Italian Tomato Herb Bread

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 that’s 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.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.25 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.

Step 3

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, rosemary, and minced garlic into the dough. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Cover the dough loosely with a towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle the top of the loaf with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	956.2 grams (956.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2442

Total Fat 50.80g	65%
Saturated Fat 16.00g	80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 4951mg	215%
Total Carbohydrate 408.10g	148%
Dietary Fiber 19.40g	69%
Total Sugars 25.40g
Protein 81.70g	163%

Vitamin D 24IU	119%
Calcium 779mg	60%
Iron 26mg	144%
Potassium 2382mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.9%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 67.6%