This copycat Outback Whole Wheat Bread recipe recreates the soft, slightly sweet, and richly flavored loaves served in restaurants—right at home. Cocoa and coffee deepen the color and add a subtle complexity, while honey lends gentle sweetness. Perfectly tender with a hint of chew, these rustic mini loaves are wonderful served warm with butter. Made easily in a bread machine or stand mixer, this recipe delivers bakery-style bread with minimal effort.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
2 cups bread flour
1 2/3 cups wheat flour
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 pkg.) active dry yeast
Cornmeal for dusting
METHOD:
Option 1: Bread Machine
Add ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order listed. Set to the knead cycle and let the machine mix until a smooth dough forms. Remove the dough, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Option 2: Stand Mixer
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all ingredients with the paddle attachment until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Loaves
Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 equal portions. (First halve the dough, then divide each half twice more.) Shape each portion into a tubular loaf, about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. Roll the loaves lightly in cornmeal and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again until nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover loaves and bake for 20–24 minutes, until tops are golden. Cool slightly before serving warm with butter.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
-
With Flavored Butter: Serve warm loaves with cinnamon-honey butter (whip softened butter with honey and a pinch of cinnamon) for a true Outback-style experience.
-
Mini Sandwiches: Slice loaves in half and fill with deli meats, cheese, or roasted veggies for rustic mini sandwiches or sliders.
-
Soup and Stew Pairing: These soft loaves are the perfect companion to hearty soups, chili, or beef stew—ideal for dunking.
-
Cheese Board Addition: Slice and serve alongside brie, cheddar, or blue cheese, with fruit and nuts for a cozy appetizer spread.
-
Sweet Twist: Toast slices, drizzle with honey, and top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a quick dessert-style snack.
