INTRODUCTION
Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread is a simple, savory loaf with fresh rosemary and olive oil. It makes a warm side for dinner, a snack with soup, or a base for sandwiches. The recipe is easy and uses common pantry items. This bread has only a little sugar, and you can make a healthy version by swapping some flour or using less butter. If you like to pair bread with a cozy drink, try the Apple Crisp Oat Milk Frappuccino copycat for a nice match.
This article shows step-by-step directions, healthy tips, storage ideas, and small changes to make this bread a lighter option or a high protein meal starter.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- It is easy to make. The dough comes together in one bowl with a dough hook or by hand.
- It is a lighter option if you reduce butter and egg wash or swap part of the flour for whole wheat.
- The recipe is great for meal prep because you can bake loaves ahead and freeze them.
- You can make a healthier version with added seeds or whole grain flour to boost fiber and protein.
- It is good for weight loss when you watch portion size and pair slices with lean protein and vegetables.
Try a balanced pairing to make a heart healthy plate: a slice of this bread with a high protein soup or salad makes a satisfying meal with protein and fiber.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
Below are the full directions for this classic rosemary bread. Follow each step for the best rise and crunchy crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 cup warm water, 1 Tbsp instant yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 2-1/2 cups AP flour, (plus up to 1/2 cup additional as needed), 1-1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 tsp dried) plus extra for garnishing, 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, Egg wash: 1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp melted butter, Sea salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a small bowl, add the warm water, yeast and sugar and let sit for 3-5 minutes or until frothy.
- In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, black pepper and fresh rosemary.
- Add the yeast mixture and the olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix with the dough hook on low speed for 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed until it’s all incorporated in to a dough. If the dough does not form in to a ball, add an extra 1 Tbsp of flour at a time, (up to half a cup), until it starts to form a ball and feels tacky to the touch, but does not stick to your fingers.
- Transfer dough to lightly oiled large bowl, (or move it around in the mixer bowl and spray underneath), spray the top of the dough with cooking spray, cover with saran wrap and a clean towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour, or until doubled in size. (I turn my oven on for one minute at the lowest setting then turn it off and let my bread rise in there.)
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or spray lightly with cooking spray. (Or you can use a bread stone.)
- Divide the dough in two equal size pieces and form each piece in to a ball.
- Place the balls on your prepared cookie sheet or bread stone, cover with a clean towel and let rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place.
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Brush both of the balls of dough with the egg wash and bake for the first 10 minutes.
- Melt 1 Tbsp butter in the microwave.
- Remove the bread from the oven, quickly brush both loaves with the melted butter, sprinkle with sea salt and some more fresh rosemary and then return to the oven for an additional 8-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Enjoy!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or a large mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon for hand kneading)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for proofing yeast
- Baking sheet or bread stone
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Pastry brush for egg wash and butter
- Clean towel and plastic wrap for rising
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
Serve warm or at room temperature. For a healthy serving plan:
- Limit to 1–2 small slices per person as part of a balanced meal. Portion control helps if you are watching calories or are good for weight loss.
- Pair a slice with a high protein meal like grilled chicken or a bean soup to make a high protein meal and to balance carbs with protein.
- Top a slice with avocado and smoked salmon for a protein boost and more healthy fats.
- For diabetic-friendly serving, keep portion small and pair with fiber-rich vegetables and lean protein to keep blood sugar steady.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
Store the bread in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze:
- To freeze whole loaves: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
- To freeze slices: place slices in a single layer on a tray and freeze. Once firm, move to a zip-top bag and keep up to 2 months. This makes it great for meal prep and quick thawing.
- To reheat: thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or toast slices.
- For a quick warm slice, you can microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds and then toast for crispness.
If you like to enjoy this bread with a sweet drink on the side, try the rich Caramel Brulee Latte copycat for special occasions.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Healthy side options:
- Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette (fiber and low calories).
- Lentil or minestrone soup for a balanced meal with protein and fiber.
- Sliced tomato and cucumber with a little olive oil and balsamic.
- Hummus or white bean dip for added protein and fiber.
For a heart healthy plate, choose olive oil instead of butter, use whole grain flour in part, and keep portion sizes modest.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Replace 1 cup of AP flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber. Reduce melted butter to 1/2 Tbsp and brush lightly. This makes the loaf more filling and more diabetic-friendly due to higher fiber and lower sugar impact.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Use a blend of almond flour and vital wheat gluten (or a high-protein bread flour) and add 2–3 Tbsp of seeds like chia, flax, or hemp. For a lower-carb option, look for specially formulated low-carb flour mixes and reduce the amount of white flour. Serve slices with a high protein topping to make a true high protein meal.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: You can bake small rolls in an air fryer by shaping smaller dough balls (about golf-ball size). Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and bake for 10–12 minutes, checking for golden color. For oven baking, follow the main directions at 400°F. Air fryer rolls are great for quick snacks and a quick, crisp crust.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes, with changes. Use part whole wheat flour, reduce butter, and watch portion size. Pair with protein and vegetables to lower blood sugar spikes.
Q: Can I make this recipe low calorie?
A: You can make a lighter option by reducing butter, skipping extra oil on top, and using whole grain flour. Also, serve smaller portions with lean protein and salad.
Q: How long will this bread keep at room temperature?
A: Store in an airtight bag at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze as noted above.
Q: Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
A: Yes. Mix with a wooden spoon and knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version?
A: A gluten-free version is possible but needs a special gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to mimic structure. Gluten-free doughs often need different water ratios and may not rise the same.
Q: How do I make this bread higher in protein?
A: Add protein-rich flours like vital wheat gluten or add seeds (hemp, chia) and serve with lean meats, beans, or cheese to make a high protein meal.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
- Mix dough the night before and refrigerate for a slow cold rise. This deepens the flavor and makes morning baking easy.
- Shape loaves and freeze raw dough balls on a tray. Once frozen, move to a bag. Thaw and let rise before baking. This is great for meal prep.
- Bake loaves and freeze fully cooled bread in slices for quick breakfasts and lunches. Toast from frozen for the best texture.
- Prepare dry mix (flour and herbs) and store in a jar; add wet ingredients when ready to make the dough to save time.
This rosemary bread is versatile. Use small swaps to make it healthier, higher in protein, or low carb. It stays great for meal prep and fits into many eating plans when you control portion sizes. For a simple pick-me-up that goes with your bread, the bold Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso copycat is a lively choice to enjoy alongside.
Rosemary Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, add the warm water, yeast, and sugar and let sit for 3-5 minutes or until frothy.
- In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh rosemary.
- Add the yeast mixture and the olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix with the dough hook on low speed for 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed until it’s all incorporated into a dough.
- Transfer dough to a lightly oiled large bowl, spray the top with cooking spray, cover with saran wrap and a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into two equal size pieces and form each piece into a ball.
- Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, cover with a clean towel and let rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush both balls of dough with the egg wash and bake for the first 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the oven, brush both loaves with melted butter, and sprinkle with sea salt and more fresh rosemary.
- Return to oven for an additional 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy!