If you have ever fallen in love with the warm, fluffy, and subtly sweet bread served at Outback Steakhouse, you are in for a real treat. This Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe brings that soft, slightly nutty loaf right into your kitchen. It combines wholesome whole-wheat flour, just a touch of cocoa for depth, and a honey-molasses sweetness that gives it a unique flavor you won’t find in everyday bread. Each bite bursts with the comforting essence of homemade goodness, perfect for pairing with your favorite dinner or enjoying on its own. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home bread repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white mixing bowl contains a single, thick round layer of risen dough that is light brown with a coarse texture, showing small bubbles and grainy bits on the surface. The dough fills most of the bowl, resting on the white marbled surface beneath. The inside sides of the bowl have light traces of dough residue. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things straightforward but requires ingredients that each play a crucial role in the bread’s texture and taste. From the warmth of honey and molasses to the fiber-rich whole wheat and the subtle cocoa for color and complexity, every component is key.

2 ½ cups warm water (100°-110°F): Warms and activates the yeast for that perfect rise.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness for a soft crumb.
½ cup honey: Sweetens naturally, complementing the molasses and enriching flavor.
2 tablespoons molasses: Deepens the bread’s color and brings a rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
3 ½ cups whole-wheat flour: Gives body, fiber, and a wholesome taste to each slice.
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a gentle earthiness and enhances the loaf’s characteristic dark hue.
2 tablespoons active dry yeast: Essential for letting the dough rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens the dough structure.
2-3 cups bread flour: Provides extra gluten for a nice chew and structure in the bread.
Rolled oats (for dusting loaves): Imparts a rustic look and a slight crunch on the crust.

How to Make Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Liquid Ingredients

Start by adding the warm water, vegetable oil, honey, and molasses to the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir them together until they are perfectly mixed. This liquid mixture creates the foundation of moisture and sweetness that the yeast will feed on, which is crucial for that soft, airy texture.

Step 2: Add Whole-Wheat Flour

Next, pour in the whole-wheat flour and mix it into the liquid. Whole wheat brings a satisfying density and wholesome flavor to the loaf, making it stand out from typical white bread. It’s what gives this bread its hearty soul.

Step 3: Incorporate Cocoa, Yeast, and Salt

Now sprinkle in the cocoa powder, yeast, and salt, stirring just until blended. The yeast is the magic behind the rise, the salt enhances every flavor, and the cocoa adds an unexpected richness and gorgeous color that mimics the authentic Outback bread look.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Rest

Allow the dough to sit for 10 minutes. This brief pause activates the yeast further and helps the flour absorb moisture, setting the stage for a beautifully risen dough.

Step 5: Add Bread Flour Gradually

Slowly add bread flour, one cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. Continue until the dough clings tightly to the hook and nearly pulls away from the bowl sides—usually 3 to 4 minutes. You might not need all the bread flour, so watch for that perfect consistency: slightly tacky but elastic and cohesive.

Step 6: First Rise

Cover the bowl with greased plastic wrap to keep the dough moist and warm. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s temperature. This rise is where the dough gains volume and flavor depth.

Step 7: Divide and Rest the Dough

Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Cover each with greased plastic wrap and let them rest for 5 minutes—this relaxes the gluten and makes shaping easier.

Step 8: Shape into Loaves and Add Oats

Shape each piece into a loaf and gently sprinkle the tops with rolled oats, which will give a lovely rustic finish and hint of texture to your crust.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place each loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and cover again. Let the dough rise until doubled, usually between 30 and 60 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake the loaves for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma filling your kitchen will make waiting worthwhile!

How to Serve Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe

The image shows two slices of dark brown bread on a black textured surface placed over a white marbled background. The top slice has a layer of creamy, pale yellow butter spread unevenly near the center, revealing the grainy texture of the bread underneath. The edges of the bread are slightly darker and have a rough crust. To the right of the bread slices, there is a knife with a yellow handle and a silver blade lying flat. A few scattered oats lie near the bottom of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread shines best when served warm with a generous slather of butter or a drizzle of honey. For a savory touch, try it with herb-infused olive oil or garlic butter. The oats on top add a gentle crunch that complements soft centers beautifully.

Side Dishes

The loaf is a perfect partner to hearty soups like tomato bisque or beef stew. It also complements grilled meats wonderfully and can be sliced for sandwiches packed with fresh herbs, cheese, or roast veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf thickly and toasting it for an elevated bruschetta with tomato, basil, and mozzarella. Or serve it alongside a cheese board as a mildly sweet, textured base. Sharing this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe at your next gathering is sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread faster.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual loaves or slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover bread, let it thaw at room temperature and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or toast slices directly. This restores the softness inside while keeping the crust invitingly crisp.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process easier and faster, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared to knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Why is cocoa powder included in the recipe?

The unsweetened cocoa powder adds a subtle depth to the bread’s flavor and imparts the beautiful dark color characteristic of the Outback bread. It’s not meant to taste like chocolate but to enrich the loaf’s complexity.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if needed, but keep in mind that flavor and texture might vary slightly. Honey contributes to the bread’s moistness and a distinctive sweetness that complements the molasses.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The loaf should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using a digital thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?

Yes! Its firm yet tender texture makes it perfect for sandwiches. It holds up well with various fillings without crumbling and offers a unique flavor that elevates any sandwich experience.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe at home is like inviting a little piece of your favorite steakhouse into your kitchen. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to master. Whether you are serving it alongside a family dinner or slicing it for a snack, this bread will quickly become a beloved addition to your baking lineup. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every step of making this crowd-pleasing bread!