Savor the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Italian Tomato Herb Bread, a rustic loaf infused with Mediterranean flavors that will elevate any meal. This easy-to-make bread combines the tangy sweetness of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the earthy freshness of basil and rosemary, while a hint of minced garlic adds depth to every bite. With a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior, this bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil, pairing with hearty soups, or serving alongside pasta dishes. The optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top creates a savory finish thatβs hard to resist. Ready in just under two hours, this homemade Italian bread is a crowd-pleaser that looks as impressive as it tastes. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or as an indulgent snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, rosemary, and minced garlic into the dough. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour as needed.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the dough loosely with a towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). If desired, sprinkle the top of the loaf with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Calories |
2442 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 4951 mg | 215% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 408.1 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.4 g | ||
| Protein | 81.7 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 779 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 25.9 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 2382 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.