The Ultimate Guide to Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bread

There’s something undeniably special about that sweet, hearty, dark wheat bread served at Outback Steakhouse. You know the one—the soft, slightly chewy loaf that arrives warm at your table, with a side of creamy butter, making every bite irresistible. Ever wondered how to recreate this famous steakhouse bread at home? You’re in the right place!

In this guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about making homemade honey wheat bread, from its signature flavor to expert baking tips. By the end, you’ll have all the secrets to whipping up a perfect loaf in your kitchen.

Let’s dive in, starting with what makes this bread so iconic.

Introduction

Outback Steakhouse’s Honey Wheat Bread: A Culinary Delight

Imagine walking into a steakhouse, the savory aroma of grilled meat filling the air, and then—bam!—a basket of warm, dark brown bread lands on your table. That first bite? Heavenly. The sweetness of honey, the earthiness of whole wheat, and the subtle richness of molasses come together in perfect harmony. It’s no wonder this bread has a cult following!

But what exactly makes it so special?

The Ultimate Guide to Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bread

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• Author: Amanda Hartwellen
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising time)
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bread is a soft, moist, and slightly sweet bread that’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal. With a rich flavor from honey and whole wheat flour, this bread is as comforting as it is delicious. Serve it warm with butter or enjoy it as a sandwich bread—it’s the ultimate indulgence for bread lovers!

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Ingredients

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For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp honey

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Instructions

• Activate the Yeast:

  • In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.

• Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add honey, molasses, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
  • Add softened butter and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

• Shape the Bread:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  • Let the dough rise for another 20–30 minutes.

• Bake:

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and the top is golden brown.

• Add the Topping:

  • While the bread is cooling, mix melted butter and honey together.
  • Brush the warm bread with the honey butter mixture.

• Serve:

  • Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve with more butter, or enjoy it as a stand-alone treat!

Notes

• For a slightly lighter bread, use more all-purpose flour and less whole wheat flour.
• If you don’t have molasses, you can use more honey as a substitute.
• Store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

The Secret Behind Its Irresistible Flavor

Unlike traditional white bread, honey wheat bread packs a punch with bold flavors and a richer texture. The touch of molasses gives it that signature dark color, while honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nutty taste of whole wheat flour. A hint of cocoa powder often enhances the deep, caramelized tones.

This bread isn’t just about taste, though—it’s about texture, too. Soft and slightly chewy, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fluffy. That slight crust on the outside? It’s what makes each slice even more satisfying.

The Joy of Making It at Home

Now, here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a professional baker to make this copycat Outback bread recipe. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this steakhouse favorite fresh from your oven. Plus, homemade means no preservatives, no unnecessary additives—just pure, wholesome goodness.

Why bother making it yourself?

• Customization: Adjust the sweetness, add seeds for extra texture, or make it dairy-free.
• Freshness: Nothing beats the aroma of bread baking in your kitchen.
• Cost Savings: Why spend money dining out when you can have restaurant-quality bread at home?

A Bread That Goes Beyond the Steakhouse

Sure, this bread is famous for being the perfect steakhouse starter, but its uses go far beyond that. It makes a killer sandwich base, pairs wonderfully with soups and salads, and even works as a snack with a simple smear of butter. Want a heartier breakfast option? Toast it up and drizzle it with honey.

What’s Coming Next?

We’re about to dive deep into this recipe, covering:

• The essential ingredients (and how to substitute them)
• A step-by-step baking guide
• Pro tips to get that soft, fluffy texture just right
• Tasty variations to make it your own

Ready to get baking? Let’s roll up our sleeves and break down the recipe essentials!

Recipe Overview

What to Expect from This Recipe

Making Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bread at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a few baking steps, you’ll have a warm, soft loaf ready to enjoy. Let’s break it down.

Estimated Cooking Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes

Most of the time is hands-off while the dough rises.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never baked bread before, you can do this! No fancy tools or techniques required. Just mix, knead, let it rise, and bake.

Serving Size

• This recipe makes two small loaves or one large loaf.
• Each loaf serves about 6–8 people.
• Leftovers? Store them properly, and they’ll stay fresh for days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the real thing – Sweet, nutty, and soft.
• No preservatives – Only fresh, natural ingredients.
• Versatile – Serve with dinner, make sandwiches, or enjoy it as a snack.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s talk about what goes into this steakhouse-style bread. Up next: a complete ingredient list and smart substitutions!

Ingredients & Substitutions

What You’ll Need

This honey wheat bread uses simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role in flavor, texture, and color. Let’s break it down.

Ingredient List

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Honey & Molasses – Work together to add sweetness and moisture.
• Whole Wheat & Bread Flour – The mix creates a sturdy but soft loaf.
• Cocoa Powder – A secret ingredient that deepens the color.
• Cornmeal – Adds a slight crunch to the crust (optional but recommended).

Smart Substitutions

Missing an ingredient? No worries! Here’s what you can swap:

• No molasses? Use brown sugar or maple syrup instead.
• No bread flour? Use all-purpose flour, but expect a slightly denser loaf.
• Dairy-free? Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Less sweet? Reduce the honey or skip the molasses.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Up next: a step-by-step guide to making this delicious steakhouse bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bread

Baking this bread is simple. Just follow these easy steps.

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a large bowl, add warm water (about 110°F).
• Stir in honey and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy.

If the yeast doesn’t bubble, start over with fresh yeast.

2. Mix the Ingredients

• Add molasses, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
• In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, bread flour, and cocoa powder.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
• Knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Good kneading helps the bread rise properly.

4. Let It Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel.
• Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven with the light on.

5. Shape the Dough

• Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles.
• Divide it into two equal pieces or shape it into one large loaf.
• Roll into a log shape and place on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.

6. Second Rise

• Cover the shaped dough with a towel. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
• It should puff up slightly but not double in size.

7. Bake the Bread

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Be careful not to overbake! The inside should stay soft.

8. Cool & Enjoy

• Remove from the oven. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.

That’s it! Fresh, homemade honey wheat bread, just like Outback’s. Next, let’s talk about pro tips to make it even better.

Pro Tips & Variations

Make Your Bread Even Better

Want a softer loaf? A darker color? A richer taste? Here are some expert tips to perfect your honey wheat bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Loaf

• Use fresh yeast – Old yeast won’t rise well. If in doubt, proof it first.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon it into the cup, then level it. Too much flour makes dry bread.
• Knead until smooth – Stop when the dough stretches without tearing. This builds gluten for a chewy texture.
• Let it rise fully – Rushing the rise time leads to dense bread. Wait until it doubles in size.
• Don’t skip cornmeal – It adds a classic steakhouse texture to the crust.
• Brush with butter – Right after baking, spread butter on top for extra softness.

Fun Variations

Want to change things up? Try these ideas!

• Oat Honey Bread – Swap ½ cup of whole wheat flour for rolled oats.
• Nutty Crunch – Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
• Sweeter Bread – Increase honey to ⅓ cup for a more dessert-like loaf.
• Savory Twist – Reduce honey and add dried herbs like rosemary.

Make It Mini!

Instead of loaves, shape the dough into small rolls. Bake for 12–15 minutes. These are great for sliders or dinner rolls.

With these tips, you’ll bake the perfect loaf every time. Next, let’s see what pairs best with this delicious bread!

Pairing Suggestions

What to Eat with Honey Wheat Bread

This sweet, hearty bread goes well with many dishes. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and full of flavor. Here are the best ways to enjoy it.

Spreads & Toppings

• Classic Butter – Melted on a warm slice. Simple but delicious.
• Honey Butter – Mix butter with a little honey for extra sweetness.
• Jam or Jelly – Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot tastes great.
• Cream Cheese – A smooth, tangy contrast to the sweet bread.
• Peanut Butter – Adds protein and a nutty flavor.

Perfect Meal Pairings

• Soups – Try it with tomato soup or creamy potato soup. The soft texture is great for dipping.
• Salads – Serve it with a Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad.
• Grilled Meats – Pairs well with roast chicken, BBQ ribs, or grilled fish.
• Eggs & Breakfast Foods – Toast it and serve with scrambled eggs or avocado slices.

Great Snack Ideas

• Make a Sandwich – Add turkey, cheese, and lettuce for a quick meal.
• Turn It Into Toast – A crispy, buttery treat for mornings.
• Use for French Toast – The sweet flavor makes it perfect for this dish.

This steakhouse-style bread is more than just a side—it’s a star! Now, let’s check out its nutrition facts.

Nutritional Information

What’s in Honey Wheat Bread?

This bread is tasty and packed with nutrients. It has a mix of whole wheat flour, honey, and molasses, which add fiber and natural sweetness. Here’s a breakdown per slice (about 1-inch thick).

Calories & Macros

Why It’s a Good Choice

• Whole wheat flour adds fiber, which helps digestion.
• Honey & molasses are better than refined sugar. They give energy without a crash.
• Low in fat, making it a lighter option than buttery bread.

How to Make It Healthier

• Use less honey – Reducing it by half lowers sugar content.
• Add seeds – Flaxseeds or chia seeds boost fiber and protein.
• Swap flours – Try spelled or rye for more nutrients.

This steakhouse-style bread isn’t just delicious—it’s also a smarter choice. Next, we’ll answer common questions about making and storing it!

FAQs

Common Questions About Honey Wheat Bread

1. How do I store this bread?

Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

2. Can I freeze it?

Yes! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To eat, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

3. Why is my bread too dense?

This happens if:

• The yeast is old and doesn’t rise well.
• The dough didn’t rise long enough.
• Too much flour was added.

Always check your yeast and measure flour correctly!

4. How do I get the dark brown color?

The molasses and cocoa powder give it a deep color. If your loaf is too light, try adding an extra teaspoon of molasses.

5. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

It’s tricky but possible. Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. The texture will be a little different.

6. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Use the same amount but skip the proofing step. Just mix the yeast directly into the dry ingredients.

7. How do I make the crust softer?

Brush the warm bread with butter right after baking. This keeps it soft and adds extra flavor.

Now you have all the answers! Ready to compare this bread with other types? Let’s go!

Comparison with Other Breads

How Honey Wheat Bread Stands Out

This steakhouse-style bread is unique. It’s sweet, soft, and rich in flavor. But how does it compare to other popular breads? Let’s find out.

1. Whole Wheat Bread vs. Honey Wheat Bread

• Whole wheat bread is often denser and less sweet.
• Honey wheat bread is softer, thanks to honey and molasses.
• Whole wheat bread has a nuttier taste, while this bread is more balanced.

Want more fiber? Go for whole wheat. Craving a touch of sweetness? Stick with honey wheat!

2. White Bread vs. Honey Wheat Bread

• White bread is lighter and fluffier but lacks fiber.
• Honey wheat bread has more nutrients because of whole wheat flour.
• White bread uses sugar, while honey wheat gets sweetness from honey and molasses.

Need a healthier choice? Honey wheat is the winner!

3. Multigrain Bread vs. Honey Wheat Bread

• Multigrain bread uses several types of grains like oats, barley, or flax.
• Honey wheat bread sticks to whole wheat and bread flour for a smoother texture.
• Multigrain is often denser, while honey wheat stays soft and chewy.

Love a hearty bite? Try multigrain. Prefer a soft, steakhouse-style loaf? Go with honey wheat!

This Outback-inspired bread is the perfect middle ground. It’s not too sweet, not too dense, and works for many meals. Ready to bake your own? Let’s wrap things up!

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Enjoy Homemade Honey Wheat Bread

Now you know how to make Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bread at home! It’s soft, slightly sweet, and full of rich flavor. Plus, it pairs well with so many dishes.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Simple ingredients – No fancy tools or hard-to-find items.
• Easy to make – Perfect for beginners and expert bakers.
• Tastes amazing – Just like the bread at your favorite steakhouse!

Baking at home is fun and rewarding. You control the ingredients and freshness. Once you try this recipe, you may never want store-bought bread again!

Give It a Try!

Now it’s your turn. Bake a loaf and enjoy the homemade goodness. Have questions or tips? Leave a comment and share your experience. Love this recipe. Tell your friends and family!

Want more delicious bread recipes? Stay tuned for more homemade favorites. Happy baking!