Are you ready to elevate your home dining experience with a loaf of bread that rivals the best Italian restaurants? Look no further than this Macaroni Grill Rosemary Copy Cat Bread! With its fragrant rosemary and golden crust, this bread is not just a side dish; it’s a showstopper that will have your family and friends begging for more. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as this delectable bread bakes to perfection—it's the perfect companion to any meal or a delightful snack on its own. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your guests and indulge your senses with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir gently to combine.
- In a separate large bowl, mix flour and salt together, creating a well in the center.
- Pour the yeast liquid into the flour well and begin mixing with a wooden spoon or electric mixer with dough hook attachment.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed.
- Chop fresh rosemary finely and fold into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
- Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, covering with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle additional chopped rosemary.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your water is warm but not hot—about 110°F (43°C) is ideal. This will ensure that the yeast activates properly and gives your bread the perfect rise.
- Knead with Care: Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bread its structure. If you're using a stand mixer, keep an eye on the dough; it should be smooth and slightly tacky, not sticky.
- Perfectly Positioned for Rising: Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Skip the Rosemary: For the best flavor, use fresh rosemary instead of dried. Chop it finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dough.
- Check for Doneness: To know if your bread is done baking, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. This is a classic sign that your bread is perfectly baked.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of sea salt or grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking can add an extra layer of flavor that complements the rosemary beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
