Panera Bread Tomato Basil Bread Recipe: 3 Easy Steps

Do you long for the sweet-savoury taste and chewy, soft feel of Pizza Panera’s basil tomato bread? It’s not just you. It’s a great recipe. Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe is a homemade version that brings that fresh bakery experience into your kitchen. It is a real crowd-pleaser if you like it for sandwiches or warm it with soup, crowd pleaser.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to cook Panera’s tomatoes and basil bread at home, What makes it different and how to make it. The guide also covers nutrition information, storage and recipes for serving, and the steps to make a printable recipe.

What Is Panera Bread’s Tomato Basil Bread?

Panera Bread’s tomato basil bread is a flavorful, artisan-style loaf made with:

• Dried tomatoes
• Sweet basil
• A golden, slightly crisp crust
• A moist, airy interior

It’s most popular as the base for Panera’s tomato mozzarella flatbread sandwich, but it’s versatile enough to be served alone or with dips and spreads.

Fun Fact: Panera’s version includes cornmeal on the crust, which gives it a subtle crunch and enhances the rustic texture.

Key Features

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Tomato Basil Bread Recipe

To make this Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Main Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups bread flour (can substitute all-purpose if needed)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
• 1 tbsp dried basil

Optional Add-ins

• 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan (for added umami)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for a richer aroma)
• Cornmeal (for dusting the crust)

Pro Tip: Use bread flour for better gluten development, which leads to better rise and chew.

Tools Needed for Homemade Tomato Basil Bread

You don’t need fancy tools, but these make the process smoother:

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer
• Dough scraper
• Loaf pan or baking stone
• Kitchen thermometer (for water and doneness)
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel (for rising)
• Parchment paper

How to Make Panera Bread Tomato Basil Bread Recipe at Home

Let’s walk through this Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
     Mix the yeast along with warm water and sugar. Allow to sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   Mix flour with salt, basil, and chopped sun-dried tomato in large bowl pieces.
3. Combine Wet and Dry
   Incorporate olive oil, tomato paste, and the mix. Mix in the bowl of flour until you get a sticky dough.
4. Knead the Dough
   Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise
   Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Loaf
   Punch down the dough and shape it into a log. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
7. Second Rise
   Then, cover it and allow it to rise for 30 to 40 minutes.
8. Bake
   Bake at 375°F (190degC). Dust the loaf with cornmeal if you want. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown, which sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and Slice
   Cool on an untidy wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting.

Serving Ideas for Tomato Basil Bread

This flavorful bread is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to enjoy it:

Best Serving Suggestions

• Make a Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil
• Serve as a side with creamy tomato soup
• Toast and spread with garlic butter
• Use for paninis or grilled cheese sandwiches
• Cut into cubes and bake as croutons for salad

Storage Tips for Panera Bread Tomato Basil Bread

To keep your homemade Panera Bread tomato basil bread fresh:

Storage Table

Tip: Reheat in a toaster or oven for best texture after storage.

Nutrition Info for Tomato Basil Bread

Here’s an estimate based on a standard loaf divided into 12 slices.

Values may vary based on ingredients and substitutions.

Copycat vs. Original: How Close Is This Recipe?

This Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe is a near-exact copycat, with some homemade advantages:

Comparison Table

Quote: “Homemade bread always tastes better when you control the ingredients and add a little love.” – Every Baker Ever

Other Popular Panera Copycat Recipes

Love this bread? Try more Panera-style favorites at home:

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
• Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
• White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

tomato basil bread panera recipe From DelishDish!

Panera Bread Tomato Basil Bread Recipe

This homemade Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe is a bakery-style copycat loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and sweet basil. With a soft, fluffy inside and slightly crisp crust, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or a cozy side with soup. Easy to make and full of rich flavor, this loaf brings the Panera café experience right to your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Plastic wrap or towel
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Cooling rack
• Kitchen thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 3 ½ cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm water about 110°F / 43°C
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (dry, not oil-packed)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal optional, for dusting crust
• Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Activate the Yeast:
• In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate large bowl, combine bread flour, salt, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Combine Wet and Dry:
• Add olive oil and tomato paste to the yeast mixture, then pour into the flour bowl. Mix until dough forms.
• Knead the Dough:
• Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
• First Rise:
• Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Shape the Loaf:
• Punch down the dough. Shape into a log and place on parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
• Second Rise:
• Cover again and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
• Preheat Oven & Prepare Dough:
• Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Dust loaf with cornmeal if desired.
• Bake:
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
• Cool & Slice:
• Let cool on a rack for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

 

Flavor Tip: Add Parmesan or garlic powder for extra flavor depth.

Make It Vegan: Omit cheese and ensure sun-dried tomatoes are not packed in non-vegan oil.

Storage: Store at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or dipped in tomato soup.

Flour Substitution: All-purpose flour can be used, but bread flour gives better texture.

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Conclusion :

Making this Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe at home isn’t only satisfying but also satisfying. It has the same authentic taste and texture without extra cost or preservatives. With just a few ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, anyone can bake this delicious golden-crusted bread that will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma of herbs and tomatoes.

It doesn’t matter if you’re making delicious sandwiches, serving them alongside soup, or eating them toasty with butter or a smear of olive oil; bread will bring versatility and warmth to any food. It’s an excellent option to add to your home baker’s collection. Using the suggestions and tricks in this book, the results will be delicious every time. It’s also easy to alter the recipe for various tastes or dietary needs.

If you’re craving something warm, delicious, and home-cooked, ensure this is the Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe. It’s much more than bread; it’s a way to bring a taste of your favourite café inside your home, made by hand and shared with the people that matter the most.

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Share Your Twist!

Have you tried this Panera Bread tomato basil bread recipe with your own creative spin? Maybe you added roasted garlic, swapped flours, or turned it into the ultimate grilled cheese? 🍅🧀

We’d love to hear about it! 👇
Drop your version in the comments and tell us:

• What ingredients did you change or add?
• How did it turn out?
• Would you make it again?

Your ideas might inspire someone else — or get featured in a future post! ✨

References :

Panera Tomato Basil Bread

African Pompano Recipe

Chamorro Red Rice