How to Make Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe)

There’s something special about the warm, slightly sweet bread at Outback Steakhouse. It arrives at your table fresh from the oven, with a deep brown color, a soft and fluffy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. No wonder so many people want to recreate it at home!

Why You’ll Love Outback Steakhouse Bread

Unlike some restaurant copycat recipes that require fancy ingredients, this bread comes together with simple pantry staples. You’ll be surprised to learn that its signature dark color comes from cocoa powder, and its mild sweetness is thanks to honey and molasses. No artificial coloring or hard-to-find ingredients!

What Makes This Bread Special?

The Perfect Balance – Slightly sweet, soft inside, and a light crust outside.
Easy to Make – No special tools, just basic baking techniques.
Pairs with Everything – Enjoy it with butter, alongside soups, or even for sandwiches.

So, whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you love Outback’s bread, you’ll love how simple and rewarding it is!

Pro Tip: Want to get that restaurant-style feel? Serve it with whipped honey butter for an extra touch of indulgence.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions For Outback Steakhouse Bread

Baking homemade Outback Steakhouse bread is easier than you think, especially when you understand how each ingredient works. Below, we’ll break down the key ingredients and offer simple swaps in case you need alternatives.

Essential Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect texture, color, and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C) – Activates the yeast properly.
¼ cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
½ cup honey – Brings natural sweetness and helps with browning.
2 tablespoons molasses – Enhances the deep color and gives a subtle malt-like flavor.
3 ½ cups whole wheat flour – Provides structure and a hearty texture.
3 tablespoons cocoa powder – A secret ingredient for that signature dark color!
1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
2 tablespoons active dry yeast – Makes the bread rise and creates a soft texture.
2 ½ to 3 cups bread flour – Adds elasticity and chewiness.
Cornmeal (for dusting) – Gives the crust a restaurant-style crunch.

Simple Ingredient Swaps

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Here are easy substitutions:

Maple Syrup instead of Honey – A great vegan-friendly option with a mild sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour instead of Bread Flour – It works, but the texture will be a bit softer.
Avoid Blackstrap Molasses – It’s too bitter. Use regular molasses instead.
Brown Sugar Instead of Honey/Molasses – If you’re out of both, mix brown sugar with a little warm water.

Baking Tip: Want a lighter texture? Add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to the flour mix!

This simple list ensures you get the perfect Outback-style bread, even with a few ingredient swaps.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Outback Steakhouse Bread

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to bring your Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe to life! Follow these simple steps to mix, knead, rise, and bake the perfect loaf.

1. Activate the Yeast for a Perfect Rise

Yeast is what makes your bread light and fluffy. Here’s how to activate it properly:

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, and you’ll need to start over.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl near a warm oven or a bowl of hot water to help activate the yeast faster.

2. Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is foamy, add the following ingredients:

¼ cup molasses
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt

Mix everything until a sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a little more warm water, one tablespoon at a time.

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.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until it doubles in size.

Baking Tip: To speed up rising, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with the door closed.

4. Shape the Loaves and Second Rise

Once doubled, punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves or 8–10 rolls.
Shape them, then place them on a baking sheet lined with cornmeal.
Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes or rolls for 15–20 minutes, until they sound hollow when tapped.
Let them cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Tip: Enjoy your bread warm with whipped honey butter for the ultimate Outback Steakhouse Bread experience!

Pro Tips for Success

Want to make sure your Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe turns out perfect every time? These expert tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get the best results.

Pro Tips for outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

1. Get the Water Temperature Just Right

Yeast is sensitive to temperature. If the water is too cold, the yeast won’t activate. Overheating will destroy the yeast.

Aim for 110°F (warm, but not hot).
If you don’t have a thermometer, test it with your wrist—it should feel like warm bath water.

Troubleshooting: If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast isn’t expired and that your water wasn’t too hot or cold.

2. Create the Perfect Rising Environment

Dough rises best in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is chilly, try these tricks:

Warm Oven Method: Turn your oven to 200°F for 1 minute, then turn it off. Place the covered dough inside.
Steamy Method: Place a bowl of hot water in the oven with the dough to keep it warm and moist.

3. Adjust the Texture for the Perfect Crumb

For a softer texture, add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to the dough.
Add a little more warm water if the dough seems too dry.
If it’s too sticky, knead in a tablespoon of flour at a time.

4. Make It Look and Taste Like the Restaurant Version

Dust with Cornmeal – This gives the bread that classic crusty texture.
Brush with Melted Butter – Right after baking, a little butter on top makes it extra soft and delicious.
Slice with a Serrated Knife – This prevents crushing the fluffy interior.

Bonus Tip: Store leftover bread in a sealed container and reheat in a toaster for that fresh-baked taste!

Serving and Storage of Your Outback Steakhouse Bread

Once your Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe is fresh out of the oven, the next step is serving it the right way and keeping it fresh for later. Here’s how to make the most of your homemade bread.

1. Best Ways to Serve Your Bread

This bread is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, side, or snack, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

Classic Steakhouse Style – Serve warm with whipped honey butter for the ultimate restaurant experience.
Pair It with Soups and Salads – This bread is the perfect side for hearty stews, creamy soups, or fresh salads.
Make It a Sandwich – Use it for a turkey and Swiss sandwich, or try it with grilled cheese for a unique twist.

Pro Tip: Toast a slice and spread it with cream cheese and honey for a quick and delicious breakfast.

2. How to Store Your Bread for Maximum Freshness

Homemade bread doesn’t have preservatives, so storing it properly keeps it soft and fresh for longer.

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or a bread bag for up to 3 days.
In the Fridge: Not recommended, as it can dry out the bread faster.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
- Wrap cooled loaves or rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

Quick Refresh Tip: If your bread starts to dry out, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back moisture.

Common FAQs

Even with a foolproof recipe, questions can still pop up! Here are answers to some of the most common concerns about making the Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe at home.

1. Why is my bread too dense?

A dense loaf is usually caused by one of these three issues:

Under-kneading – The dough needs to be kneaded for at least 8–10 minutes to develop enough gluten for a soft, airy texture.
Expired yeast – If the yeast isn’t fresh, the dough won’t rise properly. Always check the expiration date before using it.
Not enough rise time – If the dough doesn’t double in size, let it rise in a warmer spot for a little longer.

Fix It Next Time: Try adding 1 teaspoon of vital wheat gluten to improve texture and rise.

2. Can I make this bread without cocoa powder?

Yes, but the color and flavor will change. Cocoa powder helps create the deep brown color without making the bread taste like chocolate. If you omit it, the bread will be lighter in color but still delicious.

Alternative: If you don’t have cocoa powder, try carob powder or dark malt powder for a similar effect.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?

It’s easy to make a vegan version of this bread! Here’s what to swap:

Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.
Brush the baked bread with dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.

Good to Know: Most store-bought yeast is vegan, but always check the label if you’re unsure.

4. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! If you want fresh bread without the wait, you can prepare the dough ahead of time:

Refrigerate Overnight: After kneading, place the dough in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and continue with shaping and baking.
Freeze Pre-Baked Dough: Shape the dough into loaves, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw completely, let it rise, and then bake as directed.

Tip for Busy Bakers: Freezing dough is a great way to always have fresh bread on hand without making it from scratch each time!

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a complete guide to making Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe at home, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re serving it fresh with honey butter, pairing it with a hearty meal, or saving a loaf for later, this soft, slightly sweet bread will be a favorite in your kitchen.

Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! Happy baking! 🍞✨