yogurt until it's steaming, but not boiling. Mix it well so the yogurt is mostly dissolved and then remove from the heat for 5 minutes.

Step 2: In the order your bread machine requires, add the water/yogurt mixture, salt, sugar, bread flour, and yeast (this is the correct order for Cuisinart breadmakers).

Step 3: If baking directly in the bread machine, set to the basic white bread mode. Select the 1.5 lb loaf size and your preferred crust color. When the mix-in sound beeps, add the sundried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese. When the cycle completes, carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack.

If baking in the oven, set to the dough mode and choose the 1.5 lb loaf. Press start. When the mix-in sound beeps, add the sundried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese. When finished, shape into a ball or oval, slice an X into the top, cover with a heavy towel, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Variations

Sun dried tomato basil bread can be altered in a few ways if you'd like.

• Replace the basil with different herbs, such as parsley, or use a combination of herbs.
• Before the last rise, break the dough into small personal size dough balls and bake for 25 minutes to create individual dinner rolls.
• Add ¼ cup tomato paste to the dough if you'd like a highly tomato flavored bread.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Serving

Tomato basil bread is perfect when enjoyed:

• as a holiday appetizer or table bread
• as a sandwich or grilled cheese bread
• toasted with butter
• as a dipping bread for your favorite soup

More Savory Bread Recipes You'll Enjoy

• Cheddar Jalapeño Bread
• Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread with Bacon
• Baked Brie Cranberry Bread
• Pepperoni Bread
• Rosemary Garlic Bread Machine Focaccia

Tomato Basil Bread Recipe

Kristina Tipps

Tomato Basil Bread can be made in the bread machine or by hand. It's a flavorful dinner and holiday bread that's crusty on the outside and moist and soft on the inside.

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Nutrition

Serving: 2ozCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 347mgPotassium: 302mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg