Tomato Basil Bread

I love a hearty bread, so when I saw this recipes for tomato basil bread, I knew I had to try it. The bread was super easy to make and has great flavor. Now, I can make my favorite sandwiches on tomato basil bread just like they make at Panera!

Tomato Basil Bread - Kate @ Cooking During Stolen Moments

1 pkg. active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp. yeast)
3/4 C warm water
2 tsp dried basil
1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese
2 T tomato paste
1 T sugar
1 T olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 C white bread flour
1 1/4 C whole wheat flour

1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in basil, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, sugar, oil, salt, pepper flakes and 2 C flour (1 C each flour type).

2. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. Punch dough down; knead for 1 minute. Shape into a round loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. With a sharp knife, cut a large X in top of loaf.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.