Introduction to Weight Watchers Texas Roadhouse Rolls
When following a Weight Watchers (WW) plan, one of the most challenging aspects can be resisting the irresistible, freshly baked bread served at restaurants. The Texas Roadhouse rolls, with their fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon butter, are a favorite treat for many. However, when you’re trying to stay within your SmartPoints, indulging in these warm, doughy rolls may not always be the best choice.
The good news is, you don’t have to give up this restaurant favorite entirely! With a few modifications, you can make Weight Watchers Texas Roadhouse Rolls right at home, using ingredients that fit perfectly into your WW points system. This healthier version of the beloved rolls offers the same soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor, all without the guilt of extra points.
In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through every step, providing helpful tips, substitutions, and information to ensure that your homemade rolls are just as satisfying as the ones you get at Texas Roadhouse. We’ll also include a nutritional breakdown and SmartPoints value, so you can enjoy your meal without worry.
Ingredients for WW Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Creating a healthier, WW-friendly version of Texas Roadhouse rolls requires some ingredient substitutions to lower the points while still keeping the recipe delicious and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Rolls:
- Whole Wheat Flour: 2 cups (using whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, reducing the glycemic load compared to white flour, while also lowering SmartPoints)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (a small amount of all-purpose flour helps achieve the classic texture)
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 ½ teaspoons (this is essential for making the rolls rise)
- Warm Water: 1 cup (this activates the yeast)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (provides healthy fat and moisture)
- Unsweetened Applesauce: ¼ cup (a healthy substitute for butter, keeping the rolls moist without adding excess fat)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (a small amount of honey provides sweetness without overloading on sugar)
- Egg: 1 large (adds structure and moisture)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (balances the sweetness and enhances flavor)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (helps achieve the right rise and texture)
- Milk: ¼ cup (use low-fat or unsweetened almond milk to keep it lighter)
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (optional for a slight warmth and spice in the dough)
For the Cinnamon Butter:
- Light Butter: 2 tablespoons (this reduces the fat compared to traditional butter)
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (adds that signature cinnamon flavor)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (natural sweetness to complement the rolls)
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Weight Watchers
1. Healthier Ingredients for Fewer SmartPoints
This version of the Texas Roadhouse rolls uses a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour to boost the fiber content, which helps with satiety and reduces the glycemic index of the rolls. Using applesauce and a small amount of honey instead of butter or sugar helps keep the fat and calorie count in check while still delivering a deliciously soft and sweet roll. The lightened-up cinnamon butter ensures that you can enjoy this indulgence without consuming too many extra points.
2. Low SmartPoints, High Satisfaction
In traditional Texas Roadhouse recipes, the rolls and cinnamon butter are often packed with extra calories and SmartPoints. With this version, you can enjoy the flavor and comfort of the bread and cinnamon butter while staying within your WW points. Whole wheat flour helps you feel full longer, which is ideal for maintaining energy levels throughout the day without overindulging.
3. Customizable and Family-Friendly
This recipe isn’t just for those on the WW plan—it’s a great option for anyone looking to eat healthier while still enjoying a treat. With its balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, the rolls are a great choice for families, picky eaters, or anyone trying to reduce their intake of refined flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making WW Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming up the water in a microwave or on the stove. The water should be warm to the touch but not too hot (around 110°F). Pour the water into a mixing bowl and add the active dry yeast. Stir gently to combine, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to help your rolls rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, which helps the rolls rise properly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, applesauce, honey, egg, and milk. Once the yeast mixture is foamy and bubbly, add it to the wet ingredients. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Stir the dough with a spoon or spatula until it begins to form a shaggy dough. Once the dough starts coming together, use your hands to knead it in the bowl. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a small amount of extra whole wheat flour, but be careful not to add too much.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Once kneaded, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm place to rise. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture of the rolls.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a small amount of space between each roll.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until they puff up.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Butter
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon butter by mixing together the light butter, cinnamon, and honey in a small bowl. Stir well until the butter is softened and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush the cinnamon butter over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy this guilt-free version of a Texas Roadhouse classic!
Nutritional Breakdown and SmartPoints Value
Let’s take a look at the nutritional information for 1 roll (out of 12 rolls) along with the cinnamon butter:
Per Roll (without cinnamon butter):
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Net Carbs: 19 grams
- Sugars: 6 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Calcium: 4% of Daily Value
- Iron: 6% of Daily Value
Per Serving of Cinnamon Butter:
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Sugars: 4 grams
SmartPoints:
- 2 SmartPoints per roll (without cinnamon butter) on the Blue, Green, and Purple plans.
- 1 SmartPoint for the cinnamon butter (per serving).
This recipe provides a satisfying, flavorful roll without overloading you with extra points, making it a great addition to your WW meal plan.
Tips and Variations for WW Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Make Them Mini Rolls: If you’re looking to cut the points even further, divide the dough into 16 small rolls instead of 12. This will make the rolls even smaller and reduce the SmartPoints per roll.
- Add a Touch of Vanilla: For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon butter.
- Store Leftovers Properly: These rolls stay fresh for about 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but if you’d like to make it dairy-free, simply swap the light butter with vegan butter or a coconut oil alternative.
Conclusion
These Weight Watchers Texas Roadhouse Rolls offer all the flavor and comfort of the restaurant classic but in a lighter, more WW-friendly version. By using whole wheat flour, applesauce, and light butter, this recipe provides a satisfying, guilt-free treat that doesn’t break your points bank. With the perfect combination of fluffiness, sweetness, and savory butter, these rolls will quickly become a staple in your WW-friendly recipes. Enjoy them with your favorite dinner, or as a side to a hearty meal, and savor the delicious taste of Texas Roadhouse without the extra points.
