Name: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups warm water (100°-110°F); ¼ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup honey; 2 tablespoons molasses; 3 ½ cups whole-wheat flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 2-3 cups bread flour; Rolled oats (for dusting loaves)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

If you have ever fallen in love with the hearty, comforting taste of Outback Steakhouse’s signature bread, you are in for a real treat! This Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe brings that same fantastic flavor right into your kitchen. It’s a beautiful blend of whole-wheat goodness enriched with molasses and honey, finished with a charming oat topping that gives it a slightly sweet and nutty crunch. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust, this bread will quickly become a staple in your home, whether you’re serving it alongside dinner or simply enjoying it toasted with butter.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl holds a single layer of risen dough with a light brown color, rough texture, and small air bubbles visible on the surface. The dough fills most of the bowl, pressing against the sides where some residue clings. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for some simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building the perfect loaf. From the warm water that activates the yeast to the rich molasses and cocoa that give the bread its unique flavor, every component adds depth and texture to this delightful bread.

Warm water (2 ½ cups): Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough consistency.
Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread crumb.
Honey (½ cup): Sweetens the loaf naturally and enhances the browning of the crust.
Molasses (2 tablespoons): Contributes a rich, slightly smoky sweetness and dark color.
Whole-wheat flour (3 ½ cups): Provides hearty flavor, nutrients, and a lovely dense texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Adds depth of flavor and a subtle complexity to the bread.
Active dry yeast (2 tablespoons): Essential for the dough to rise and develop airiness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Bread flour (2-3 cups): Gives elasticity to the dough and helps achieve that perfect chew.
Rolled oats (for dusting): Tops the loaves with a rustic, inviting crunch and beautiful presentation.

How to Make Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Begin by combining the warm water, vegetable oil, honey, and molasses in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir these together until everything is well blended and the sweet notes from honey and molasses start to mingle perfectly with the richness of the oil.

Step 2: Add Whole-Wheat Flour

Add the whole-wheat flour to the wet mixture slowly, folding it in gently. This starts forming the body and heartiness of your dough. It’s the foundation for all the flavors to build on.

Step 3: Incorporate Cocoa, Yeast, and Salt

Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir them thoroughly so every bit of dough gets a touch of these flavor enhancers, which are key to the bread’s unique character.

Step 4: Let the Mixture Rest

Allow the dough to sit for about 10 minutes. This rest time helps the yeast activate and lets the cocoa blend fully into the flour mixture, enhancing your loaf’s depth of flavor.

Step 5: Add Bread Flour and Knead

Next, stir in the bread flour one cup at a time while the mixer runs on a low speed. Keep adding flour until the dough clings to the hook and nearly clears the sides of the bowl. This ensures your bread will have that delicate chewiness and structure that you love. This kneading process usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 6: First Rise

Cover the bowl lightly with greased plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. This is when the magic of yeast turns your dough into a fluffy masterpiece!

Step 7: Shape the Loaves

After your dough has doubled, divide it into two equal parts. Cover the portions with greased plastic wrap and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Then gently shape each into a loaf and sprinkle the tops generously with rolled oats for that signature rustic finish.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place each shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and allow them to rise again until doubled, about 30-60 minutes. This second rise helps give your bread its airy texture and impressive lift.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last part of the rising period. Bake the loaves for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they’re golden, crusty on top, and sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

How to Serve Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe

The image shows three freshly baked brown loaves of bread in small metal loaf pans, arranged in a triangular pattern on a white marbled surface. Each loaf is topped with scattered pale oat flakes. In front of the loaves, to the left, there is a small white square dish containing a dollop of soft yellow butter. Oat flakes are also scattered loosely around the loaves and butter dish. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the oats on top are a natural garnish that adds texture and appeal, a light brushing of melted butter right after baking gives the crust a subtle shine and extra softness. Consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a delicious contrast between sweet and salty. It’s these little touches that really elevate this bread.

Side Dishes

This rustic bread pairs beautifully with a broad range of meals. Serve it alongside a hearty beef stew or creamy soup to soak up all the rich flavors. It also makes an amazing accompaniment to a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette, balancing the wholesome heartiness of the bread with crisp, refreshing veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming bread basket, slice the loaf into thick pieces and arrange them neatly in a lined basket with an assortment of flavored butters, garlic spreads, or creamy cheeses. You can even toast slices and use them as bases for open-faced sandwiches topped with fresh avocado and heirloom tomato. This loaf is versatile enough to be the star of any meal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, wrap your Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature, maintaining its soft interior and crisp crust.

Freezing

If you want to keep this bread longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread before freezing so you can grab just what you need. Wrap the slices thoroughly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, the bread stays fresh for up to three months.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster or under a broiler for a minute or two until the crust crisps up again and the inside gets soft and comforting. You can also heat a whole loaf wrapped loosely in foil at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to enjoy it warm as if fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use all whole-wheat flour instead of bread flour?

While you can try using all whole-wheat flour, the bread flour helps with gluten development, giving the bread its ideal chewiness. Using only whole-wheat flour might result in a denser loaf. For the best texture, stick to the combination in this recipe.

Why is cocoa powder included in this bread?

The cocoa powder isn’t there to make the bread taste like chocolate, but to deepen the color and add subtle complexity to the flavor profile, enhancing the richness that molasses and honey bring.

What happens if I don’t let the dough rise long enough?

Skipping or shortening the rising time can lead to a dense, heavy loaf because the yeast hasn’t had enough time to produce the air pockets that make bread light and fluffy. Patience here ensures the perfect crumb.

Can I make this bread by hand instead of with a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead by hand, though it will require more elbow grease and about 10-15 minutes of kneading to develop the dough’s elasticity properly. The results will still be wonderful!

Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?

Definitely. Its sturdy texture and delightful flavor make it an excellent base for all kinds of sandwiches, from simple butter and jam to hearty deli meat and cheese combos.

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe is such a rewarding and delicious experience that transforms your kitchen with its wonderful aromas and satisfying taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and produces a loaf with incredible flavor and texture. I urge you to give it a try and savor what feels like your own special bakery bread at home!

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Whole-Wheat Oat Topped Bread Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need