Tomato Herb Bread

Tomato herb bread is a flavorful and versatile bread that pairs well with soups and Italian dishes. This recipe combines the tanginess of tomato sauce, the richness of Cheddar cheese, and the aromatic herbs to create a delicious loaf of bread. Whether served alongside a warm bowl of soup or as a side to your favorite Italian meal, this bread is sure to be a hit.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (17 g) sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water, warmed to 115°F (46°C)
• 2¾ teaspoons (7 g) yeast
• 4 cups (500 g) flour, divided
• ¼ cup (40 g) finely chopped onion
• 1 cup (245 g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• ¼ cup (30 g) grated Cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano

PREPARATION:

1. In a large warmed bowl, stir 1 teaspoon of sugar into warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it stand for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast completely.
2. Add 3 cups (375 g) of flour and the remaining ingredients to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Use an electric mixer on low speed to moisten the ingredients, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes.
3. Add the remaining 1 cup (125 g) of flour and mix until well combined.
4. Grease a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and transfer the bread dough to the slow cooker. Smooth the top of the dough.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 2½ hours, or until the bread is cooked through.
6. Once the bread is done, loosen the sides with a knife and turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

YIELD:

• It is considered best for 12 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 32 g water
• 179 calories (7% from fat, 13% from protein, 80% from carbs)
• 6 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 1 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 35 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 2 g sugar
• 78 mg phosphorus
• 31 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 21 mg sodium
• 142 mg potassium
• 98 IU vitamin A
• 7 mg ATE vitamin E
• 3 mg vitamin C
• 3 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• Warm the water to the specified temperature to activate the yeast properly.
• Use no-salt-added tomato sauce to control the sodium content of the bread.
• Finely chop the onion to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the bread.
• Grate the Cheddar cheese finely to ensure it melts and incorporates well into the dough.
• Adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more herbs or spices if desired.
• Monitor the bread closely as cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.
• Allow the bread to cool completely on a rack before slicing to ensure even texture and easier slicing.

Tomato herb bread is a flavorful and versatile bread that perfectly complements soups and Italian dishes. The combination of tangy tomato sauce, grated Cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious and savory loaf. Using a slow cooker makes the preparation easy and convenient, resulting in a moist and tender bread. Whether you enjoy it alongside a warm bowl of soup or as a side with your favorite Italian meal, this tomato herb bread is sure to impress.