Imagine the aroma of fresh bread combined with the rich, intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes filling your kitchen. That's what you get with sun-dried tomato bread! This recipe isn't just your everyday bread. It's a celebration of textures and tastes, bringing a bit of the sunny Mediterranean right into your home.
Perfect for sandwiches, as a side with soups, or even just on its own with a bit of butter, this bread promises to warm your stomach and your heart. Join us on a culinary adventure as we dive into the simple steps of making your very own sun-dried tomato bread!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor Explosion: The traditional taste of homemade bread alone is comforting, but when you add sun-dried tomatoes, you introduce an entirely new level of flavor. These tomatoes bring a tangy, sweet, and somewhat salty taste that totally transforms the bread. They provide a concentrated burst of summer that makes this bread stand out, making it more sophisticated and appealing than regular bread. It’s not just about adding bits of tomatoes; it’s about enhancing the bread with a rich, gourmet flavor that you can’t help but love.
Versatility and Simplicity: One of the best things about this recipe is its ease and adaptability. It doesn’t require professional skills, and the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find. Plus, you can customize it! Want to add herbs like basil or oregano? Go ahead. Prefer it spicier? Toss in some chili flakes. This sun-dried tomato bread also fits into various meals — perfect for breakfast toast, a hearty sandwich for lunch, or a complementary side with dinner. Its versatility extends to its ability to pair beautifully with other flavors, making it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to bring a unique touch to their meals.
Ingredients
Sun-dried tomatoes: These are tomatoes that have lost most of their water content after spending a majority of their drying time in the sun. They're packed with a sweet, potent flavor and are often preserved in olive oil. You can substitute them with fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes, but these won't have the same intense taste.
Bread flour: This type of flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, allowing it to form more gluten and resulting in a chewier bread texture. All-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, but the texture of the bread might be less chewy.
Yeast: This is a leavening agent necessary for the fermentation process that causes the bread to rise.It's available in active dry, instant, or fresh forms. If unavailable, you could use a sourdough starter, but it will affect the flavor and preparation method.
Olive oil: It adds moisture and richness to the bread and complements the flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes. If necessary, it can be substituted with other vegetable oils or melted butter, but this may change the bread's taste and texture.
Salt: This essential ingredient enhances all the other flavors in the bread. In its absence, you might use a salt substitute or slightly increase the quantity of the other ingredients for flavor, but the bread might lack a depth in taste.
Tips
- Ensure your yeast is not expired, as old yeast may not activate, preventing the bread from rising.
- Knead your dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, making for a chewier bread texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to ensure consistent results.
- Don’t skip the step of punching down the dough; removing the gas bubbles helps refine the bread's structure.
- Before baking, make a small incision on top of the bread to help it expand and prevent cracking during baking.
How to Serve
Sun-dried tomato bread is versatile, with its savory flavors pairing well with many dishes. It's perfect as a standalone snack, slathered with butter or dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This bread can bring a touch of sophistication to your meals and is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- As a sandwich base: Its rich, savory character makes it perfect for Italian deli meats or grilled vegetable sandwiches.
- Bruschetta: Toast slices and top them with a mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a tasty appetizer.
- Accompaniment to soups: This hearty bread is ideal for dipping into creamy soups or stews, adding a layer of texture and flavor.
Similar Recipes
Sun-dried Tomato Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 cup warm water about 110 degrees F
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Additional flour for kneading
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes until yeast becomes frothy.
- Add olive oil, salt, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add bread flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Make a small incision on top of the bread loaf and bake for 30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is not expired, as old yeast may not activate, preventing the bread from rising.
- Knead your dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, making for a chewier bread texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to ensure consistent results.
- Don’t skip the step of punching down the dough; removing the gas bubbles helps refine the bread's structure.
- Before baking, make a small incision on top of the bread to help it expand and prevent cracking during baking.