Name: Tomato Basil Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups roasted chopped tomatoes (or one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes); 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional, up to 1/2 cup for more flavor); 1/2 cup fresh basil (or 2 tablespoons dried basil); 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup water (adjust as needed to make mixture 3 ½ cups); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon instant yeast; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 7-8 cups all-purpose flour

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a loaf of bread that bursts with rich, vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, then this Tomato Basil Bread Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine a soft bread with a subtly tangy tomato essence and the herbal brightness of basil woven right through the dough, creating a loaf that elevates any meal or stands alone as a delicious treat. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring by yourself on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single layer of unevenly cut red tomato pieces spread out on a sheet of parchment paper with visible oil stains and seeds around the pieces. The tomatoes have a fresh and juicy texture, showing some seeds and inner flesh details, with light reflections on the shiny wet surfaces. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The charm of this Tomato Basil Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh quality of its ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to build a complex harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this bread truly special.

Roasted chopped tomatoes (3 cups): They add natural sweetness and a deep, roasted tomato flavor that forms the base of the bread’s taste.
Tomato paste (4 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato essence, giving the bread a richer color and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup): Offers a concentrated burst of tomato umami—add more for an even bolder taste.
Fresh basil (1/2 cup) or dried basil (2 tablespoons): Brings a wonderfully aromatic freshness that brightens every bite.
Fresh oregano (1 tablespoon) or dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle earthiness that complements the basil beautifully.
Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon) or dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Adds a piney, savory note that enhances the overall herbaceous profile.
Salt (1 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Balances and enhances all the flavors in the bread.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a hint of warmth and depth without overwhelming the tomato and basil.
Water (1 cup, more or less): Adjusts the dough consistency for perfect kneading and rising.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness.
Instant yeast (1 tablespoon): Powers the dough’s rise and airy texture.
Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the bread moist with a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour (7-8 cups): The canvas for your beautiful loaf, providing structure and chew.

How to Make Tomato Basil Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Basil Blender Mixture

Start by roasting fresh chopped tomatoes on a baking sheet with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Don’t worry if you’re short on time or fresh tomatoes; a can of diced tomatoes works just as well. Once cooled, blend the roasted or canned tomatoes with tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and garlic powder until silky smooth.

Step 2: Adjust the Liquid

Add water to the blender mixture until you reach about 3 ½ cups of liquid. This helps standardize the moisture content, so your dough rises perfectly every time. Make sure this mixture is cool or just slightly warm before moving on—too hot and you risk killing the precious yeast.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Pour the tomato basil liquid into your stand mixer along with the sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir everything together, then gradually add flour, about a cup at a time, until the dough clears the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, slightly sticky ball. Knead for about 5 to 10 minutes to develop that elastic texture that promises a great crumb.

Step 4: First Rise

Coat a large bowl lightly with oil, place your dough ball inside, and turn it around to cover with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about an hour. This first rise helps develop flavor and texture.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Gently punch down your risen dough and divide it into two halves. Roll each piece into a rectangle, then tightly roll from the short end to form a loaf shape. Pinch the seams so the loaves hold their shape beautifully.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place your shaped dough seam side down into greased bread pans and allow them to rise again for about an hour. The dough should puff up just over the pan’s rim, promising a light, airy loaf with a tender crust.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your loaves for 37-40 minutes. When they come out, brushing with melted butter adds a gorgeous shine and enriches the crust. Allow your bread to cool completely before slicing to best enjoy the texture and flavor you’ve worked so hard to develop.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Bread Recipe

Two loaves of bread sit on a light wooden cutting board placed over a white marbled surface. One loaf is whole, showing a soft golden-brown crust with a slightly rough texture. The other loaf is partially sliced, revealing a dense, crumbly inside with a yellow-orange color and rough texture. A single slice lies flat in front of the sliced loaf. Around the bread are fresh green basil leaves scattered and a bright red tomato, cut in half, showing its juicy inside. A knife with a dark handle rests to the side of the cutting board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this bread is a delight on its own, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a light brush of garlic butter enhances the tomato and basil notes. You could even add a few fresh basil leaves atop slices for a pretty, aromatic touch that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Tomato Basil Bread pairs superbly with classic Italian dishes like fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze, or alongside a hearty minestrone soup. It’s also fantastic as a base for bruschetta or dipped into olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple, delicious snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, slice the bread thick and toast it lightly, then serve with a platter of colorful cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables. You can also cube the bread for salads or use it to make flavorful paninis stuffed with melting cheeses and savory meats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it soft. It will stay fresh on the counter for about 2-3 days, perfect for making sandwiches or quick snacks.

Freezing

This Tomato Basil Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the loaves before freezing so you can toast or thaw only what you need. Wrap tightly in foil or ziplock bags to avoid freezer burn, and enjoy within 2 months for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your bread in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes for a crusty exterior and soft, warm interior. If you’re in a hurry, toast individual slices for a crunchy, flavorful boost that tastes just as delightful as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Tomato Basil Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh herbs offer a brighter flavor, dried basil, oregano, and rosemary are great alternatives. Just use about one-third the amount called for fresh herbs to avoid overpowering the bread.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease but the results will be just as delicious and rewarding.

Can I add cheese to the dough?

Yes! Adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan to the dough during kneading can create a wonderfully cheesy variation that pairs beautifully with the tomato and basil flavors.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Your bread should have a golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read around 190°F to 200°F for perfect doneness.

Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?

Definitely! The Tomato Basil Bread Recipe produces a sturdy yet tender loaf that holds up beautifully to all kinds of sandwich fillings, from fresh veggies and spreads to savory deli meats.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about baking bread that’s infused with the bright, fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil, and this Tomato Basil Bread Recipe delivers just that. Whether you’re an avid baker or just looking to try something delightfully different, this recipe invites you to enjoy the warm aroma and delicious taste that fills your kitchen. I hope you give it a try and share it with people you love—it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in no time.