Panera Tomato Basil Bread
This soft bread is bursting with the Mediterranean flavors of sun dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Learn how to make this copycat Panera Bread loaf with this simple recipe, and your family can enjoy this delicious homemade bread today!
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 235kcal
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 ⅛ cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons fast-action yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 ½ teaspoons tomato powder
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes drained and finely chopped
- 1 cup water plus more if needed
For the Topping
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons water
Instructions
- Heat two teaspoons of olive oil in a small frying pan until shimmering, then add the minced garlic and cook until golden brown. Set aside.
- Sift the bread flour into a mixing bowl and add the salt and yeast on opposite sides of the bowl, stirring each one in with your finger.
- Add the olive oil, sauteed garlic, basil, tomato powder, and sun dried tomatoes and stir with the paddle attachment on low speed to combine. Gradually trickle in the water and mix to form a slightly sticky dough. Depending upon the brand of flour and humidity, you may need to add more than 1 cup of water.
- Switch attachments to the dough hook and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it passes the windowpane test. This means that a piece of dough can be stretched until it's translucent in places without tearing.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and put in a warm place until it has at least doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log and place in a parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Cover and let the loaf rise until it is springy to the touch, about 45 minutes.
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl until it has the consistency of thick paint, then set aside.
- Bake the bread at 400°F for 25 minutes. Remove the loaf from the oven and quickly brush on the topping, then bake for another 5 minutes, or until the loaf has an internal temperature of 200°F on a meat thermometer.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely (at least 1 hour) before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use bread flour, not all-purpose, for this recipe. All-purpose lacks the protein content necessary to create a high rising, chewy loaf.
- Sifting the flour helps the bread have a thin, soft crust.
- Don't skimp on the kneading; it's one of the most important steps in bread making. Be sure the dough passes the windowpane test before proceeding.
- If the dough is taking a long time to rise, place it in a cold oven and put a pan of boiling water on a shelf beneath the dough. The steam will gently warm it up, encouraging the yeast to work faster.
- Want this vegan? Substitute the honey in the glaze with agave nectar or maple syrup.
Nutrition
Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
