Tomato-Basil Focaccia Bread
Herb-infused dough baked with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil for a rustic, crusty loaf perfect for sandwiches. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 53 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup, drained diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp coarse salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cups flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth.
- Step 3: Place dough in oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 4: Press dough into greased 9x13-inch pan. Dimple surface with fingers, then top with tomatoes, basil, and coarse salt.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Focaccia Bread take to make?
Total time is about 53 minutes (25 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tomato-Basil Focaccia Bread?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Focaccia Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tomato-Basil Focaccia Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Tomato-Basil Focaccia Bread vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
