There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This Tomato Basil Bread recipe takes that experience to the next level, infusing a classic loaf with the Mediterranean flavors of juicy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh, fragrant basil. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this guide will walk you through creating a soft, flavorful loaf with a beautifully golden-brown crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed warm with a pat of butter, this bread is a versatile delight. Get ready to impress your family and friends with the best homemade savory bread they’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Bread Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh, peppery basil creates a taste that is simply irresistible.
- Soft & Fluffy Texture: We use a specific ratio of ingredients to ensure a tender crumb and a satisfyingly chewy crust every single time.
- Versatile & Delicious: This bread is the perfect companion to a bowl of creamy mushroom soup (coming soon), makes an amazing base for a chicken avocado melt (coming soon), or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Surprisingly Easy: Don’t be intimidated by yeast! This recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps for foolproof results.
The Star Ingredients for Perfect Tomato Basil Bread
The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your loaf. Here’s what you need and why:
- Bread Flour: Higher in protein than all-purpose flour, bread flour provides the structure needed for a chewy, lofty loaf.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is the leavening agent that will make our bread rise. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: We recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for their intense flavor and tender texture. Simply drain and chop them before use.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh is non-negotiable here! It provides an aromatic, peppery bite that dried basil can’t replicate.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness, flavor, and softness to the dough.
- Garlic: Finely minced fresh garlic cloves weave a savory depth throughout the bread.
Essential Kitchen Tools
You don’t need a professional bakery to make this bread. Here are the basic tools that will make the process smooth and successful:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients and for the first rise.
- Stand Mixer (Optional): A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading effortless, but you can absolutely knead by hand.
- 9×5 Inch Loaf Pan: The standard size for creating a perfectly shaped sandwich loaf.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking!
How to Make Tomato Basil Bread (Step-by-Step)
Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect loaf of Tomato Basil Bread. We’ve broken it down into easy-to-manage stages.
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Gently stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy or bubbly, which indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic. Mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead on low-medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly oil the mixing bowl and place the dough inside, turning it over to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a rectangle about 8 inches wide. Roll the rectangle up tightly to form a log and pinch the seam to seal it. Tuck the ends under for a neat finish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped loaf, seam-side down, into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil or an egg wash if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Check Yeast Freshness: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. If it doesn’t foam up in the proofing stage, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Use just enough flour on your work surface to prevent sticking. Adding too much can result in a dense, heavy loaf.
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush the rising times. A proper rise develops the flavor and texture of the bread.
- Cool Completely: For the best texture, wait for the bread to cool completely before slicing. This allows the internal structure to set. For another amazing bread recipe, try our Cinnamon Streusel Bread.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
This savory bread recipe is a fantastic canvas for other flavors. Try adding a cup of shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese to the dough for a cheesy tomato basil bread. For a bit of spice, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes works wonders. You could even incorporate other herbs like rosemary or oregano.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Adding about 1 cup of shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or an Italian cheese blend is a popular and delicious variation. Fold the cheese into the dough along with the other ingredients before the first rise.
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which creates a chewier and more structured loaf. If using all-purpose flour, your bread may be a bit softer and less chewy.
While fresh basil is highly recommended for its vibrant, aromatic flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use one-third of the amount called for, so for 1/2 cup of fresh basil, you would use about 2.5 tablespoons of dried basil.
Store the bread at room temperature in a bread box or a paper bag for up to 3 days. Avoid storing it in a plastic bag, which can trap moisture and make the crust soft. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced loaf in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
This bread is incredibly versatile! It’s delicious on its own with butter, perfect for dipping in olive oil, excellent with soups and salads, and makes a fantastic base for sandwiches or toasted bruschetta.
The Best Tomato Basil Bread Recipe
Tomato Basil Bread: A Savory, Aromatic Loaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes (or 6-8 minutes with a stand mixer's dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. On a floured surface, pat it into an 8-inch wide rectangle. Roll it up tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal and tucking the ends under.
- Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch pan. Cover and let it rise for 45-60 minutes, until the dough is about 1 inch above the pan's rim.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
For an extra rich crust, brush the loaf with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp of water) before baking.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this delicious Tomato Basil Bread recipe! It’s a rewarding bake that fills your home with incredible smells and your table with a truly special loaf. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your masterpiece on Pinterest! We can’t wait to see your beautiful creations.
