Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

There is something truly magical about sinking your teeth into warm, freshly baked bread, especially when it is the iconic Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe. This beloved bread perfectly balances a slightly sweet, wholesome flavor with a tender crumb and just the right amount of heartiness. Whether you’re recreating a familiar restaurant favorite or simply seeking a delightfully comforting homemade loaf, this recipe delivers a fantastic bread that brings joy at every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with the Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each contribute something special—from depth of flavor to texture and color.

• Warm water (110 degrees F or 43 degrees C): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a good rise.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to every slice, helping keep the bread soft.
• Honey: Provides a gentle sweetness and feeds the yeast for better fermentation.
• Molasses: Boosts that unmistakable rich, slightly smoky flavor and gives the bread its signature darker color.
• Whole wheat flour: Brings a hearty texture and nutritional boost with its wholesome grain goodness.
• Cocoa powder: Just enough to deepen the bread’s color and add subtle complexity without a chocolate taste.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the loaf.
• Active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent to make your bread rise beautifully.
• Bread flour: Provides the necessary gluten structure for a chewy and well-formed loaf.
• Cornmeal (for dusting): Adds a delicate crunch and helps prevent sticking during baking.

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Start by mixing warm water with vegetable oil, honey, and molasses in your stand mixer’s bowl using a dough hook. This blend creates a sweet, slightly caramelized base that will kickstart the flavor journey and provide moisture to the dough.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Let Rest

Next, add whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined, then cover and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to fully absorb the liquids, which is crucial for dough texture and gluten development.

Step 3: Incorporate Yeast and Bread Flour Gradually

With your stand mixer still on low, introduce the active dry yeast along with bread flour one cup at a time. You want to keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth, elastic ball, signaling it’s ready for the next phase.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheets

While the dough develops, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with cornmeal. This step prevents sticking and adds a lovely subtle crunch to the bread’s bottom crust.

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Flour a clean surface lightly and transfer your dough there. Divide it evenly into four parts and shape each into its own loaf. The shaping is essential to get the traditional look and ensure even baking.

Step 6: Let the Loaves Rise

Place the shaped loaves on your prepared sheets, cover them with a towel, and allow them to rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes. When they double in size, you know they’re perfectly proofed and ready to bake.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature helps the bread bake through without drying out, ensuring a crust that’s nicely golden and a soft crumb inside.

Step 8: Dust with Cornmeal

Before sliding your breads into the oven, dust the tops with more cornmeal. This adds texture and an irresistible rustic charm.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the loaves for around 40 minutes or until their internal temperature hits 190°F (88°C). This ensures they’re fully cooked but still tender and moist inside.

Step 10: Cool the Bread

After removing the bread from the oven, transfer it to a cooling rack. Letting it cool completely is key to finishing the baking process inside and making slicing easier with less crumb fall.

Step 11: Slice and Enjoy!

Once cooled, slice your Outback Steakhouse Bread and serve with butter or your favorite spreads. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with the rich, slightly sweet, and hearty bread that delights with every bite.

How to Serve Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle your bread with coarse sea salt or drizzle a touch of melted herb butter right before serving. These small touches amplify the bread’s natural flavors and make it irresistible at the table.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups, stews, and chilis, soaking up flavorful broths while adding a comforting chew. It’s also a wonderful side for salads or as a base for open-faced sandwiches.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your bread into a crowd-pleaser by serving it as a sliced loaf alongside a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and jams for an easy homemade charcuterie board. Or toast slices lightly and top with avocado or nut butters for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for 2 to 3 days, preserving its soft texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it first for easy thawing, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To bring frozen bread back to life, thaw slices at room temperature and warm them in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crunch and the interior’s softness wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?

While you can swap it, whole wheat flour gives this bread its signature hearty texture and flavor. Using all-purpose flour alone will make your bread lighter but less characteristic of the classic Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe.

Is cocoa powder really necessary in this recipe?

Yes, cocoa powder is key to achieving that distinctive deep brown color and subtle flavor complexity. Don’t worry, it doesn’t make the bread taste chocolatey at all—just richer.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead by hand on a floured surface. It will take a bit more elbow grease and time, but the delicious result is well worth it.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is using a food thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C), the bread is perfectly cooked and safe to remove from the oven.

What’s the best way to slice this bread?

Use a serrated knife and let the loaf cool completely before slicing. This helps prevent squashing the loaf and ensures clean, even slices.

Final Thoughts

There truly is nothing like the satisfaction of making your own Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe at home. It’s a comforting, flavorful treat that elevates any meal and invites cozy moments around the table. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magic of baking this cherished bread that everyone will love!

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