Homemade Outback Steakhouse Bread That Everyone Will Love
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Alma
When the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, it s a signal that something wonderful is about to happen. This Outback Steakhouse Bread brings that delightful feeling right into your kitchen, transporting you from the comfort of home to the warmth of your favorite steakhouse. With its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft, inviting texture, this bread is perfect for sharing over a hearty meal or simply enjoying on its own with a dab of butter.
I discovered this recipe years ago, and it quickly became a staple in my baking repertoire. It s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for those evenings when fast food doesn t quite cut it and you crave that home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this bread promises to impress without the fuss. Let s dive into the steps to craft this delicious homemade delight!
Why is Outback Steakhouse Bread so beloved?
Homemade goodness: This recipe brings love to your table with every bite, combining the comfort of warm bread with a hint of sweetness.
Easy to master: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can conquer this bread easily.
Irresistible aroma: Your kitchen will fill with scents reminiscent of your favorite steakhouse, tempting family and friends to gather around.
Versatile treat: Enjoy it as an appetizer, alongside a hearty stew, or simply slathered with butter the options are endless!
Crowd-pleaser: Impress your guests at gatherings or make any meal special; everyone will leave asking for the recipe.
Outback Steakhouse Bread Ingredients
Get ready to create a delicious homemade classic!
For the Bread Dough
- Warm water helps activate the yeast and create a fluffy texture.
- Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Honey enhances the sweetness while keeping the bread moist.
- Molasses contributes a rich, dark flavor that complements the cocoa.
- Instant dry yeast ensures a quick rise for that perfect bread texture.
- All-purpose flour provides the structure for a light and tender crumb.
- Whole wheat flour adds nutrition and a slight nuttiness to the bread.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the bread its signature color and a subtle chocolatey taste.
- Salt balances the flavors and enhances the bread s overall taste.
- Vegetable oil helps keep the dough moist and tender and improves shelf life.
With these ingredients gathered, you’re one step closer to enjoying your homemade Outback Steakhouse Bread a treat that everyone will love!
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Bread
Whisk the warm water, brown sugar, honey, molasses, and instant dry yeast in a bowl until well combined. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the yeast to foam and awaken.
Mix together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This combination creates the perfect base for your bread.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients by pouring the yeast/molasses mixture into the flour mix, followed by the vegetable oil. Stir until everything is well blended.
Knead the dough either by hand for about 15 minutes or with a mixer for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and soft. It should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
Cover the bowl with cling film or a tea towel and let it rest in a warm place for 45 minutes. Watch as the dough doubles in size!
Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 8 equal-sized balls. This step helps create those lovely rolls!
Roll each ball on a floured surface into an oval shape about â -inch thick. This will help them rise beautifully in the oven.
Shape the rolled dough by tightly rolling it up and sealing the edges with a little water on your finger. This ensures they hold their shape while baking.
Arrange the rolled dough in a baking dish, seam side down, ready for the second rise.
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) while the dough rises again. This ensures it bakes evenly!
Cover the dish and allow the dough to rest in a warm spot for an additional 20-30 minutes, letting it puff up nicely.
Bake the bread for 18-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Enjoy the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Optional: Serve warm with butter for a deliciously comforting treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Outback Steakhouse Bread?
Transform your homemade bread experience into a delightful meal that tantalizes all your senses!
- Savory Beef Stew: A hearty stew filled with tender beef and vegetables pairs perfectly, soaking into each slice of bread for a comforting meal.
- Creamy Mushroom Soup: Its rich, earthy flavors beautifully contrast the bread’s sweetness, creating a warm, inviting bowl of comfort. The slice is perfect for dipping!
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: The succulent seafood with a hint of garlic complements the sweetness of the bread while providing a delightful seafood twist to your dinner.
- Caesar Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing adds a bright note, balancing the richness of the bread while enhancing your meal.
- Grilled Veggie Platter: Colorful, charred vegetables offer a healthy and vibrant side, perfect for dipping into the warm bread while highlighting its soft texture.
- Red Wine: A glass of bold red wine enhances the richness of the bread while offering a lovely pairing with hearty meat dishes perfect for a cozy evening.
With these delicious pairings, your Outback Steakhouse Bread will truly shine and make each meal a memorable occasion!
Expert Tips for Outback Steakhouse Bread
Pitch Perfect Yeast: Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the instant dry yeast 150 °F is the sweet spot!
Knead Well: Don t rush the kneading process; it develops gluten, giving your bread that wonderful texture. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Perfect Rising: Place the dough in a warm, draft-free space for optimal rising. Avoid heavy drafts to ensure the best results for your Outback Steakhouse Bread.
Even Baking: Always preheat the oven thoroughly. Baking in an adequately heated oven guarantees even cooking and that golden-brown crust we all love.
Adjusting Sweetness: For an extra hint of sweetness, feel free to add a tad more honey or brown sugar, but watch the balance so it doesn t overshadow the other flavors.
Make Ahead Options
These Outback Steakhouse Bread rolls are perfect for meal prep, making your weeknights easier and more delicious! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply complete steps 1-6, cover the bowl tightly, and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then continue with steps 7-12. This method ensures the bread remains just as delightful and fluffy while saving you precious time when mealtime comes around. Enjoy the convenience of having freshly baked rolls with minimal effort!
Outback Steakhouse Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying the same great flavor.
Sweeten More: Add an extra tablespoon of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the dough before baking for an even sweeter crust!
Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolaty surprise that kids will love.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dry ingredients for a savory herbed twist that pairs perfectly with soups and stews.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before the second rise, brush the rolled dough with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a warm, sweet finish.
Cheese Lover s Delight: Add shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to the dough before forming the rolls this creates a gooey, cheesy center with every bite!
Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or paprika into the flour mixture for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor, bringing delightful crunch to each mouthful!
Let your imagination run wild as you explore these variations it s all about making that warm goodness uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Outback Steakhouse Bread
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days to keep it soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week; however, it may lose some of its moisture and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven for a delightful taste that’ll remind you of fresh-baked Outback Steakhouse Bread.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350 °F (175 °C) to restore that lovely softness and aroma.
Outback Steakhouse Bread Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, ensure your ingredients are fresh. Look for warm water that s comfortably warm to the touch, not hot. Choose honey that s pure and thick, and ensure your molasses is smooth without any crystallization. Fresh instant dry yeast should be active; you can check its freshness by seeing if it foams when mixed with warm water and sugar.
How should I store Outback Steakhouse Bread?
To keep your delicious bread soft and fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you re trying to save it for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but be aware it may dry out slightly. If you plan on enjoying it later, freezing is a great option; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze Outback Steakhouse Bread? How do I do it?
Yes, you can definitely freeze it! After the bread has cooled completely, wrap each loaf or roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. I usually label the bags with the date too. Thaw the bread overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat, then warm it up in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350 °F (175 °C) to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
What should I do if my dough doesn t rise properly?
Very! If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or the dough being in a cold environment. Make sure your warm water is the right temperature (around 110 °F/43 °C) to activate the yeast, and always let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If the dough seems too cold, try placing it in the oven (turned off) with a pot of hot water underneath to create a cozy environment.
Can I make this bread if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes! To cater to dietary considerations, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free. However, be sure to follow conversion guidelines based on the blend you are using. Additionally, for a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. If you have allergies (like to eggs or dairy), you can still enjoy this bread as it contains none!
Does the bread contain any allergens?
It s important to note that this bread does contain wheat and could trigger allergies for those sensitive to gluten. Always check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs, especially with honey and molasses, as some varieties may contain trace allergens.
