Old Country Tomato Bread
Old Country Tomato Bread offers a hearty, flavorful loaf with a subtle tang from tomato juice, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings seeking homemade comfort bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in very warm water and set aside.
- Cream shortening, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Add tomato juice and mix well.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add half of the flour, beating well.
- Add the remaining flour and mix well.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl.
- Cover with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board.
- Shape into 1 large or 2 small loaves.
- Place in greased loaf pans and brush the tops with melted butter.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then lower temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato juice or adding herbs like basil or oregano to the dough. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Ensure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour while kneading.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Country Tomato Bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or alongside soups and stews. It pairs beautifully with Country Chicken With Creamy Gravy for a comforting meal. Consider slicing it for sandwiches or serving it with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Country Tomato Bread contains roughly 1382 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato juice?
Yes, you can blend fresh tomatoes and strain them to make your own tomato juice for this recipe. It may enhance the flavor and freshness of the bread. Just ensure to measure out 1 cup after straining for the best results.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in size and feels airy to the touch. You can also perform the 'poke test': gently poke the dough with your finger; if it springs back slowly, it's ready to shape. If it doesn't spring back, allow it to rise a bit longer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This is a great way to enjoy fresh bread without the same day effort.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).