Dinner

Outback Steakhouse Bread Copycat Recipe

Bylilan Sage September 7, 2026September 7, 2026

Introduction

This Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat recipe lets you recreate the soft, subtly sweet rolls that perfectly complement any meal. With a blend of whole wheat flour and cocoa powder, these rolls have a unique, rich flavor and a lovely golden crust. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and will impress your family and friends.

The image shows thick slices of brown bread with a soft and porous texture. The bread has a dark brown crust sprinkled with white flour dust on top. The slices are placed on a light wooden surface. The background is a blurred view of more bread loaves, adding depth to the scene. The lighting highlights the crumb details and the flour dust on the crust. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegan honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp molasses
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa powder, and instant yeast.
Step 2: Add lukewarm water, oil, vegan honey or maple syrup, and molasses to the dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes using a stand mixer or for 12-15 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 5: Deflate the dough gently, divide it into four equal pieces, and shape each piece into a roll.
Step 6: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal and let them rise again for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 30–35 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Step 8: Allow the rolls to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water with milk or a plant-based milk alternative.
Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the water lukewarm, ideally around 100°F (38°C), to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or oats on top before baking for added texture and appearance.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly until soft and warm.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark brown loaf of bread sliced into three pieces resting on a wooden board. The bread has a dense texture with small air holes inside and a slightly rough crust dusted with white flour. The slices are arranged diagonally, with one lying flat in the foreground and two stacked behind. The surface beneath the board has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of vegan honey or maple syrup?

Yes, regular honey works well if you don’t require a vegan option. It will add a similar sweetness and help with browning.

Why is cocoa powder included in the bread dough?

The cocoa powder adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps achieve the characteristic dark color found in Outback Steakhouse rolls without making the bread taste like chocolate.