Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe Recipe

If you have ever fallen in love with the warm, soft, and slightly sweet goodness of Outback Steakhouse bread, you are in for a treat with this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe. This homemade version captures the exact right balance of honey and molasses-infused whole wheat goodness with a subtle hint of cocoa, making it irresistibly fluffy and delicious. It’s an absolute game-changer for bread lovers who want that familiar, heartwarming flavor right from their own oven. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought that loaf from the store.

Ingredients You'll Need

These ingredients are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor, texture, and beautiful color that defines the Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe. Combining wholesome whole-wheat flour with just the right sweeteners and a hint of cocoa gives this bread a depth you’ll adore.

• 2 ½ cups warm water (100°-110°F): Perfect warmth to activate the yeast without killing it.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bread tender.
• ½ cup honey: Natural sweetness that’s mild and fragrant.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: Brings a deep, rich flavor and gorgeous color.
• 3 ½ cups whole-wheat flour: The heart of this hearty bread, providing fiber and a rich, nutty taste.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: A secret ingredient that subtly enhances color and flavor complexity.
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast: Essential for that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
• 2-3 cups bread flour: Added gradually for structure and chew.
• Rolled oats for dusting loaves: Adds a rustic finish and extra texture on top.

How to Make Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Warm Ingredients

Start by combining the warm water, vegetable oil, honey, and molasses in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir these together until they blend smoothly. The warmth of the water gently wakes up the yeast later, while the honey and molasses work to infuse that signature sweetness and color to your bread.

Step 2: Add Whole-Wheat Flour

Next, add the whole-wheat flour to the liquid mixture. This flour provides a wholesome, nutty foundation full of fiber and heartiness that makes this bread truly special.

Step 3: Incorporate Cocoa, Yeast, and Salt

Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, active dry yeast, and salt. Mix everything until well blended. The cocoa powder is a sneaky star here—it deepens the loaf’s color and subtly enriches the overall flavor without making it taste like chocolate.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Rest

Allow your mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This brief rest activates the yeast and helps the flavors meld together, setting the stage for a perfect rise.

Step 5: Gradually Add Bread Flour

Begin stirring in the bread flour, one cup at a time. Continue mixing until the dough clings to the hook and mostly clears the sides of your mixer bowl, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes. You might not use all the bread flour—that’s perfectly fine. The dough should be just firm enough to hold its shape but still a little soft to the touch.

Step 6: First Rise

Cover the bowl with greased plastic wrap to keep the dough moist and warm. Let it rise until doubled in size, which takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your room temperature.

Step 7: Divide and Rest

Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Cover each piece with greased plastic wrap and let them rest for 5 minutes. This rest period makes shaping easier and ensures your bread won’t shrink back during baking.

Step 8: Shape and Prepare Loaves

Shape each dividing piece into a loaf and sprinkle generously with rolled oats for that charming, rustic finish. Place each loaf in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan—these pans will give you that familiar Outback Steakhouse bread shape.

Step 9: Final Rise

Let the dough rise again in the pans until doubled. This can take another 30-60 minutes. Meanwhile, start preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to bake once the dough is perfectly puffed.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake your loaves at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and baked through. The aroma filling your kitchen during this step is simply heavenly and will have your family and friends eagerly waiting.

How to Serve Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A light brush of melted butter on the top right out of the oven will give your loaves a beautiful sheen and added richness. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a little extra rolled oats or a pinch of sea salt on top for texture before baking.

Side Dishes

This bread is a perfect companion for soups and stews, especially creamy tomato basil or beef chili. It also pairs wonderfully with a slab of creamy butter or homemade honey butter, making every meal a cozy, comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it with cinnamon sugar for a sweet breakfast treat. Or use it to make gourmet sandwiches layered with roasted turkey, avocado, and arugula—this versatile loaf will elevate every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick snacks or sandwiches on the go.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe fresh longer, slice it first, then freeze the slices in a zip-top freezer bag. This way, you can pop out just what you need and toast it straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This will revive that just-baked softness and enhance the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use all bread flour instead of whole wheat?

You can substitute some or all of the whole wheat flour with bread flour if you prefer a lighter texture, but it will change the flavor and nutritional profile of the bread. The whole wheat adds that signature hearty taste typical of this recipe.

Is it necessary to use cocoa powder?

The cocoa powder is key for that distinctive deep color and subtle flavor complexity. While not mandatory, skipping it will result in a lighter loaf that doesn’t quite replicate the authentic Outback Bread’s appearance or taste.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort and time, but kneading on a floured surface until smooth and elastic works just fine for this recipe.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The loaves should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F confirms that they’re perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.

Can I add other ingredients like seeds or nuts?

Yes! Feel free to mix in sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your loaf. Just add them after the first rise during the shaping step to avoid interfering with the dough’s texture.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like the comfort of warm, homemade bread, and this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe delivers everything you love about the original right at home. It’s a straightforward recipe with ingredients you can trust and a flavor that brings people together. I’m so excited for you to give this a try and watch your kitchen fill with that amazing aroma—baking has never been more rewarding!

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