Name: Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp molasses; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 2 cups bread flour; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp salt; Cornmeal (for dusting)

I’ve always been a fan of the warm, sweet brown bread served at Outback Steakhouse. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it a perfect start to any meal. Recreating this bread at home brings that comforting experience right to my kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of the original Outback Steakhouse bread. The combination of honey and molasses gives it a delightful sweetness, while the cocoa powder adds depth to its flavor. It's a joy to bake and even more delightful to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Warm water
Active dry yeast
Honey
Molasses
Vegetable oil
Whole wheat flour
Bread flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Cornmeal (for dusting)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, I combine warm water, honey, molasses, and vegetable oil.
I sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit until it becomes foamy.
In a separate bowl, I mix whole wheat flour, bread flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
I knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Placing the dough in a greased bowl, I cover it and let it rise until it doubles in size.
After the first rise, I punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions.
I shape each portion into a loaf and place them on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
Covering the loaves, I let them rise again until they are puffy.
I bake the loaves in a preheated oven until they are cooked through and have a hollow sound when tapped.
Once baked, I let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 small loaves. The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a total rise time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baking takes around 30 to 35 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to add a sprinkle of rolled oats on top of the loaves before baking for added texture. For a richer flavor, I might use dark cocoa powder. If I want a slightly different sweetness, substituting maple syrup for honey works well too.

Storage/Reheating

To store the bread, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze the loaves, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, I thaw the bread at room temperature and warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

I check if the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, the crust should be firm and slightly browned.

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

Yes, I can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour, but the texture might be slightly less chewy.

What if I don't have molasses?

If I don't have molasses, I can use an equal amount of dark corn syrup or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, I can prepare the dough in a bread machine using the dough setting, then shape and bake the loaves in the oven.

How can I make the crust softer?

To achieve a softer crust, I brush the loaves with melted butter immediately after baking and cover them with a clean towel as they cool.

Conclusion

Baking this Outback Steakhouse bread at home brings a touch of restaurant comfort to my table. Its sweet, rich flavor and soft texture make it a favorite in my household. I enjoy serving it warm with a pat of butter, savoring each bite.