Dessert

Outback Steakhouse Bread Copycat Recipe

ByAiden Wells November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

Enjoy the soft, slightly sweet, and richly flavored bread inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s famous rolls. This copycat recipe uses simple ingredients and takes you through a straightforward baking process to create warm, delightful rolls perfect for any meal.

The image shows a close-up of several slices of dark brown bread with a rough, porous texture. The bread slices are arranged in a line on a light wooden board, with the front slice in sharp focus, showing its detailed crumb and a sprinkling of white flour on the crust. The background is softly blurred, featuring more round pieces of the same dark bread. The overall color contrast highlights the rich brown of the bread against the light wooden board and dark background. 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; mix until dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes using a stand mixer or by hand for 12-15 minutes until smooth.
Step 4: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours.
Step 5: Once risen, deflate the dough and divide it into four pieces. Shape each piece into rolls.
Step 6: Place rolls on a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal; allow to rise again for another 40 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for about 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using a mix of olive oil and melted vegan butter instead of oil alone.
If you prefer softer bread, brush the rolls with melted vegan butter immediately after baking.
Adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before the second rise can create a slightly sweet crust.
Use honey instead of vegan honey or maple syrup if not avoiding animal products.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.

How to Serve

A loaf of dark brown bread is shown sliced on a wooden board, with three thick pieces visible. The bread has a rough texture with small air holes and a slightly crumbly surface. The top crust is darker and dusted with a light sprinkle of white flour. The background is softly blurred with a dark tone, while the bread and board are in clear focus. The bread looks freshly baked with a dense crumb inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but dissolve it in the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar first and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy before mixing it with the flour.

Why is cocoa powder included in the recipe?

The cocoa powder adds a subtle depth of flavor and contributes to the characteristic color of the rolls, mimicking the taste and appearance of the original Outback rolls without making them taste like chocolate.