This famous copycat Outback Bread (Honey Wheat Bushman Bread) brings the iconic steakhouse appetizer straight to your home oven! Incredibly soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet with rich notes of dark molasses, clover honey, and a hint of cocoa powder, these dark mini-loaves are generously dusted with coarse yellow cornmeal and served warm with whipped honey butter.
There is nothing quite like pulling a warm loaf apart and watching sweet honey butter melt into the tender, dark crumb. Made easily with simple pantry baking ingredients and zero special equipment, this restaurant favorite is foolproof and guaranteed to disappear in minutes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Iconic restaurant flavor: Tastes 100% identical to the beloved Outback Steakhouse honey wheat bushman bread
- Pillowy soft & tender crumb: A combination of whole wheat flour, bread flour, and softened butter creates the ultimate fluffy texture
- Natural sweetness & rich color: Pure clover honey, dark molasses, and unsweetened cocoa powder give the bread its signature rich brown hue and gentle sweetness
- Whipped honey butter included: Slathered with a 3-ingredient sweet whipped honey butter that melts into every slice!
If you love comforting homemade breads and warm bakery treats like our Sourdough Pumpkin Bread and our Garlic Butter Pasta, this copycat steakhouse bread is an absolute must-bake.
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Here are the simple baking staples you’ll need:
- Flours: 1.5 cups whole wheat flour and 2 cups unbleached bread flour (or all-purpose flour).
- Yeast: 1 packet (2.25 tsp / 7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast.
- Warm Water: 1.25 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F / 40°C to 43°C).
- Honey & Molasses: 1/4 cup clover honey and 1/4 cup dark unsulfured molasses (creates that authentic dark color and subtle sweetness).
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (adds classic dark steakhouse color without chocolate flavor).
- Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened.
- Salt: 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt.
- Cornmeal Coating: 1/4 cup coarse yellow cornmeal (for rolling and dusting loaves).
- Whipped Honey Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter, 3 tbsp pure honey, and 1 tbsp powdered sugar whipped until fluffy.
How to Make Outback Bread (Step-by-Step)
1. Activate Yeast & Knead Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm water, honey, and yeast; let bloom for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the molasses, softened butter, cocoa powder, salt, whole wheat flour, and bread flour. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 7 to 8 minutes until a smooth, elastic, dark brown dough forms.
2. First Rise & Shape into Loaves: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size. Punch down dough and divide into 3 equal portions. Shape each piece into an oblong mini-baguette / loaf (about 7 to 8 inches long). Roll each loaf generously in coarse yellow cornmeal and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Second Proof & Score: Cover shaped loaves loosely and let rise for 35 to 45 minutes until puffy. Using a sharp baker’s lame or knife, make 3 shallow diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
4. Bake, Slice & Serve: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 26 minutes until the loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Brush warm tops with melted butter if desired. Slice into thick warm pieces, slather generously with whipped honey butter, and enjoy!
Chef's Baking Secrets
- Cocoa powder secret: Cocoa powder does not make the bread taste like chocolate—it simply provides that iconic rich dark restaurant color and earthy aroma
- Coarse cornmeal: Rolling the shaped dough in yellow cornmeal gives the signature steakhouse crunch on the outer crust
Storage & Freezing Instructions
To Store: Store cooled loaves in a sealed bread bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap baked, cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mini dinner rolls instead of loaves?
Yes! Divide the dough into 12 small balls, roll in cornmeal, and bake in a greased 9×13 dish for 16 to 18 minutes.
Can I use only all-purpose flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well, though whole wheat adds authentic nutty depth.
More Hearty Restaurant-Style Bakes to Savor Next
- Sourdough Pumpkin Bread — Artisanal cranberry pumpkin loaf.
- Garlic Butter Pasta — Creamy garlic parmesan comfort pasta.
- Carmelitas — Chewy caramel chocolate oat crumble dessert bars.
Outback Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 3 loaves (12 servings) 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of homemade Outback bread, a delightful loaf that features a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior. This slightly sweet bread, with its inviting aroma, is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Serve it warm alongside your favorite dips or as an accompaniment to hearty meals, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1.25 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)
- 1 packet (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup clover honey
- 1/4 cup dark unsulfured molasses
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup coarse yellow cornmeal (for dusting)
For the Whipped Honey Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons pure clover honey
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Knead Dough: Proof yeast in warm water and honey for 5 minutes. Add molasses, softened butter, cocoa, salt, and flours. Knead on floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth.
- Shape & Dust with Cornmeal: Let rise 1 hour until doubled. Divide into 3 mini loaves and roll generously in yellow cornmeal. Place on baking sheet.
- Proof & Score: Cover and let rise for 40 minutes until puffy. Cut 3 shallow diagonal slashes across top of each loaf with a sharp knife.
- Bake & Serve with Honey Butter: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 26 minutes until hollow sounding. Whip honey butter, slice bread warm, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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