This bread is addictive! I first discovered it working in Massachusetts in a restaurant called the Outback Steakhouse, they kept bringing it out! When I was sent the recipe I had to give it a go – it even features cocoa powder, which is probably why I liked it so much. It came with a whipped butter too so we will make that also, it’s extremely addictive!
How to make outback steakhouse style bread at home
First up we get the yeast working. In a large jug mix together the warm water, sugar, molasses and honey. Sprinkle on the sachet of yeast, give a very brief stir then leave for ten minutes – it should foam up like a Guinness!
Now in a large bowl once the yeast is ready add everything else – the salt, both flours, oil and cocoa powder and mix well, you may want to get your hands in and knead it towards the end, but work it so that it’s all merged together as a consistent dough – it may be a little rough because of the wheat flour, I’ve added more plain flour to the ingredients as the recipe I used the dough was still quite sticky, but if it is still sticky for your, add more flour in small batches until just tacky. Knead until a soft, lightly sticky ball is formed, cover with cling film and place in a warm area to double in size – approx. 45minutes or so.
Slice the risen dough ball into 8 smaller balls and keep the 7 to one side. Using a rolling pin, roll out the ball into a bigger flat piece, like a flat oblong shape. Then roll it up into a cylinder and shape into a sub roll style log tucking in the ends. Repeat with the other 7 balls of dough, then leave to rest on lined baking trays covered again with a tea towel for 30 minutes or so.
Bake in the oven at 400f/200c/180fan for 15 minutes until risen with a crust formed, allow to cool but best served still warmed with the whipped butter.
To make the whipped butter, simply whisk together the butter and milk with an electric whisk until softened and creamed together – approx. 3-4 minutes. That’s it, super simple!