Printable Panera Tomato Basil Bread Recipe Card
A soft, bakery-style tomato basil bread with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness; this easy Panera copycat recipe brings fresh flavor home.
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 140kcal
Ingredients
Essential Ingredient
- 3½ cups All-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup Tomato Paste
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- ⅓ cup fresh Basil Leaves finely chopped
- 2¼ tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1¼ Cups Warm Water 105-115℉/ 40-46℃
For the Sweet Glaze
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Water
- Pinch of Salt or light splash of milk (Optional)
Instructions
Activate Yeast
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, let it foam for 5–10 min.
Mix Dough
- Stir in flour, tomato paste, garlic, basil, salt, and oil until it's shaggy.
Knead
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until it's smooth and slightly tacky.
First Rise
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for ~1 hr or until it's doubled.
Shape
- Gently deflate and shape it into a loaf.
Second Rise
- Place it in a loaf pan and let it rise for ~30 min.
Bake
- 375 °F (190 °C) for 30–35 minutes until it's golden brown.
Glaze
- Heat sugar and water until dissolved; then brush the warm bread just out of the oven.
Notes
Notes (Critical Steps)
- Tomato Paste: This paste adds concentrated flavor without extra moisture. It is essential for texture.
- Basil Timing: Fold in at shaping so the herb stays fresh and aromatic.
- Garlic Choice: Sautéed or powder gives milder garlic that won’t overwhelm.
- Dough Cues: The dough should feel slightly tacky, not sticky; add 1 tbsp of flour at a time if needed.
- Calories: ~130–140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~26–28 g
- Protein: ~4–5 g
- Fat: ~0.5–1.5 g
- Sodium: ~270–330 mg
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcal