Description
This Outback Steakhouse Bread Copycat recipe recreates the iconic soft, slightly sweet bread rolls served at the famous restaurant. Made with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, enriched with cocoa powder, molasses, and vegan honey or maple syrup, these rolls have a rich flavor and tender crumb. Perfect to serve warm as a side or snack, these homemade rolls are easy to prepare using simple ingredients and baking techniques.
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
Others
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, cocoa powder, and instant yeast to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Pour in the lukewarm water, oil, vegan honey or maple syrup, and molasses. Mix until the dough begins to form and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or hand-knead for 12-15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each piece into a round roll.
- Second Rise on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal. Cover and let them rise for another 40 minutes to develop volume.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Use lukewarm water (around 105°F/40°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Kneading is crucial to develop gluten, which gives the bread structure and chewiness.
- Letting the dough rise twice ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- You can substitute maple syrup if vegan honey is not available.
- Brush the rolls with melted vegan butter after baking for an extra soft crust and shine.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Outback Steakhouse bread copycat, soft bread rolls, vegan bread recipe, homemade bread rolls, copycat restaurant bread
