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Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

4.9 from 138 reviews

Recreate the iconic Outback Steakhouse Bread at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring a rich blend of whole wheat and bread flours, molasses, honey, and a hint of cocoa powder, this bread boasts a deep color, subtle sweetness, and a soft, chewy texture perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Activation

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Dough

  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Additional warm water as needed (up to 1 cup)

Dusting

  • Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast for a Perfect Rise: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (around 110°F), 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired. To help activate the yeast faster in a cold kitchen, place the bowl near a warm oven or a bowl of hot water.
  2. Mix the Dough: Once your yeast is foamy, add ¼ cup molasses, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 2 cups bread flour, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the right consistency is achieved.
  3. Knead and First Rise: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until it doubles in size. For faster rising, place the bowl in a slightly warm (turned off) oven with the door closed.
  4. Shape the Loaves and Second Rise: Once doubled in size, punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves or 8–10 rolls. Shape them accordingly and place them on a baking sheet lined with cornmeal. Cover and allow to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes or rolls for 15–20 minutes until they sound hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with whipped honey butter for the authentic Outback Steakhouse experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour if needed, though the texture will be softer.
  • Avoid blackstrap molasses as it is too bitter; use regular molasses instead.
  • If out of honey and molasses, mix brown sugar with a little warm water as a substitute.
  • To achieve a lighter texture, add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to the flour mix.
  • Make sure yeast is fresh and active for proper rise.
  • Placing the dough in a warm environment helps speed up rising.

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