Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Bread Recipe
Once you try this Tomato Basil Bread recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought loaves.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. I love how the flavors of tomato and basil blend perfectly, creating a unique taste that elevates any meal.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread that’s soft on the inside and crusty on the outside.
It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
Ingredients of Tomato Basil Bread
When it comes to baking bread, there’s something magical about the combination of tomatoes and basil. This Tomato Basil Bread recipe takes a few simple ingredients and transforms them into a warm, fragrant loaf that will have your taste buds dancing.
Whether you’re making a hearty sandwich or just want to enjoy a slice with some olive oil, this bread is sure to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together in a bread machine, making it a no-fuss option for any home cook.
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful loaf.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Bread
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons dried powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons yeast
Now, before you rush off to the store, let’s chat about a few things regarding these ingredients.
First off, if you’re like me and sometimes forget to check your pantry before heading out, double-check that you have everything. You wouldn’t want to get halfway through mixing only to find you’re out of thyme—trust me, that’s a mood killer.
And while dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe, fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more if you have them on hand. Just remember to adjust the quantities since fresh herbs are usually more potent.
How to Make Tomato Basil Bread
Making Tomato Basil Bread is as easy as pie—or, well, bread. To start, gather all your ingredients: you’ll need 1 (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1/4 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of dried powdered milk, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a tablespoon of sugar. Don’t forget the essentials—1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried onion flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil, plus a teaspoon each of dried marjoram and dried thyme. Finally, you’ll need 3 cups of flour and 1 3/4 teaspoons of yeast. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That’s a lot of measuring.” But trust me, it’s worth every scoop.
Once you’ve got everything lined up, it’s time to let your bread machine do its thing. Just toss all those ingredients into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine’s manual. If you’re like me and sometimes misplace your manual, just remember to put the wet ingredients in first—think of it as giving your dry ingredients a nice little bath.
Select the basic bread setting, and let the machine work its magic. Now, here’s a pro tip: check on your dough after about five minutes. If it looks a bit too dry, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of water to get that perfect consistency. I’ve had my fair share of dough disasters, and trust me, a little extra water can save you from a crumbly loaf.
As your bread machine kneads and rises, the kitchen will start to fill with the most delightful aroma. Imagine the scent of tomatoes and herbs wafting through your home. It’s pure bliss.
Once the baking cycle is done, you’ll want to let the bread cool for a bit before slicing into it. I mean, who can resist a warm slice of homemade bread? Just try not to eat the whole loaf in one sitting—though I won’t judge if you do.
Enjoy your Tomato Basil Bread as a side for dinner, or slather it with butter and enjoy it as a snack. Either way, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Tomato Basil Bread Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious substitutions and variations you can try with your Tomato Basil Bread.
For a twist, swap the tomato sauce with sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer flavor. I love adding fresh basil instead of dried for a vibrant taste.
You can also experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or bread flour, for added texture. If you want a cheesy kick, mix in shredded mozzarella or parmesan.
Finally, consider adding garlic or olives for an extra layer of flavor that’ll surely impress your guests!
Additional Tips & Notes
While trying out this Tomato Basil Bread recipe, I’ve found a few additional tips that can really enhance your baking experience.
First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. I also like to let the dough rise in a warm place; it helps it rise nicely.
If you want a crustier loaf, try baking it in a preheated Dutch oven.
And don’t forget to check the dough after five minutes in the machine—if it seems too dry, add a teaspoon or two of warm water.
Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!