Pane Bianco with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A simple and flavorful Italian-inspired Pane Bianco with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe, perfect for homemade bread lovers seeking a savory twist. This soft white bread is enhanced with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating an irresistible loaf ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own. Easy to follow and great for bakers of all levels.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 420g)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped finely
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Optional Variations
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, basil, or thyme (herbs addition)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (cheese blend)
- Substitute 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour + 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour for nuttier texture
- Maple syrup instead of sugar for vegan option
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for spicy kick
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water (about 110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to confirm the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a rough dough starts to form.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fold in the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes gently into the dough to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, allowing gluten development for structure and chew.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough gently, shape into a round loaf or place in a bread pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure clean slices without squashing the bread.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate evenly and improve dough rise.
- Avoid overloading the dough with tomatoes to prevent sogginess and maintain perfect texture.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent baking temperature for even results.
- Allow dough to rise fully for lighter, fluffier bread with complex flavor.
- Brush the baked crust lightly with olive oil for added shine and moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pane Bianco, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Italian bread, homemade bread, savory bread, soft white bread, baking bread