Description

This Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat recipe delivers soft, slightly sweet rolls with a subtle cocoa undertone, perfect for pairing with your favorite meals or enjoying as a snack. Crafted with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, and sweetened naturally with vegan honey or maple syrup and molasses, these homemade rolls offer a delightful, rustic bread experience reminiscent of the popular restaurant’s signature offering.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup vegan honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Other

Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa powder, and instant yeast to ensure even distribution.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the lukewarm water, oil, vegan honey or maple syrup, and molasses. Mix thoroughly until a dough starts to form.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes or knead by hand for 12-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and place it in a warm area to rise for approximately 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round roll.
Second Rise: Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal. Cover and let them rise again for about 40 minutes to puff up.
Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
You can substitute molasses with additional maple syrup if preferred, but molasses provides a deeper flavor.
For a richer crust, brush the rolls with oil or vegan butter before baking.
These rolls freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Adjust rising times depending on your kitchen’s temperature; warmer climates may shorten rise times.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Outback Steakhouse bread copycat, homemade rolls, vegan bread recipe, soft rolls, cocoa powder bread, molasses bread