Why I Love This Recipe
Tomato Basil Bread isn’t just a tasty bread—it’s a conversation starter. With its rich red hue, herby aroma, and tender crumb, it:
- Feels like an artisan bakery creation without the complexity
- Adds serious flavor to sandwiches and paninis
- Makes a stunning pairing with cozy recipes like Crockpot Nacho Dip or Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Can be made in one bowl and baked in under an hour
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups tomato-basil spaghetti sauce, warm
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 to 4 cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
🔁 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Use chunky or smooth pasta sauce depending on your texture preference
- You can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour if needed
- Want a deeper flavor? Add 1 tsp garlic powder or ½ tsp Italian seasoning to the dough
- Don’t skip the Parmesan—it brings savory umami magic
👨🍳 How to Make Tomato Basil Bread
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of bread flour, yeast, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Slowly pour in the warm (not hot!) tomato basil sauce, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5–7 minutes, adding flour a little at a time until the dough is smooth, elastic, and only slightly tacky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and shape into a 14×7 inch rectangle. Roll it up tightly from the short end, pinch to seal the seam, and tuck the ends underneath.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise again until slightly puffy and a finger pressed gently leaves an indentation.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cool & Slice
Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This bread goes beyond the basic toast:
- Use it as the base for grilled cheese or paninis
- Dip into Dorito Casserole or Nacho Dip
- Serve slices with olive oil and balsamic drizzle
- Top with mashed avocado and chili flakes for a spicy bruschetta twist
- Serve alongside Easy Turkey Wings or Sheet Pan Quesadillas
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the toaster or oven
🥖 Final Thoughts
Tomato Basil Bread is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria—and your dinner feel just a little more special. It’s rustic, bold, and makes every bite of soup, salad, or sandwich shine.
Tried it? Snap a photo and tag us @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your golden loaves in action!
Want more savory bakes like this one? Drop us a comment and we’ll keep the cozy carbs coming. 🍞❤️
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