How to Bake Tomato Bread from Scratch

How to Bake Tomato Bread from Scratch

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to bake tomato bread from scratch:

Ingredients

For a basic tomato bread recipe, you'll need:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, basil, etc.) - 1 large egg - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1/3 cup milk - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese - 1 pound fresh tomatoes, chopped - 2-3 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh herbs like basil, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs[1].

3. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, olive oil, and milk[1].

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick[1].

5. Fold in the grated cheese, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and any fresh herbs you're using1.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean[1].

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely[1].

Tips for Success

- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If using very juicy tomatoes, you may need to drain some of the excess liquid before adding them to the batter[3].

- For extra tomato flavor, you can add some sun-dried tomatoes or tomato paste to the batter[2].

- Experiment with different types of cheese. While cheddar is common, you could try mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend[4].

- If the batter seems too dry, add a little more milk. If it's too wet, add a bit more flour[11].

- For a more savory flavor, consider adding ingredients like olives, capers, or diced onions[4].

- This bread tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time[11].

Variations

1. Yeast-Based Tomato Bread: For a more traditional bread texture, you can make a yeast-based tomato bread. This involves kneading the dough and allowing it to rise before baking[6].

2. Tomato Basil Bread: Add a generous amount of fresh basil to the batter for a classic Italian flavor combination[12].

3. Whole Wheat Tomato Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious loaf[11].

4. Spicy Tomato Bread: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick[4].

Tomato bread is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste preferences. It's a great way to use up summer tomatoes and makes a delicious accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.