This Easy Green Tomato Bread is a delicious twist on traditional bread. It’s soft, moist, and packed full of the unique flavors of green tomatoes—perfect for breakfast or snacking!
Making this bread is super simple, and who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread baking? I enjoy toasting a slice with a bit of butter. Yum!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this bread. Just mix the ingredients and let your oven do the work—your kitchen will smell amazing in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: These give the bread its unique flavor and moisture. If you can’t find green tomatoes, you could use overripe regular tomatoes, but the taste will be different. I love using firm tomatoes for better texture!
All-Purpose Flour: A classic choice for bread, it provides a nice structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour. Just be aware that it might make the bread a bit denser.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also work, though you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients a little.
Nuts: While optional, chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasing crunch. If you prefer it nut-free, just leave them out! Sunflower seeds can also be a fun alternative.
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture in My Bread?
The key to a great bread texture is in the mixing and baking process. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so aim to mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them, which helps keep the bread light.
- When adding green tomatoes, fold them in gently to keep the air in the batter.
- Make sure your oven is preheated for an even bake. You can rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure it cooks perfectly.
Easy Green Tomato Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups green tomatoes, chopped finely (about 2 medium-sized)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Green Tomato Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. So, in just over an hour and a half, you’ll have a delicious loaf to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it lightly. Dust it with a bit of flour to help prevent sticking later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and if you’re using it, the nutmeg. This helps to combine everything and remove any lumps.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, carefully stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—no need to overdo it! A few lumps are okay; we want to keep the bread light and airy.
5. Add Green Tomatoes and Nuts:
Gently fold in the finely chopped green tomatoes and the optional nuts if you are using them. This adds great flavor and texture to your bread!
6. Pour Into the Pan:
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top as you go. This will help it bake evenly!
7. Bake:
Pop the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no gooey batter should cling to it!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. After it’s cooled, slice it up and enjoy this delightful treat!
FAQ About Easy Green Tomato Bread
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
While green tomatoes give this bread a unique flavor and texture, you can use ripe tomatoes if that’s all you have. Just be aware that they will make the bread sweeter and change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil?
Yes! You can use other oils like canola or melted coconut oil. For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter, melted. Just make sure to reduce the overall liquid slightly if you’re using butter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to jazz up the bread with add-ins like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or additional spices like ginger. Just be mindful not to overmix the batter!
