Tomato Garlic Bread
A hearty whole wheat tomato garlic bread infused with garlic salt and Italian seasoning, perfect for hearty breakfasts, casual meals, or as a flavorful side for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, whiz 1 cup of the tomato juice and the pitted dates until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the remaining tomato juice. Sprinkle the yeast into the bowl and stir until the yeast dissolves.
- Stir in garlic salt and Italian seasoning.
- Add the whole wheat flour and enough plain unbleached flour to make a fairly stiff dough. Knead well.
- Put the dough into a Pam-sprayed bowl.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough; shape into loaves.
- Place the loaves into 2 large lightly Pam-sprayed loaf pans and let rise until doubled.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. If you don't have whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour can be used, but the bread will be less nutritious. Ensure that your yeast is fresh for optimal rise; check its expiration date or test it in warm water with sugar before use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tomato Garlic Bread warm, slathered with butter or olive oil. It pairs beautifully with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad. Consider serving alongside a vibrant Fresh Tomato Sauce(A Relish) for a delightful combination. This bread also makes excellent sandwiches, so feel free to get creative with your fillings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover loaves in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Garlic Bread contains roughly 49 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg per serving (22% 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 use fresh tomatoes. Simply blend about 3 cups of diced fresh tomatoes until smooth to replace the tomato juice. This may alter the texture slightly, but it will add a fresh flavor to the bread.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not include any animal products. Just ensure that your yeast and any additional toppings or spreads are also vegan to maintain the integrity of the dish.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Check that the yeast is fresh and activated properly before adding to the mixture. Also, make sure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
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).