Description
This Outback Steakhouse Bread recipe delivers a rich, hearty loaf with a unique blend of flavors from whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, honey, and molasses. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust dusted with cornmeal, this bread is ideal for sandwiches or as a flavorful side with butter.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F or 43 degrees C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2-3 cups bread flour
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the warm water, vegetable oil, honey, and molasses until well combined.
- Add and Rest Dry Ingredients. Add the whole-wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix on slow speed until just combined. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquids.
- Incorporate Yeast and Bread Flour. Set your stand mixer to slow speed and gradually add the active dry yeast and 1 cup of bread flour at a time. Mix until the dough no longer clings to the sides of the bowl and forms a smooth, elastic ball.
- Prepare Baking Sheets. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and dust them with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, divide into four equal portions, and shape each into a loaf.
- Let the Loaves Rise. Place the shaped loaves on the prepared baking sheets. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as the bread is finishing its rise.
- Dust with Cornmeal. Dust the tops of the risen dough with additional cornmeal for texture and appearance.
- Bake the Bread. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool the Bread. Remove the loaves from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
- Serve. Slice and serve your Outback Steakhouse Bread with butter or your favorite accompaniments. Enjoy the rich and robust flavor!
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10-12 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent gumminess.
- You can store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, increase the honey by a tablespoon or two.
