Tomato Basil Bread is the perfect loaf to enjoy with soup. This quick, no-knead recipe is easy to prepare and delicious warm with butter or as a cheese sandwich the next day.
If you’re serving soup tonight, this Tomato Basil Bread is an ideal companion. It’s one of those favorite recipes that are quick, simple and reliably tasty. You can mix the batter, pop it in the oven, and have freshly baked bread ready before your soup is finished.
Spread with butter while still warm for a comforting snack, or use slices for grilled cheese sandwiches the next day. The tomato juice called for in this recipe is the canned variety sold for cocktails (like Bloody Mary mix) — widely available in supermarkets. Check the label to ensure it contains only tomato juice and seasonings, without added alcohol.
Tomato Basil Bread
Author: Linda Nortje
Summary: A quick no-knead tomato and basil quick bread, great with soup, buttered slices, or for sandwiches. Easy to make and ready in about an hour.
Course: Bread
Cuisine: South-African
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Yield: 1 medium bread
Calories: 319 kcal (approx.)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 TB tomato paste
- 1 TB brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 t baking powder
- 1 t baking soda
- 1/4 t salt
- 2 t dried basil
- 1/2 cup tomato juice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spray a 15 x 21 cm (6 x 8 inch) loaf tin and line the bottom with baking paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, tomato paste, brown sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the dried basil.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually to the creamed mixture, alternating with the tomato juice. Fold in the grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven, cool for 5 minutes, then turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Serving Suggestion
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, with or without butter. This bread is particularly lovely alongside a bowl of soup or used for toasted cheese sandwiches.
Notes
- Use plain canned tomato juice sold for cocktails; avoid brands with alcohol if you prefer.
- For a fresher basil flavor, substitute 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil for the dried basil and fold in gently with the cheese.
- Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.