Basil Bread Recipe – Flavorful Twist

Are you tired of the same old bread recipes? Looking for something new and exciting to add to your baking repertoire? Look no further! This Basil Bread Recipe is a delicious and aromatic twist on a classic loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. With the delightful combination of fresh basil, a hint of sweetness, and the added flavor of beer, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups of flour (1.5 cups white flour and 1.5 cups whole wheat flour)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 12 ounces of beer (room temperature)

Preparing Your Basil Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the white flour, whole wheat flour, sea salt, and white sugar. Pick leaves from your basil plant or chop up fresh basil using kitchen shears. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. 

Step 2: Add the Liquid Ingredients

Pour the beer and 3 tablespoons of the melted butter into the dry ingredients. If you do not want to use butter, you can use olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook, mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate any remaining flour.

Step 3: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or additional melted butter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to the greased loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly. If the dough is too sticky, you can use additional flour to help shape it. Gently press the surface of the dough with your fingertips to even it out.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the dough. This will give the bread a beautiful golden crust and add extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the loaf pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a sharp knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Once the bread is done baking, let it cool in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, use a butter knife to loosen the edges and carefully remove the bread from the pan. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Serving Suggestions

This Basil Bread Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, either on its own or with a pat of butter. For a delicious summer tomato sandwich, slice the bread and layer with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Alternatively, create a scrumptious chicken caprese sandwich with avocado using this flavorful basil bread as the base.

Recipe Note

While this recipe uses a combination of white flour and whole wheat flour for added whole grains and a more robust flavor, you can easily substitute all-purpose flour if you prefer. The beer in this recipe not only adds a unique flavor but also helps the bread to rise without the need for yeast. Feel free to experiment with different types of beer to find the best flavor for your taste buds.

In conclusion, this Basil Bread Recipe is a wonderful addition to your bread-making repertoire. With its delightful aroma, beautiful color, and versatile serving options, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a tasty side dish with a steamong mug of soup. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with this delicious and unique bread.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers from the Basil Bread Recipe

To store leftover basil bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can also slice the bread and freeze it for up to three months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy the frozen bread, simply remove the desired number of slices and let them thaw at room temperature or toast them directly from frozen.

Other Ideas for the Basil Bread Recipe

For a different twist on this delicious basil bread, you can use it to make extraordinary French toast. Simply whisk together eggs, milk, a splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon in a shallow dish. Dip slices of the basil bread into the egg mixture, then cook on a hot, buttered griddle or frying pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Another tasty option is to use this basil bread as the base for a delicious garlic bread. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Spread the garlic butter mixture onto slices of the basil bread and toast them in the oven until golden and crispy.

You could try adding a few sun dried tomatoes in oil to the recipe to create a tomato basil bread! Add more sun dried tomatoes to increase the flavor just reduce the butter if you land up adding a lot. Top it with some parmesan cheese for a wonderful appetizer. 

If you do not want to use beer, you can dissolve active dry yeast in 12 ounces of warm water to create a differerent flavor. The basil bread recipe is so versatile – try adding red pepper flakes, a crushed garlic clove, or tomato paste to jazz it up and it will be a pretty color.

If you do not like basil, try this Whole Wheat Beer Bread recipe.

Summary Basil Bread Recipe

We hope you enjoy this Basil Bread Recipe as much as we do! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, using it for sandwiches, or transforming it into a mouthwatering breakfast or appetizer, the fresh flavors and delightful aroma of this bread are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – they’ll be asking for the recipe by the end of this post!