Indulge in the aromatic delight of Macaroni Grill’s Rosemary Bread, a crusty and golden loaf that is bound to elevate any dining experience. Bursting with the invigorating essence of fresh rosemary, this bread provides a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. The robust and fragrant herb infuses every bite, harmonizing beautifully with the bread’s perfectly crisp exterior and soft, pillowy interior. Served alongside a pat of butter or dip a warm slice into a pool of rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinaigrette, and black pepper. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a side dish, Macaroni Grill’s Rosemary Bread is a delightful addition to any Italian meal, adding a touch of rustic charm and unparalleled flavor.
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.
Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Grill Bread Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for basic, pantry-staple ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly. You won’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store for this bread.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful loaf of rosemary bread hot out of the oven. Even novice bakers can achieve a perfect result with this recipe.
- Versatile: This rosemary bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside pasta, soups, salads, or enjoy it on its own as a snack. The possibilities are endless.
- Aromatic and Flavorful: The star ingredient in this bread is fresh rosemary, which infuses the bread with an irresistible aroma and a burst of flavor. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, earthy, and slightly floral notes.
- Family Favorite: This Rosemary Bread recipe has been passed down for generations in many families. It’s a tried and true favorite that never fails to impress and satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Yeast: For this bread, use active dry yeast. You can find this on the baking aisle at your local grocery store.
Sugar: This will be used to help proof the yeast before making the bread dough.
Warm Water: The water should be warm, but not too hot. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising.
All-Purpose Flour: This type of flour is best for this recipe, as it has a moderate amount of gluten and will give the bread a nice texture.
Salt: Use regular table salt for this recipe. It helps to enhance the flavors in the bread.
Rosemary: This herb is what gives this bread its distinct flavor. You can use either fresh or dried rosemary, depending on your preference and availability.
Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the top of the bread before baking, giving it a beautiful golden crust.
Coarse Salt: Sprinkle coarse salt over the melted butter
How to Make Romano’s Macaroni Grill Bread
[Step 1] Add the water, yeast, and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachments and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
[Step 2] Add 2 cups of the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary. Mix together.
[Step 3] Switch to a dough hook and begin adding more flour a little at a time until a soft dough is formed. The dough should be a little sticky when you touch it but should keep its shape.
[Step 4] Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
[Step 5] Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray or coat in oil.
[Step 6] Add the dough to the oiled bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap.
[Step 7] Let the dough rise in warm place until double in size. This can take up to 2 hours, but in my kitchen, it had doubled in about 45 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
[Step 8] Punch down the dough and divide it in two equal portions. Shape dough into two small rounded oval loaves and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
[Step 9] Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter over the tops of the loaves and sprinkle with the remaining rosemary.
[Step 10] Cover the loaves with greased plastic wrap and allow them to rise until double in size again. For me, this took 30 minutes.
[Step 11] Sprinkle coarse salt over the tops of the bread and bake the loaves at 425 degrees for 18-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Tip: I’ve found my loaves come out the perfect color if I place the baking sheet in the top 1/3 of my oven.
[Step 12] Serve the warm bread with butter or a dish of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
How to Store Leftover Bread
If you have any leftover fresh bread, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag to help keep it fresh. It will stay good for up to 2-3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature and then warm it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust. Enjoy your delicious Rosemary Bread whenever you want!
Baking Tips & Trips
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand.
- You can use dried rosemary instead of fresh, but keep in mind that fresh herbs will provide more flavor.
- For an extra savory kick, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the dough before shaping it into loaves.
- If you want a stronger rosemary flavor, sprinkle additional chopped rosemary over the tops of the loaves before baking.
- Experiment with different types of flour for varying texture and flavor. Whole wheat or bread flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the dough rise twice. This helps develop the flavor and texture of the bread.
- Leftover slices of this Rosemary Bread make excellent croutons for salads or a tasty base for bruschetta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use either fresh or dried rosemary for this recipe. However, fresh herbs will provide more flavor.
While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand if you don’t have one.
Yes, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and then warm in the oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Rosemary Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade bread with a delicious twist and are craving the flavors of Macaroni Grill restaurant at home.
The combination of rosemary and butter creates a flavorful and savory bread that pairs well with any meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack. Plus, the recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers. Give this recipe a try and make it your new family favorite!
What Serve with Rosemary Bread
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Cheesecake Factory’s Louisiana Chicken Pasta
- 5 Minute Tomato Soup
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese
- Spaghetti with Browned Butter & Mizithra Cheese
Macaroni Grill's Rosemary Bread
Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread is a crusty bread packed with rosemary flavor that is perfect served with a pat of butter or with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette next to your favorite Italian dish!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Yeast
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
- 3-4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt
- 2-3 Tablespoons Rosemary (fresh or dried), chopped and divided
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- Coarse Salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Add the water, yeast, and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachments and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary and mix together.
- Switch to you mixer's dough hook and begin adding more flour a little at a time until a soft dough is formed. The dough should be a little sticky when you touch it but should keep its shape.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Spray a large mixing bowl with cooking spray or coat in oil.
- Add the dough to the bowl and cover with greased plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise until double in size. This can take up to 2 hours, but in my kitchen, it had doubled in about 45 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape the dough into two oval/square loaves and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter over the tops of the loaves and sprinkle with the remaining rosemary.
- Cover the loaves with greased plastic wrap and allow them to rise until double in size again. For me, this took 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle coarse salt over the tops of the bread and bake the loaves at 425 degrees for 18-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Serve the warm bread with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Notes
Tip: I've found my loaves come out the perfect color if I place the baking sheet in the top 1/3 of my oven.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1/4 LoafAmount Per Serving: Calories: 723Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 499mgCarbohydrates: 146gFiber: 6gSugar: 2gProtein: 20g
