Easy Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread

There’s something special about warm rosemary bread arriving at the table before your meal. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and filled with the unmistakable aroma of fresh rosemary, it’s one of the most memorable parts of dining at Macaroni Grill.

The good news is you don’t have to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy it.

This easy copycat Macaroni Grill rosemary bread recipe creates two beautiful loaves that are perfect for serving with pasta, soup, salads, or simply enjoying warm with a little butter.

Fresh rosemary gives this bread its signature flavor, while a buttery finish makes every slice even better.

If you’re growing rosemary in your garden, this recipe is a wonderful way to put fresh herbs to use.

Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Bread

• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Fresh rosemary adds incredible flavor
• Soft, chewy texture with a buttery crust
• Great alongside Italian dinners
• Freezes well for later

Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread

makes 2 loaves

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons rosemary
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1.  Place yeast, sugar, and water in a large bowl or food processor and allow the mixture to become bubbly.

2.  Mix in 1 T butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour.

3.  Add one tablespoon of the fresh chopped rosemary.

4.  Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or in food processor about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5.  Add more flour if necessary.

6.  Oil a bowl, put dough in it and cover with a towel.

7.  Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled.

8. Punch down the dough and divide it in half.

9.  Let the dough rest about 5 minutes.

10.  Spray a baking pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.

11.  Shape the dough into 2 small rounded oval loaves.

12.  Sprinkle the remaining 1 Tablespoon of rosemary over the loaves and press lightly into the surface.

13.  Let loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.

14.  Preheat oven to 375°F.

15.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned.

16.  Carefully remove from oven, brush with remaining butter (and salt if desired)

Do you enjoy the bread before a meal when you go out to eat, or do you wait for your meal?

Tips for the Best Rosemary Bread

A few simple tips will help your bread turn out beautifully every time.

• Use fresh rosemary whenever possible for the best flavor.
• Your water should feel warm, not hot (about 105–110°F), so it activates the yeast without killing it.
• Let the dough rise until doubled rather than watching the clock. Kitchens vary in temperature.
• Brush the finished loaves with melted butter while they’re still warm for a soft, flavorful crust.
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after buttering if you enjoy the restaurant-style finish.

Variations

Try changing the recipe a little by adding:

• Roasted garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Cracked black pepper
• Sea salt flakes

How to Store Rosemary Bread

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag for up to three days.

For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Grow Your Own Rosemary

One of the best things about this recipe is that fresh rosemary is incredibly easy to grow.

A single rosemary plant can provide enough herbs for dozens of recipes throughout the year, and it’s one of the easiest perennial herbs to keep in the garden.

👉 Want to grow your own herbs? Our Herb Gardening Course walks you through choosing, growing, harvesting, and preserving popular culinary herbs—including rosemary—so you’ll always have fresh herbs ready for recipes like this one.

Harvesting, Drying, and Storing Herbs Course

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried rosemary?

Yes, but fresh rosemary gives this bread its signature flavor. If using dried rosemary, use about one-third as much since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes. Prepare the dough using the dough cycle, then shape, allow it to rise, and bake in the oven.

Can I freeze rosemary bread?

Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

What should I serve with rosemary bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, hearty soups, salads, olive oil for dipping, or as the base for sandwiches.

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Conclusion

Fresh rosemary has a way of transforming a simple loaf of bread into something that tastes bakery fresh. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Macaroni Grill experience or simply looking for an easy homemade bread recipe, this rosemary bread is one you’ll find yourself making again and again.

If you have rosemary growing in your garden, even better—there’s nothing quite like baking with herbs you’ve grown yourself.