This Herbed Tomato Quick Bread is a savory, flavorful loaf that celebrates fresh summer produce.
Packed with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic, it’s rich in protein from eggs and cheese while offering good fats from olive oil.
Quick to prepare and easy to slice, it’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or meal prep.
Herbed Tomato Quick Bread
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan (9×5 inches)
- Nonstick spray or olive oil (for greasing)
- 2 Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 360 g
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large tomato diced (about 2 cups)
- ¼ cup fresh basil finely chopped, packed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 80 mL
- ½ cup milk 120 mL
- 1½ cups shredded cheese any type
- ¼ cup shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your batter is ready. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps the bread release easily after baking and ensures a golden crust.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, measure and sift together 3 cups (360 g) of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until fully blended, which will distribute the leavening agents evenly and prevent uneven rising in the loaf. Set this bowl aside for later use.
- Prepare Tomato and Herb Mixture: Take another large bowl and add 1 large diced tomato (about 2 cups), ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Use a spatula or spoon to toss them together gently, coating the tomatoes and herbs evenly. This step ensures that every bite of bread is infused with fresh flavor and aromatic herbs.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the tomato-herb mixture, add 2 lightly beaten large eggs, ⅓ cup (80 mL) extra virgin olive oil, and ½ cup (120 mL) milk. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the tomatoes are evenly coated. The eggs provide structure, while the olive oil adds moisture and healthy fats, making the bread tender and rich.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture slowly into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or large spoon, fold the ingredients together until they are mostly combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add 1½ cups of shredded cheese into the batter, stirring gently to ensure it is evenly dispersed throughout. The cheese adds both flavor and richness, creating pockets of melty, savory goodness in every slice.
- Transfer Batter to Loaf Pan: Spoon the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top gently, then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the surface. This layer will melt and form a deliciously golden, cheesy crust as the bread bakes.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes.
- Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This resting time lets the bread firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. After cooling, carefully lift or invert the loaf onto a wire rack if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread into 10 generous pieces and serve warm for the best flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, soups, or simply as a satisfying snack. For extra enjoyment, lightly toast slices to enhance the aroma and bring out the cheese’s richness.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. Due to its moisture content, this bread can spoil quickly at room temperature. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat before serving for a fresh-baked taste.
Notes
- Be precise with flour measurement by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense bread.
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor and moisture. Cherry or heirloom tomatoes work beautifully.
- Fresh basil is highly recommended; dried basil can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder.
- Cheese choice affects taste and texture—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites all work.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough bread. Stir just until the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated.
- The bread is naturally moist, so allow it to cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- For extra flavor, try lightly sautéing garlic in olive oil before adding it to the batter.
Chef’s Secrets: How To Enhance Flavor
One of the secrets to achieving the perfect Herbed Tomato Quick Bread lies in ingredient balance and preparation.
Choosing ripe, juicy tomatoes ensures every bite is flavorful and moist, while finely chopped fresh basil elevates the aroma and taste.
Lightly tossing the tomatoes, garlic, and basil with the eggs and olive oil before combining with the dry ingredients helps distribute flavors evenly.
Cheese not only adds richness but also improves the texture, creating pockets of melty goodness.
For an extra flavor boost, gently sauté the garlic in olive oil to mellow its sharpness and deepen its aroma.
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this keeps the bread tender and fluffy instead of dense and heavy.
Serving Suggestions: Ideas To Enjoy Bread
Herbed Tomato Quick Bread is incredibly versatile.
Serve it warm as a hearty breakfast alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh salad.
For a satisfying snack, enjoy a slice with a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
It also works beautifully as a side for soups, stews, or light pasta dishes.
Toast slices for added crunch and bring out the cheesy aroma.
For entertaining, cut into smaller cubes and serve as a flavorful finger food with dips like pesto or tomato-basil spread.
Its savory, slightly cheesy profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to many everyday meals.
Storage Tips: Keeping Bread Fresh
Due to its moist texture, this bread should be stored carefully to maintain freshness.
Keep leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week; just warm slices briefly in the microwave or toaster before serving to restore softness.
Freezing is also an excellent option—wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat to enjoy as if freshly baked.
Proper storage ensures the bread retains both its flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried basil instead?
Yes, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Use about 2 teaspoons of dried basil in place of fresh, and add it directly to the dry ingredients for best results.
2. What types of cheese work best?
Semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda are ideal. You can also mix cheeses for richer flavor and gooey texture. Avoid overly soft cheeses, as they may make the bread too wet.
3. Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Gently fold until just combined. Also, measure flour accurately—too much flour can lead to a dense loaf.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Finely diced zucchini, bell peppers, or grated carrots can be added for more nutrition and flavor. Be careful not to add too much moisture; pat vegetables dry if needed to prevent soggy bread.
