🍅🌿 Rosemary Thyme Cozy Tomato Basil Bread (Cast-Iron • No Yeast)
There’s a tomato basil bread we’ve always loved from Panera Bread—soft, flavorful, with just the slightest touch of sweetness on top.
This is my cozy, homemade version… made right in a cast-iron pan, no yeast, simple ingredients, and full of warm herb flavor. It’s become one of those breads that feels just right alongside a bowl of soup or a simple salad.
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🧺 Ingredients
* 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat)
* 1½ tsp baking powder
* ½ tsp baking soda
* ½ tsp salt (or ¾ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt)
* ½ tsp garlic powder
* ½ tsp onion powder
* ½ tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
* ¾ cup milk (or buttermilk)
* 1 large egg
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* ½ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (or well-drained diced tomatoes)
Optional:
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan
* 1 tbsp honey (for balance in the batter)
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🍞 Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place your cast-iron loaf pan in the oven to warm slightly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and seasonings.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, olive oil, and tomatoes.
4. Gently combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed—do not overmix.
5. Fold in basil and Parmesan if using.
6. Carefully remove warm pan, lightly oil or line with parchment, and add batter.
7. For that bakery-style finish:
Lightly brush the top with milk or beaten egg, then sprinkle with 1–2 teaspoons sugar.
8. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
9. Optional cozy finish:
While warm, lightly brush the top with a mixture of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon warm water.
10. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
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🌿 Rosemary Thyme Kitchen Notes
• This is a soft, tender quick bread—more like a savory loaf than a chewy bakery bread
• The light sweet topping balances the tomato and herbs beautifully
• Sun-dried tomatoes give the richest flavor
• Try a tiny finishing pinch of fleur de sel on a warm slice for a lovely contrast
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🥗 Serving Ideas
Serve warm with:
• Soup night (especially tomato or vegetable)
• A simple salad with vinaigrette
• Or lightly toasted with butter the next morning
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💛 A Simple Note from My Kitchen
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. I build meals around simple basics, seasonal produce, and pantry staples—then let herbs and a finishing touch make it feel special.
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🙏 Blessing
May your kitchen be filled with simple comforts, warm bread, and the quiet joy of caring for those you love.
