Copycat Outback Steakhouse Rolls: Bring the Restaurant Experience Home

There’s a certain magic that happens when you sit down at Outback Steakhouse. Perhaps it starts with the enticing aroma, or the anticipation of a sizzling steak. But for many, the true beginning of the meal, even before the famous Bloomin’ Onion makes its grand entrance, lies in those glorious, warm, and slightly sweet brown bread rolls. You know the ones we’re talking about – the ones that arrive generously slathered in butter, so inviting you can barely wait to tear into them.

These aren’t just any ordinary dinner rolls. Outback Steakhouse rolls possess a unique depth of flavor, a tender crumb, and that distinctive dark hue that makes them instantly recognizable and utterly addictive. They’re the perfect sponge for soaking up every last bit of deliciousness from your plate, or simply enjoyed on their own as a comforting treat. The moment they hit the table, it’s a race to grab one, a silent acknowledgment that these rolls are in a league of their own. It’s no wonder that countless diners wish they could recreate that experience at home.

The Secret to Outback’s Signature Rolls

For years, enthusiasts have tried to crack the code behind these beloved rolls. What gives them their signature sweetness? Their incredible softness? That distinctive dark brown color? We’ve delved deep into the culinary realm to uncover the secrets, and after much experimentation, we’ve developed a copycat recipe that truly nails it. This recipe not only captures the essence of those restaurant favorites but also makes them perfectly sized as individual rolls, which we think is an absolute stroke of genius compared to a full loaf. Smaller portions mean more surface area for that delightful crust, and easier sharing (or not sharing!).

Making your own bread might seem daunting to some, but this recipe is designed to be approachable and incredibly rewarding. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these beauties bake, anticipating that first bite of a warm, fresh-from-the-oven roll. The satisfaction of mastering a restaurant classic in your own home is unparalleled, and these Outback-style rolls are definitely worth the effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends, or simply treat yourself to a batch of these delectable delights.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor and Texture

The magic of these copycat rolls lies in a few key ingredients that work in harmony to create their distinct profile:

• Active Dry Yeast: The lifeblood of any good bread, yeast is responsible for the airy, fluffy texture. Ensuring your yeast is active is the first step to success.
• Warm Water: The ideal temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it. Think lukewarm, not hot.
• Honey and Molasses: These are the dynamic duo behind the rolls’ unique sweet and earthy flavor, as well as their characteristic dark color. Molasses, in particular, contributes a deep, complex sweetness that sugar alone cannot replicate.
• Baking Cocoa: A surprising but essential ingredient, a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the dark brown color and adds a subtle, almost undetectable depth of flavor that complements the molasses beautifully, without making the rolls taste like chocolate.
• Brown Sugar: Adds another layer of sweetness and moisture, contributing to the rolls’ tender crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour and Whole Wheat Flour: The combination of these two flours provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. The whole wheat flour adds a nutty undertone and a slightly denser chew, mimicking the original rolls’ rustic charm.
• Butter and Egg: For richness, moisture, and a tender texture. Softened butter incorporates smoothly into the dough.
• Food Coloring (Optional but Recommended): While molasses and cocoa contribute significantly to the color, a few drops of food coloring (red, yellow, and blue to make brown, or brown paste food coloring) can help achieve that exact deep, inviting shade you find at Outback.

Once you’ve mastered these irresistible rolls, you might find yourself craving more restaurant favorites made at home. Be sure to try our Cracker Barrel fried apples for a comforting side dish, or whip up a batch of Panda Express chow mein for an easy weeknight meal. The joy of cooking your cherished restaurant dishes is truly a rewarding experience.

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Copycat Outback Steakhouse Rolls Recipe

Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of homemade Outback Steakhouse bread with this incredible copycat recipe. Perfect for any meal!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 reviewers.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:

3 hours
hrs

Cook Time:

20 minutes
mins

Servings:
16

Ingredients

• 4
  tsp
  active dry yeast
• 1
  cup
  warm water
• 1
  egg
• 2
  tbsp
  butter, softened
• ¼
  cup
  honey
• 2
  Tablespoons
  Molasses
• 3
  tbsp
  baking cocoa
• 1
  tsp
  salt
• ¼
  cup
  brown sugar
• 2
  cups
  all-purpose flour
• 2
  cups
  whole wheat flour
• Food coloring, 2 drops of red, yellow, and blue to make brown or caramel coloring or brown paste food coloring.

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer (or a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. During this time, the yeast should bloom and become foamy, indicating it’s active and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, or the water too hot/cold.
2. Once the yeast has successfully proofed, add the egg, softened butter, honey, molasses, baking cocoa, salt, brown sugar, and the two cups of all-purpose flour into the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed (or stir thoroughly with a sturdy wooden spoon if mixing by hand) for approximately 1 minute until the ingredients are just combined.
3. Next, add 1 cup of whole wheat flour to the mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until it is incorporated. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of whole wheat flour, allowing the dough to come together. The dough will start to form a sticky ball.
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-low (using a dough hook) and continue to mix and knead for 7-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough seems too sticky, add a very small amount of additional whole wheat flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in dry rolls.
5. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Remove the dough from the mixer bowl and briefly knead it by hand 4-5 times to form a smooth ball. This helps to develop the gluten further and ensures a uniform texture.
6. Lightly grease a large clean bowl with a touch of oil. Place the dough ball into the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until its size has visibly doubled. A good spot could be a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.
7. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth, round roll. For best results, tuck the edges under to create a smooth top surface.
8. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Arrange the shaped rolls evenly in the prepared pan. Cover the pan again with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for a second time in a warm place for another hour, or until they look puffy and nearly doubled in size. This second rise is crucial for light and airy rolls.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if the tops start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent them from becoming too hard. The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush their tops generously with melted butter. For an authentic touch, lightly dust them with cornmeal. This adds a subtle texture and visual appeal, just like the restaurant original.
11. Serve warm, with plenty of extra butter if desired, and enjoy the taste of Outback Steakhouse at home! These rolls are fantastic on their own, or as an accompaniment to steak, chili, or your favorite soup.
12. Adapted from It’s Always Autumn

Nutrition

Calories:
108
kcal
(5% Daily Value)

Tips for Perfect Homemade Rolls

• Check Yeast Freshness: Always proof your yeast first. If it doesn’t foam, it’s dead, and your bread won’t rise. Start with a fresh packet.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but still manageable. Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, as this will result in dry, dense rolls.
• Warm Rising Environment: Yeast loves warmth. A slightly warm oven (turned off with the light on), a sunny spot, or even atop a warm dryer can create the perfect environment for rising.
• Even Sizing: For uniform baking, try to make your rolls roughly the same size. A kitchen scale can be helpful for precise division of the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the rolls. Keep an eye on them, and cover with foil if they’re browning too quickly. The internal temperature should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
• Butter is Key: Brushing with melted butter immediately after baking adds incredible flavor, shine, and helps keep the crust soft.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These copycat Outback Steakhouse rolls are incredibly versatile. They are, of course, the perfect accompaniment to any steak dinner, but don’t limit yourself! They’re fantastic alongside a hearty chili, a comforting soup, or even as a base for slider sandwiches. For a decadent breakfast, slice them and make French toast, or simply enjoy them toasted with extra butter and a drizzle of honey.

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave for a few seconds, or wrap them in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until soft and warm again.

The Satisfaction of Baking Your Own Bread

There’s an undeniable sense of accomplishment that comes with baking bread from scratch. From the humble beginnings of flour and yeast to a beautiful, fragrant batch of golden-brown rolls, the process is therapeutic and the results deeply satisfying. This copycat Outback Steakhouse roll recipe offers not just a delicious treat, but also the joy of recreating a cherished dining experience in your very own home. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some memories. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!