What is Outback Steakhouse bread made of?

Outback Steakhouse is known for its freshly baked bread that is served before each meal. The bread is warm, fluffy and has a unique taste that many Outback fans love. But what exactly makes up this iconic bread? Here is a deeper look into the main ingredients used to make Outback Steakhouse bread.

The Main Ingredients

After some research into Outback’s bread making process, here are the main ingredients found in their bread:

Flour

The base of Outback’s bread is all-purpose flour. Flour provides the carbohydrates and proteins necessary for the bread to rise and give it structure. Outback likely uses a high protein all-purpose flour with 12-13% protein content. This gives their bread a hearty texture and helps the dough rise well.

Yeast

Yeast is essential for making the bread rise. Outback uses commercial yeast in their dough. The yeast feeds on the sugars in the flour and produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to inflate. This gives the bread its signature fluffy, airy texture.

Water

Water hydrates the flour and activates the yeast. The right amount of water is key to making bread with a good consistency. Too much water makes dense bread. Too little water prevents the dough from rising properly. Outback likely uses just enough water to properly activate the yeast and hydrate the dough.

Sugar

A small amount of sugar is added as food for the yeast. This helps the yeast produce more carbon dioxide to make the bread rise higher. Granulated white sugar or brown sugar are likely used.

Salt

Salt provides flavor and also slows down yeast activity. Too much salt can prevent the dough from rising. The right amount gives flavor without inhibiting rising. Outback probably uses 1-2 teaspoons of salt per loaf.

Butter

Butter adds moisture, richness and flavor to bread. Outback’s bread likely contains a generous amount of butter, either melted into the dough or rolled in after baking.

Herbs and Garlic

Outback’s bread has distinct notes of garlic, onion, parsley and other savory herbs. These ingredients add seasoning and aroma to the bread. Garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley and oregano are typically used.

The Baking Process

In addition to ingredients, the baking process also affects the taste and texture of Outback’s bread. Here are some key steps:

Mixing

The dry and wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed to form a shaggy dough. This distributes the flour, yeast and liquids evenly.

Kneading

The dough is kneaded, either by hand, stand mixer or bread machine. Kneading develops gluten strands, making the dough smooth and elastic.

First Rise

The dough is allowed to rise undisturbed for 1-2 hours. This allows the yeast to produce gas and expand the dough.

Punch Down

The risen dough is punched down to release excess gas. This degases the dough before the second rise.

Shaping

The dough is divided and shaped into loaves ready for baking. Shaping gives the loaves their form.

Second Rise

The loaves rise again for 30-60 minutes until puffy. This final rise gives added volume.

Baking

The bread is baked at 350°F – 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Baking sets the structure and brings out flavor.

Brushing with Butter

Hot loaves are brushed with melted butter right after baking for shine and added richness.

The Flavor

So how do these ingredients and the baking process result in Outback’s signature flavor? Here are some key characteristics that define their bread’s taste:

Yeasty and Sour

The yeast gives the bread a distinctive yeasty aroma and sourdough-like tang. These flavors develop during the rise times.

Slightly Sweet

A small amount of sugar balances out the sourness and gives a subtle sweetness.

Savory Herbs

Garlic, onion and herbs infuse the bread with savory flavors. This makes it a great complement for steaks.

Rich from Butter

A good dose of butter gives the bread a rich, indulgent taste and tender texture.

Hearty

The high protein all-purpose flour gives the bread a chewy, substantial texture. This makes it filling.

Slight Saltiness

A pinch of salt brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Serving the Bread

Outback serves their bread right out of the oven in cast iron skillets. The bread arrives at the table steaming hot. Keeping the bread warm in skillets helps enhance its aroma and taste. Cast iron also retains heat well to keep the bread warm throughout the meal.

Some Outback locations have even installed special ovens at tables to serve hot bread continuously through meals. This “never ending bread” approach shows how important fresh bread is to the Outback dining experience.

Copycat Recipes

Since Outback’s bread is so popular, many copycat recipes have surfaced that try to replicate it at home. Here is a composite recipe that combines the most common ingredients and techniques found in these copycat recipes:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄4 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted for brushing on top
  • 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Whisk to blend.
  2. Add the 1⁄4 cup melted butter and warm water. Mix to form a shaggy dough.
  3. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough to deflate it and divide into 8 pieces.
  6. Shape each piece into a small loaf and place on a baking sheet.
  7. Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and immediately brush with the 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  10. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley and oregano. Sprinkle on top of the hot bread.
  11. Serve warm.

This recipe produces bread with a tender interior and crusty exterior similar to Outback’s. The herbs, garlic and butter add authentic flavor. Enjoy this bread along with a good steak for a taste of Outback Steakhouse at home.

Nutrition Information

Here are the nutrition facts for Outback’s bread based on available data from the USDA and different restaurant guides:

Nutrition Facts Per 1 slice (25g)
Calories 90
Fat 2.5g
Saturated Fat 1.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 160mg
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 2g
Protein 3g

A slice of Outback bread contains 90 calories which come mostly from carbohydrates. It has 2.5g of fat, minimal trans fat, 5mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium and 2g of sugar. The protein comes mainly from the wheat flour. Overall, the bread offers a tasty way to consume some grains and get a boost of energy. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the carb and calorie count can add up if you consume multiple pieces.

Gluten Free Bread

Outback Steakhouse offers gluten free bread for guests who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This allows them to enjoy Outback’s signature bread instead of missing out.

The gluten free bread consists of:

  • Brown rice flour – provides carbohydrates without gluten
  • Potato starch – gives moisture and binding
  • Tapioca flour – helps mimic the chew of gluten
  • Xanthan gum – adds elasticity
  • Sugar, yeast, salt – for flavor and rising
  • Eggs and oil – for richness and texture

The bread is prepared in a dedicated gluten free kitchen to prevent cross contamination.

Compared to the regular bread, the gluten free version is denser and not quite as airy. But it offers a comparable flavor and allows gluten intolerant guests to enjoy Outback’s famous bread.

History of Outback Bread

Bread has been an Outback Steakhouse staple since their first restaurant opened in 1988 in Tampa, Florida. According to restaurant co-founder Bob Basham, the concept for their iconic bread came from the warm rolls served at Brazilian steakhouses.

The very first Outback bread recipe was developed by a baker named Kendall. It contained basic ingredients like milk, water, sugar, yeast, salt, oil and flour.

This original bread was so popular that customers would take home full loaves. The warm, fresh-baked bread helped differentiate Outback from other restaurants. It quickly became synonymous with the Outback brand.

Over the years, Outback continued to refine their bread recipe. The current version contains garlic, onion and herbs to give added flavor. Customers still rave about the bread today and it remains one of Outback’s signature menu items. Serving fresh bread tableside in cast iron skillets is a key part of the Outback Steakhouse experience.

Significance of Bread at Outback Steakhouse

So why has bread been so important to Outback Steakhouse over its 30+ year history? Here are some of the reasons bread has been core to their identity and success:

  • Warm and aromatic – The hot bread brings a homey, comforting smell to the table.
  • Gets customers excited – Fresh bread builds anticipation for the rest of the meal.
  • Sets the casual tone – Serving bread in skillets conveys the relaxed Aussie outback vibe.
  • Distinctive taste – The signature flavor and texture is uniquely Outback.
  • Keeps customers happy – Refilling bread encourages customers to stay longer.
  • Provides value – Customers get free snacks between courses.
  • High profit margins – Inexpensive to make but sold at a premium.

In essence, warm bread represents the hospitality and charm at the core of Outback Steakhouse. It’s an essential part of the brand. Serving freshly baked bread tableside will likely remain an Outback tradition for years to come.

Conclusion

Outback Steakhouse’s signature bread plays an integral role in their success and customer experience. Its great taste comes from a combination of ingredients like wheat flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, garlic and herbs. The baking process also develops the bread’s airy texture and signature flavor. Customers love this free bread so much that it has become synonymous with the Outback brand. The bread conveys Outback’s warm, hospitable spirit in every hot loaf served.

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