Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

If you’re craving that warm, comforting bread that stops everyone in their tracks at Outback Steakhouse, then you absolutely have to try this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe. It captures the perfect balance of hearty whole-wheat flavor with just a hint of sweetness from honey and molasses, all wrapped in a soft yet chewy texture that makes each bite irresistible. Not only does it look like the real deal with a delicate oat topping, but it also fills your home with an amazing aroma while baking. This bread is incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to recreate—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, this bread comes together using a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role in delivering that authentic taste and texture. Every component, from the whole-wheat flour to the cocoa powder, works harmoniously to give the bread its signature color and depth of flavor.

• 2 ½ cups warm water (100°-110°F): Essential for activating the yeast and hydrating the flours.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the bread tender.
• ½ cup honey: Brings a natural sweetness and moisture to the loaf.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: Contributes a deep, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful dark color.
• 3 ½ cups whole-wheat flour: The bread’s hearty base, giving it substance and nuttiness.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Enhances color and adds subtle complexity without making it taste chocolatey.
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the bread rise perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
• 2-3 cups bread flour: Provides extra gluten for chewiness and lightness; added gradually.
• Rolled oats (for dusting loaves): Creates a rustic, inviting crust that’s signature to this bread.

How to Make Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Begin by mixing the warm water, vegetable oil, honey, and molasses together in your stand mixer’s bowl fitted with a dough hook. Getting these ingredients well combined ensures the yeast will activate evenly later and the flavors are beautifully melded from the start.

Step 2: Add the Whole-Wheat Flour

Next, stir in the whole-wheat flour to the liquid mixture. This forms the hearty foundation of the bread dough, giving it that wholesome texture and nutty taste we all love about Outback’s bread.

Step 3: Incorporate Cocoa, Yeast, and Salt

Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, active dry yeast, and salt, stirring well to blend everything together. The cocoa is the secret behind the bread’s rich, inviting color, and the yeast is what makes this loaf delightfully light and fluffy inside.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest

Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to give the yeast time to start working its magic. This waiting period is key to developing flavor and ensuring a good rise.

Step 5: Add Bread Flour Gradually

Stir in the bread flour one cup at a time until the dough clings to the hook and almost clears the sides of the mixer bowl. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The bread flour strengthens the dough’s gluten network, which gives the bread structure and chewiness, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 6: First Rise

Cover your bowl with greased plastic wrap to prevent drying and let the dough rise until doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Patience here rewards you with that perfect airy crumb.

Step 7: Divide and Rest

Once risen, divide the dough into two equal pieces. Cover each piece with greased plastic wrap and rest them for 5 minutes. This short rest period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to shape.

Step 8: Shape and Add Oats

Shape the dough pieces into loaves and sprinkle them generously with rolled oats. Those oats add a lovely texture and are part of what makes this bread visually recognizable and utterly inviting.

Step 9: Second Rise in Pans

Place each shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover them loosely and let them rise again until doubled, about 30 to 60 minutes. This final rise is crucial for that light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

As the loaves finish their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, bake the loaves until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

How to Serve Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread shines with simplicity, so a light spread of high-quality butter or honey butter on warm slices elevates the experience beautifully. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of sea salt on top of softened butter for an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

It pairs wonderfully with everything from a hearty stew to a fresh salad. The bread’s mildly sweet and nutty flavor makes it perfect to soak up soups or simply enjoy alongside a cheese platter for a casual snack or appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing this bread thick and making open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, smoked salmon, or roasted vegetables. You could also toast slices and use them as the base for bruschetta or serve cubes as part of a savory bread pudding for brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, keep your leftover bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to three days. This helps the bread maintain its moisture and keeps it from becoming too dry or stale too quickly.

Freezing

This Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and place it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature overnight.

Reheating

To refresh the bread’s soft texture, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This will revive its fresh-baked taste and texture, making each bite feel just like out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of whole-wheat flour?

You can substitute all or part of the whole-wheat flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture, but the signature hearty flavor will be a bit milder. The whole-wheat flour really gives the bread its character.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can absolutely make this bread by hand using a large bowl and a wooden spoon for mixing, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It just requires a bit more muscle power!

Why is there cocoa powder in the recipe?

The cocoa powder doesn’t make the bread chocolatey—it’s there to enhance the color and add a subtle depth of flavor that’s part of what makes the Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread so unique and delicious.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

This specific recipe relies on the gluten content in whole-wheat and bread flours for structure, so it won’t work as-is for gluten-free baking. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends and xanthan gum, but the texture will be different.

Final Thoughts

I promise once you make this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s a wonderful way to bring a little restaurant magic into your own kitchen with comforting, flavorful bread that’s perfect for any meal. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy baking a loaf that’s sure to become a cherished staple in your home.

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