There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread to bring a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your kitchen. Carrabba’s Dipping Bread is a delightful Italian-inspired bread that’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s served as a side dish or the star of the show with some flavorful olive oil for dipping.
Today, I’ll guide you through a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate this beloved restaurant favorite at home.
Let’s get baking!
What so Special About This Carrabba’s Bread?
Carrabba’s Bread is special for its perfect balance of a soft, airy interior and a golden, crisp crust. The bread’s simplicity, made with just a few ingredients, lets the quality of each component shine. What makes it even more irresistible is pairing it with Carrabba’s famous bread dip—a flavorful mix of olive oil, Carrabba’s Herb Mix, and spices.
The warm bread soaks up the rich, aromatic oil, creating an explosion of taste with each bite. Together, they deliver an authentic Italian dining experience that’s rustic, savory, and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients for Carrabba’s Dipping Bread Recipe
- 2.5 cups Bread flour
- ¾ tsp Salt
- 2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Yeast
- ¼ cup Warm water (for mixing with yeast)
- 1 Egg (scrambled for egg wash)
- Semolina flour (for sprinkling)
- 1 cup Warm water (as needed)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap and Towel
- Cutting board
Active prep time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25-30 minutes
Recipe for Carrabba’s Bread
1. Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the yeast with 1/4 cup of warm water. Set it aside to activate. The yeast will start to bubble, indicating it’s ready.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Once the yeast mixture is active, pour it into the flour mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together.
If the dough feels dry, add the remaining warm water, 1/4 cup at a time, kneading between additions. If it becomes too sticky, add a little more flour. The dough should feel soft but not too wet.
3. Knead and Let Rise
Once the dough is fully mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Place each dough ball into a separate bowl that has been lightly dusted with flour. Sprinkle a bit of flour on top of each dough ball and cover the bowls with plastic wrap. Place a towel on top to keep them warm. Allow the dough to rise for about an hour until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough
After an hour, dust your hands with flour and carefully remove the dough from the bowls. On a floured surface, gently roll out each dough ball until it’s about 2-3 inches thick. Place them on a cutting board sprinkled with flour and cover with a towel. Let them sit for another 30 minutes to rise further.
5. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 410°F with a pizza stone inside. This helps create a nice, crispy crust when baking.
6. Prepare for Baking
Once the dough has risen, use a knife to cut thin, diagonal slits on the top of each loaf, spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush the scrambled egg over the dough with a pastry brush. This will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown finish as it bakes.
Sprinkle semolina flour over a pizza peel and carefully place the dough on it.
7. Bake the Bread
Transfer the dough from the pizza peel to the hot pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite meal, or simply enjoy with a side of extra virgin olive oil for dipping. Buon appetito!
Creative Serving Ideas for Carrabba’s Bread Recipe
1. Classic Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Dip
Serve Carrabba’s Bread with a small dish of extra virgin Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dip and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Add a sprinkle of Italian herbs for an authentic dipping experience.
2. Serve with Pasta Dishes
Pair the bread with rich pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna. The bread’s crusty exterior and soft interior make it perfect for soaking up sauce.
3. Soup Companion
Serve alongside a hearty soup like Italian minestrone, tomato basil, or creamy mushroom soup. The bread is ideal for dipping and complementing warm, comforting soups.
4. Charcuterie Board Addition
Add slices of Carrabba’s Bread to a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables. It’s a great vehicle for spreads and toppings.
5. Bruschetta Base
Use the bread to make bruschetta by toasting slices and topping them with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Serve with Salads
Pair the bread with a light Italian salad, like a caprese salad or Caesar salad. The crisp bread provides a nice contrast to the fresh, cool vegetables.
7. Garlic Bread Conversion
Transform Carrabba’s Bread into garlic bread by brushing it with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and parsley before toasting. It’s a perfect side for pizza or pasta.
8. Sandwich Bread
Slice the bread and use it for making sandwiches. It’s great for paninis or filling with ingredients like mozzarella, prosciutto, and roasted vegetables.
9. Antipasto Platter
Pair the bread with a variety of antipasto items like marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and grilled zucchini for a delicious Italian starter platter.
10. Serve with a Cheese Fondue
Pair the bread with a cheese fondue or melted cheese dip. The bread’s sturdy structure makes it perfect for dipping into gooey, melted cheese.
URRecipe Community Tips on Carrabba’s Bread Recipe
1. Use Bread Flour for Better Texture
Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier, sturdier texture—ideal for a rustic Italian loaf like Carrabba’s Bread.
2. Activate the Yeast Properly
Ensure your water is warm but not too hot (around 110°F) when mixing with yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
3. Don’t Rush the Rising Process
Allow the dough ample time to rise—about an hour for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second. This ensures the bread develops a light, airy texture.
4. Use Olive Oil for Extra Flavor
High-quality extra virgin olive oil will not only enhance the texture but also give the bread a rich, authentic Italian flavor. Opt for cold-pressed olive oil for the best results.
5. Control the Dough’s Hydration
If the dough is too dry while kneading, add water gradually. Adding too much at once can make the dough too sticky, while little by little ensures proper hydration.
6. Preheat the Pizza Stone
Preheat your pizza stone for at least 20 minutes before baking. This ensures an even heat distribution, creating a beautifully crispy crust.
7. Make Clean Slits
When cutting slits in the dough before baking, use a sharp knife. Clean, diagonal slits allow steam to escape, giving the bread room to expand and form a professional-looking crust.
8. Use Semolina Flour for Texture
Sprinkling semolina flour on the pizza peel before transferring the dough to the stone helps the dough slide off easily while adding extra crunch and flavor to the crust.
9. Perfect Your Egg Wash
Ensure you evenly coat the top of the dough with the egg wash to get that golden-brown finish. For extra shine, add a teaspoon of water to the scrambled egg before brushing.
10. Let the Bread Rest Before Slicing
Once baked, let the bread cool for at least five minutes. Slicing too early releases steam, which can make the bread soggy inside.
How to Store Leftover Carrabba’s Bread Properly?
To store leftover Carrabba’s Bread, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Carrabba’s Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups Bread flour
- ¾ tsp Salt
- 2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Yeast
- ¼ cup Warm water for mixing with yeast
- 1 Egg scrambled for egg wash
- Semolina flour for sprinkling
- 1 cup Warm water as needed
Instructions
- Start by mixing the yeast with 1/4 cup of warm water. Set it aside to activate. The yeast will start to bubble, indicating it’s ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Once the yeast mixture is active, pour it into the flour mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together.
- If the dough feels dry, add the remaining warm water, 1/4 cup at a time, kneading between additions. If it becomes too sticky, add a little more flour. The dough should feel soft but not too wet.
- Once the dough is fully mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Place each dough ball into a separate bowl that has been lightly dusted with flour. Sprinkle a bit of flour on top of each dough ball and cover the bowls with plastic wrap. Place a towel on top to keep them warm. Allow the dough to rise for about an hour until it has doubled in size.
- After an hour, dust your hands with flour and carefully remove the dough from the bowls. On a floured surface, gently roll out each dough ball until it’s about 2-3 inches thick. Place them on a cutting board sprinkled with flour and cover with a towel. Let them sit for another 30 minutes to rise further.
- Preheat your oven to 410°F with a pizza stone inside. This helps create a nice, crispy crust when baking.
- Once the dough has risen, use a knife to cut thin, diagonal slits on the top of each loaf, spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush the scrambled egg over the dough with a pastry brush. This will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown finish as it bakes.
- Sprinkle semolina flour over a pizza peel and carefully place the dough on it.
- Transfer the dough from the pizza peel to the hot pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite meal, or simply enjoy with a side of extra virgin olive oil for dipping. Buon appetito!
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Notes
Common queries on Carrabba’s Bread Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Carrabba’s Bread Recipe
1. What is Carrabba’s bread dip made of?
Carrabba’s famous bread dip is typically made with a combination of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, and basil, along with garlic, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a flavorful, simple dip that perfectly complements the bread.
2. Does Carrabba’s give complimentary bread?
Yes, Carrabba’s Italian Grill serves complimentary bread with olive oil and herbs at the start of the meal. It’s a signature offering that many guests enjoy while waiting for their dishes.
3. What type of bread is best for dipping in olive oil?
Rustic Italian bread, like Carrabba’s bread, is ideal for dipping in olive oil. Its chewy texture and crispy crust make it perfect for soaking up the flavors of olive oil, herbs, and spices. Other good options include ciabatta, focaccia, and sourdough.
4. How many calories are in a loaf of Carrabba’s bread?
On average, a loaf of Carrabba’s bread contains approximately 1,500–1,800 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients. Keep in mind that dipping the bread in olive oil and other accompaniments can add more calories.
5. Can I freeze Carrabba’s bread after baking?
Yes, you can freeze Carrabba’s bread after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crusty texture.
6. Can I make Carrabba’s bread without a pizza stone?
If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can bake the bread on a heavy baking sheet. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven to simulate the heat retention of a pizza stone, which helps give the bread a crispy crust.
7. What is the secret to making Carrabba’s bread extra crispy?
To achieve an extra crispy crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated, and use a pizza stone if possible. Brushing the dough with egg wash and using semolina flour also contributes to a golden, crispy exterior.
8. How long does Carrabba’s bread last once baked?
Carrabba’s bread is best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to 2 days at room temperature if stored in a bread box or airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the bread to preserve its texture.
9. What herbs can I use to flavor the bread dip?
Fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, and rosemary work wonderfully for the bread dip. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for bread flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser, and the flavor will be more robust. You may need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour tends to absorb more liquid.
With its soft texture and golden crust, this Carrabba’s Bread recipe brings the heart of Italian cuisine straight to your kitchen. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dishes or with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip for a restaurant-quality experience.
Enjoy baking and sharing this tasty treat with your loved ones—salute!
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Which dip you prefer?
Use Carrabba’s olive oil dip with herbs for the best taste