Outback Steakhouse Rolls Recipe

Every time I walk into Outback Steakhouse, there’s one thing I can’t resist—their famous rolls!

Now, you can bring that same magic right to your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe.

You’ll be surprised at how close these rolls come to the real thing, with their slightly bitter yet semi-sweet taste that pairs perfectly with any main dish.

A crucial tip is to allow plenty of time for the dough to rise; it makes all the difference in that soft and fluffy texture.

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Water (warm, 110°F)
• 2 tbsp Butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 2 tbsp Molasses
• 1 cup Bread Flour
• 1 1/2 cups Wheat Flour
• 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
• 2 1/4 tsp Yeast
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Cornmeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine warm water, honey, and molasses.

Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Add melted butter to the yeast mixture.

Mix bread flour, wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another bowl.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring to form a dough.

Step 3:

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.

Step 4:

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Shape each piece into a roll and place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Bake rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfectly Warm Water

It’s crucial to use warm water at about 110°F to activate the yeast properly, helping those rolls rise to their fluffy glory.

Rising Environment

I like to let dough rise in a slightly warmed oven; just preheat it to 200°F, then turn it off before placing the bowl inside.

Shaping the Rolls

When shaping the rolls, ensure your hands are lightly coated in flour or oil to prevent sticking and get smooth round shapes.

Add a Little Extra Rise

Letting the dough rise a bit longer if your kitchen is less warm can give these rolls a lighter, airier texture when baked.

Experiment with Flavors

You can substitute different types of molasses or honey for slightly different flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

What to Serve with Outback Steakhouse Rolls Recipe

Classic Whipped Butter

You can’t go wrong with some classic whipped butter to spread on these rolls.

The buttery richness complements the semi-sweet taste of the rolls beautifully.

Garlic Herb Spread

For a twist, consider making a garlic herb spread.

A mix of softened butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley can add a savory kick.

Peppery Steak

Pairing the rolls with a peppery steak can create a perfect balance.

The slight bitterness of the rolls pairs well with the juicy, pepper-flavored meat.

Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is another option that works well with these rolls.

The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese with rolls can make a hearty meal.

Warm Tomato Basil Soup

A warm tomato basil soup is another choice that goes quite well with these rolls.

The tangy and fresh flavors of the soup offer a wonderful contrast.

Cucumber and Mint Salad

For something unexpected, you might try a cucumber and mint salad alongside your rolls.

The refreshing flavors of cucumber and mint provide a light contrast to the rich rolls.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Balsamic roasted vegetables can also offer an exciting way to complement these rolls.

The sweet and tangy glaze on the veggies matches the subtle sweetness of the bread.

Variations and Substitutions

Flour Choices

You can use all-purpose flour, but if you want a chewier texture, you might substitute bread flour for part of it.

This can change the density and the chewiness of your rolls, offering a different experience.

Sweeteners

Switch up the recipes by exchanging brown sugar with palm sugar or coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist.

These alternatives can add a rich texture with a hint of caramel-like notes, enhancing the rolls.

Molasses Variations

You can try using dark molasses or even light molasses to see how the flavor changes.

Each choice impacts the depth of color and the richness of the taste in varying ways.

Add-ins

You can add chopped nuts or seeds into the dough for a bit more texture.

It’s an easy way to add something special to your rolls without much extra effort.

Shapes and Sizes

Feel free to shape them into small rolls, loaves, or even braids.

Different shapes can impact the baking time but also offer a nice variety for serving.

How to Store Leftover Outback Steakhouse Rolls

Cool Before Storing

Make sure the rolls have cooled completely before storing them, as this helps in maintaining their texture.

Placing warm rolls in a container can trap steam, resulting in soggy bread.

A cooling rack at room temperature is ideal for this purpose.

Airtight is Key

Store the rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh at room temperature for up to two days.

This prevents moisture from getting in and helps retain their soft texture.

If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing as a better option.

Freezing for Longevity

If you want to freeze the rolls, use a freezer-safe bag to store them for up to one month.

Double-wrapping them in plastic wrap before placing them in the bag adds extra protection.

Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Kneading the Dough

You might be tempted to knead your dough until it feels very smooth, but over-kneading can ruin the texture of your rolls.

Aim for just a few minutes of kneading until the dough is slightly elastic.

This will help the rolls stay soft and have that perfect fluffiness.

Incorrect Rising Time

It’s easy to underestimate or overestimate the time it takes for the dough to rise, which can mess up the texture.

Make sure your dough doubles in size in the rising process, and keep it in a warm place for best results.

If it’s too cold, the dough might take longer to rise and won’t be as light.

Skipping the Cornmeal

Don’t forget the cornmeal! It adds that authentic texture on the bottom of the rolls, which is part of what makes them so tasty.

Roll the dough lightly in cornmeal before baking.

It not only enhances the taste but also prevents sticking.