Outback Steakhouse Bread Copycat Recipe
This Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat recipe recreates the signature soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly crusty rolls famously served at Outback Steakhouse. Combining whole wheat and all-purpose flours with cocoa powder and molasses, these rolls have a unique rich flavor and aroma. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise twice, and then baked to a golden brown perfection, making them ideal as a dinner roll or accompaniment to soups and salads.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 cup vegan honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp molasses
Other
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa powder, and instant yeast thoroughly for an even mixture.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour lukewarm water, oil, vegan honey or maple syrup, and molasses into the dry mix and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough either using a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes or by hand for 12-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and place it in a warm spot to let the dough rise and double in size, about 1.5 hours.
- Shape rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into four equal portions and shape each into a round roll.
- Second rise: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal, cover, and let them rise again until puffy, approximately 40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove rolls from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before slicing to preserve texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using lukewarm water is critical to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Covering the dough during rising prevents a dry crust from forming.
- Kneading time affects bread texture: longer kneading yields a smoother, chewier bread.
- Cocoa powder adds color and a slight depth of flavor without a chocolate taste.
- Cornmeal prevents the rolls from sticking and adds a subtle texture contrast at the bottom.
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy crumb.
Keywords: Outback Steakhouse bread, copycat bread recipe, dinner rolls, vegan bread, homemade bread rolls, soft rolls, whole wheat rolls
