Imagine pulling a golden, aromatic loaf out of the oven, where the tantalizing combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich Parmesan cheese creates a bread so delicious, it'll transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany. This isn't just another bread recipe - this is a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more. Get ready to elevate your baking skills and impress everyone with this mouthwatering Basil Tomato Parmesan Bread that's easier to make than you might think!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of yeast in 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to the dough. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, adding a little more flour if necessary, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your freshly baked Basil Tomato Parmesan Bread as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite Italian dishes or simply with olive oil for dipping!
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your water is precisely warm (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh basil and ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor.
- Knead with love: Take your time kneading to develop gluten and create a perfect texture.
- Rising environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising - near a preheating oven works great.
- Don't rush: Allow sufficient rising time for maximum flavor development.
- Check doneness: A golden brown crust and hollow sound when tapped indicate a perfectly baked loaf.
- Cool completely before slicing to maintain the bread's moisture and structure.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
