INTRODUCTION
Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread is a warm, soft loaf with fresh rosemary and a light sea salt finish. This bread is simple to make at home and fills your kitchen with a savory smell. It is a great recipe for people who want a tasty side that can fit a healthy lifestyle with small changes. For a fun twist on bread party snacks, try a related idea like cheesy Halloween breadstick bones as a different but simple bread treat.
This article shows you how to make the bread step by step. It also gives tips for a lighter option, meal prep ideas, and ways to make the bread higher in protein or lower in carbs if you need that. The language here is plain and easy to follow.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is easy and flexible. The dough is forgiving and needs only a short rise time. It makes two small loaves that are perfect to share. This bread can be a healthy version of restaurant bread when you swap in whole wheat flour or cut the butter on top. It is also a great option for meal prep because you can bake loaves ahead and freeze portions. With portion control, this bread can be a lighter option for people watching calories or managing weight. It pairs well with lean soups and salads to create a balanced meal.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
Follow the steps below for soft, fragrant rosemary loaves. This section keeps the original recipe steps so you get the same texture and flavor as the classic version.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for yeast proofing
- Baking sheet or bread stone
- Parchment paper or silicone mat (optional)
- Plastic wrap and clean towel
- Pastry brush for egg wash and butter
- Sharp knife or bread lame for steam vents (optional)
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!
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
Serve this rosemary bread warm with a light protein and a salad for a balanced meal. For a healthy serving idea, slice the loaf and enjoy two thin slices with a cup of vegetable soup and a small piece of grilled fish or chicken. Portion control matters: one serving is about 1 to 2 small slices (about 50–70 grams). This keeps calories lower and helps if you are working on weight loss.
For a lighter option, brush the bread with a tablespoon of olive oil instead of butter, or skip the final butter brush and use a light olive oil spray. Another healthy way is to pair the bread with a high protein meal like Greek yogurt dip or hummus. This makes the meal feel filling while adding protein and fiber.
For holiday or party use, pair the bread with a festive spread such as roasted vegetables and a cheese board. It also pairs nicely with sweet breads like cranberry star bread on a holiday table as a savory counterpoint.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
Store cooled rosemary bread in an airtight container or a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Toast slices straight from the freezer for a quick, warm snack.
If you watch your sugar or carbs for health reasons, measure portions before storing so you can plan meals better. For diabetic-friendly serving, pair bread slices with protein and fiber-rich foods to slow glucose rise after meals.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Healthy side: A mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds fiber and vitamins.
- Balanced plate: One or two slices of bread, a cup of vegetable soup, and 3–4 oz lean protein (grilled chicken or baked fish). This creates a meal that is high protein and satisfying.
- Snack idea: Thin slices with hummus or a white bean dip add fiber and plant protein.
- Brunch idea: Use a thin slice under a poached egg and arugula for a lighter option.
These pairings keep meals lower calorie and more balanced. They help the bread fit into weight loss plans without feeling like a diet.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Replace the final butter brush with a light olive oil spray. Whole wheat adds fiber and a nutty taste, making a healthier version of the loaf.
- High-protein or low-carb version: For a high-protein loaf, replace 1/2 to 1 cup of the flour with vital wheat gluten and add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt to the wet mix. This raises the protein per slice and helps you build a high protein meal. For a lower-carb approach, try a small batch using low-carb bread flour blends that include almond flour and psyllium husk; note texture will differ and yeast rises less. These versions can be good for people looking for lower net carbs or higher protein.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: The recipe is oven-baked at 400°F. For an air fryer version, reduce loaf size to one small roll or mini loaf and preheat air fryer to 360°F. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, check for golden color, and finish with the butter and sea salt. Air fryer bread cooks fast and can be a good choice for small portions or quick meals.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread good for weight loss?
A: Bread can fit a weight loss plan when you watch portion size and pair it with lean protein and vegetables. Try 1–2 small slices as a serving and avoid large smears of butter.
Q: Can I make this bread diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use whole wheat flour, control portions, and serve with protein and fiber-rich foods to slow blood sugar. Avoid eating large amounts at once.
Q: How long does the dough take to rise?
A: The first rise is about 1 hour or until doubled. The second rise is 30 minutes. Time changes with room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A: Yes. After the first rise, punch down, shape into balls, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight then let come to room temp and rise before baking.
Q: How long will baked bread stay fresh?
A: At room temperature in a sealed bag, 2–3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Is rosemary good for health?
A: Rosemary has antioxidants and adds flavor without salt or fat. It can be part of a heart healthy diet when used with healthy fats.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
- Dough prep: Make dough the day before and place it in the fridge after the first rise. This slows fermentation and deepens flavor. In the morning, shape the loaves, let them warm and rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake. This is great for meal prep and saves time on busy days.
- Freeze baked slices: Slice loaves and freeze single portions. Pull out what you need and toast for a quick breakfast or snack. This makes the bread great for meal prep.
- Double batch and freeze one: Bake two loaves and freeze one. This lets you enjoy fresh bread at any time and reduces repeat baking for busy weeks. If you make a high protein or lower calorie version, label the bag so you know which is which.
For a holiday table or a simple weeknight side, this bread is an easy, flexible choice. If you like sweet holiday breads, you might also enjoy a festive recipe like delicious gingerbread cookie wreath for dessert after your savory meal.
Copycat Macaroni Grill 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 a 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.
- If the dough does not form into a ball, add an extra 1 Tbsp of flour at a time until it starts to form a ball and feels tacky.
- Transfer dough to a lightly oiled large bowl, spray the top with cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap and a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form each piece into a ball.
- Place the balls on the prepared sheet, cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush both balls of dough with the egg wash and bake for the first 10 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the oven, quickly brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sea salt, and fresh rosemary, then return to the oven for another 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown.