Name: Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons molasses; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup whole wheat flour; 2 cups bread flour (plus more for kneading); 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; cornmeal for dusting; softened butter for serving (optional)

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving that pillowy, slightly sweet, almost chocolate-brown bread served at your favorite Aussie-themed steakhouse, you’re in good company. This Outback Steakhouse Bread isn’t just a restaurant side—it’s a deeply satisfying, homey loaf with a memorable aroma and flavor. Baking this bread at home transforms simple ingredients into a loaf that’s fluffy yet hearty, with stunning color and a touch of sweetness that practically begs for a slather of soft butter. Let’s dive in and bring the bakery magic of Outback Steakhouse Bread straight to your own kitchen!

Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Outback Steakhouse Bread is all about using pantry classics in just the right way. Each ingredient plays a part in the bread’s tender crumb, unique flavor, and irresistible crust. Here’s a closer look at every essential you’ll need to make this Steakhouse favorite.

Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): The perfect temperature helps wake up the yeast and gets your dough going.
Molasses (2 tablespoons): This dark syrup gives that characteristic deep brown color and rich sweetness.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds mellow sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): A hint of caramel flavor and extra tenderness for your loaf.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 packet): The leavening agent responsible for the rise and airy texture.
Whole wheat flour (1 cup): Contributes hearty flavor and a touch of wholesome nuttiness.
Bread flour (2 cups, plus more for kneading): Gives structure and chew to the bread, resulting in a lofty loaf.
Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): For color and a background warmth—don’t worry, no chocolate flavor here!
Instant coffee granules (1 teaspoon): Deepens the color and complexity, without tasting like coffee.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Balances sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the crumb tender and the crust a bit softer.
Cornmeal (for dusting): Adds that signature steakhouse texture and a rustic touch on the bottom.
Softened butter (for serving, optional): The perfect finish—creamy butter melts right into the warm bread.

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

First things first: combine your warm water, molasses, honey, brown sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it all a gentle stir and let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it’s frothy. This waiting game ensures your yeast is alive and kicking, which will reward you later with a lofty rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

To the bubbly mixture, add your whole wheat flour, bread flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt. Stir until the floury mix looks shaggy and comes together in a rough mass. This stage sets the stage for the bread’s soft interior and rich flavor profile.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Drizzle in the vegetable oil, then knead, either by hand or with a dough hook on your mixer—for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want to reach that magic spot when the dough is smooth, elastic, and only a bit tacky. If it’s too sticky, throw in an extra sprinkle of flour. This step transforms humble ingredients into silky, workable dough ready for rising.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. When it’s doubled in size, you’ll know it’s ready. Watching the dough puff up is always such a satisfying milestone!

Step 5: Shape and Proof the Loaves

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two or three pieces, depending on your preferred loaf size. Shape each into a rustic oval log and settle them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet liberally dusted with cornmeal. Cover the loaves up once more and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes so they’re pillowy and ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake to Deep Golden Brown

With your oven preheated to 375°F, slide the loaves in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. They’re done when the crust feels firm and the base sounds hollow when tapped. Don’t rush this magical moment—the aroma alone is a reward!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let your loaves cool for just a few minutes, then slice and serve them warm. A spread of softened butter takes things right over the top, echoing the classic steakhouse experience.

How to Serve Outback Steakhouse Bread

Garnishes

Take your bread to the next level by topping warm slices with creamy, softened butter—just like at the restaurant. For an extra-special presentation, you can sprinkle flaky sea salt over the butter or add a drizzle of honey for even more sweetness and shine.

Side Dishes

This bread is made to shine alongside hearty meals! Serve Outback Steakhouse Bread with rich stews, grilled steak, or creamy baked potato soup. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a savory cheese board, bringing that steakhouse feast feeling right to your home table.

Creative Ways to Present

Mini loaves are adorable for baskets at gatherings or family dinners, just like the real deal. You can also make breadsticks by shaping the dough into short logs, or even bake the dough in a Dutch oven for a rustic loaf. Try slicing thick pieces for gourmet sandwiches or using day-old slices to make an indulgent French toast brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra Outback Steakhouse Bread keeps wonderfully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or stash it in an airtight bag, then store at room temperature for up to three days. The crumb stays soft and the flavors even deepen slightly overnight.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your bread later, slice the cooled loaves and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer slices to a freezer bag—they’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Pop them in the toaster or oven straight from the freezer for warm, fresh-tasting bread anytime.

Reheating

To bring leftover bread back to life, wrap slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also toast individual slices for breakfast or snacks. Right after reheating, add a pat of butter for that authentic, crave-worthy experience.

FAQs

Can I make this Outback Steakhouse Bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand works just as well—just prepare for a little upper-body workout. It’s a great way to connect with your dough and really feel when it turns silky and elastic.

What does the cocoa powder and coffee do in this bread?

These secret ingredients deepen the bread’s signature brown color and add subtle warmth, but won’t make your bread taste like chocolate or coffee. It’s all about a rich look and a complex, restaurant-style flavor.

Could I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can swap in all-purpose flour if needed, though your loaf may be a bit less chewy and airy than the classic Outback Steakhouse Bread. Bread flour gives that signature steakhouse texture, but all-purpose still makes a delicious loaf!

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave, and top with plant-based butter. Your vegan Outback Steakhouse Bread will still have that same tender, sweet personality.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can. Double every ingredient and work in batches if your mixer isn’t large enough. The dough is forgiving and scales well, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or freezing extras.

Final Thoughts

This Outback Steakhouse Bread recipe is one of those rare finds: simple enough for any baker, yet special enough to impress guests and satisfy intense cravings. There’s just something magical about pulling this dark, fragrant loaf from your oven and sharing it at the table. Give it a try—you just might make it a new family tradition!

Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 2–3 small loaves (10–12 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Outback Steakhouse Bread recipe yields delicious, hearty loaves reminiscent of the famous steakhouse’s dark honey wheat bread. With a touch of sweetness from molasses and honey, and a rich color from cocoa powder and coffee, this bread is perfect for baking enthusiasts and bread lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups bread flour (plus more for kneading)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
cornmeal for dusting
softened butter for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, molasses, honey, brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add flours, cocoa, coffee, and salt. Knead until smooth.
Rise and Shape: Let the dough rise, then divide and shape into loaves. Let rise again.
Bake: Preheat oven, bake the loaves until golden and hollow-sounding.
Serve: Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm with butter.