Easy Carrabba’s Bread Recipe

This Easy Carrabba’s Bread Recipe is soft, buttery, and unbelievably simple to make. Whether you want it for dinner, a snack, or a special occasion, it brings that restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen every time.

If you’ve ever dined at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you know their bread is legendary. Soft, buttery, and lightly seasoned, it’s impossible to resist.

Lucky for you, this easy Carrabba’s bread recipe brings that restaurant magic straight to your kitchen.

Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or just for snacking, it’s a must-try for any bread lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor – Just like the bread you get at Carrabba’s.
• Soft and Buttery – Perfect for dipping in olive oil or marinara sauce.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike can’t get enough.
• Customizable – Add garlic, herbs, or cheese for your twist.

Carrabba’s Bread Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – soft, fine flour for tender bread texture
• Granulated sugar – balances flavors and aids yeast activation
• Instant yeast – gives the bread a fluffy, airy rise
• Salt – enhances the natural flavors of the bread
• Unsalted butter – adds richness and buttery softness
• Whole milk – warms the dough and helps create a tender crumb
• Water – activates the yeast and hydrates the dough
• Olive oil – for brushing the finished bread and adding flavor

How to Make Carrabba’s Bread

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine warm water, milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt, then gradually mix in the yeast mixture and softened butter. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Punch down the dough and divide it into small rolls or a loaf shape. Place on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Cover and let rise another 20–30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dough with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Serve warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy that soft, fluffy Carrabba’s-style bread at home!

Easy Carrabba’s Bread Recipe Tips

• Use warm—not hot—water: The ideal water temperature is between 100–110°F. Anything hotter can kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising.
• Let the dough rise fully: Don’t rush this step! A full rise gives your bread that signature light, fluffy interior.
• Add herbs for flavor: Mix in Italian seasoning, rosemary, or garlic powder to mimic Carrabba’s signature herby flavor.
• Brush with olive oil: Right before baking, brush the top with olive oil to help the crust turn golden and flavorful.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Keep your Carrabba’s bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating—it tends to dry out faster.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
• Reheating: To refresh that just-baked texture, wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. For extra crispness, remove the foil during the last 3 minutes. Brush with olive oil before serving for that perfect Carrabba’s finish.

Easy Carrabba’s Bread Recipe Faqs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! You can swap instant yeast for active dry yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why didn’t my dough rise? If your dough didn’t rise, the yeast may have been old, or the water was too hot or too cold. Make sure your water is around 105°F–110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.

Can I make this dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before baking.

What can I serve with Carrabba’s bread? This bread pairs perfectly with olive oil, fresh herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. It’s also amazing with soups, salads, or your favorite pasta dishes.

Can I freeze the baked bread? Yes, once cooled completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore that just-baked texture.

More Copycat Carrabba’s Recipes

Copycat Carrabba’s Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan

Carrabba’s Bread Dipping Oil

Carrabba’s Spaghetti Recipe

Copycat Carrabba’s Zucchini

Instant Pot Copycat Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

Carrabba’s Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Carrabba’s Chicken Piccata Recipe

Carrabba’s Italian Grill Stuffed Mushrooms Parmigiana Recipe

Carrabba’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken Arugula Recipe

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