Outback Steakhouse is known for its delicious Australian-inspired cuisine, complete with hearty steaks, juicy burgers, and other entrées. However, one of the best parts of dining at Outback is the freshly baked bread that is brought out to each table before every meal. The warm, fluffy bread serves as the perfect appetizer while you peruse the menu. But have you ever wondered exactly what the Outback bread is made of? Keep reading to find out the secrets behind Outback’s famous bread!
The History of Bread at Outback
When Outback Steakhouse first opened in 1988, the founders knew that they wanted to provide guests with an authentic Australian dining experience. Part of that vision included serving up freshly baked bread before each meal, just like many restaurants do in Australia. After testing many different bread recipes, Outback settled on a secret formula that resulted in the famous bread we know and love today.
For over 30 years, the recipe for Outback’s bread has remained unchanged. Each loaf is made in-house daily at every Outback location across the country. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, we do know some of the basic ingredients that go into each batch of bread.
The Signature Bread Recipe
So what exactly makes Outback’s bread so delicious? Here are some of the key ingredients:
Flour
The base of Outback’s bread is all-purpose flour. Flour provides structure and that fluffy texture. Outback likely uses a high-protein bread flour to give their loaves extra strength and rise.
Water
The right ratio of flour and water is essential for bread. Too much water makes dough sticky, while too little water makes bread dense. Outback has perfected the moisture level for optimum air bubbles and rise.
Yeast
Yeast is responsible for leavening Outback’s bread. As the yeast ferments, it produces carbon dioxide gas that inflates air pockets in the dough. Different strains of yeast ferment at varying rates, resulting in different flavors. Outback likely uses a fast-acting instant yeast.
Sugar
Just a bit of sugar feeds the yeast and helps kickstart the fermentation process. Sugar also enhances browning and adds subtle sweetness. Granulated white sugar or brown sugar are probable options.
Salt
Salt controls the fermentation rate while also enhancing the bread’s flavor. The right amount of salt is critical for well-balanced bread.
Fat
Some type of fat such as butter or oil tenderizes the crumb and keeps bread moist. Outback may use vegetable oil or butter in their loaves.
Extras
For added flavor, herbs, garlic, cheese, and other ingredients could be mixed into Outback’s dough. Rosemary, oregano, and parsley are savory options. Garlic and onion powder add bite. Grated cheddar or parmesan contribute richness.
The Baking Process
In addition to the special ingredients, Outback’s baking process is equally important for achieving the signature taste and texture of their bread. Here are some of the key steps:
– Proofing the yeast – The yeast is dissolved in warm water with a bit of sugar to “proof” it before mixing into the flour. This activates the yeast and starts the fermentation.
– Kneading the dough – The dough is kneaded thoroughly to develop gluten strands that provide structure. Kneading also incorporates air into the dough.
– First rise – The kneaded dough is allowed to rest and rise for around an hour until puffy. This allows the yeast to produce gas and enlarge air bubbles.
– Punch down – The risen dough is punched down to press out large air pockets and redistribute the yeast. This ensures even rising.
– Shaping – The dough is shaped into loaves and placed into bread pans.
– Second rise – The shaped dough rises again for 30-60 minutes.
– Baking – The loaves are baked at around 375°F until golden brown and cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
– Cooling – Breads cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Serving the Bread
One of the keys to enjoying Outback’s freshly baked bread is serving it warm. Breads are baked continuously throughout the day in each restaurant. Full loaves are sliced and served in woven willow bread baskets lined with cloth napkins to keep contents warm. The aroma and taste are at their peak!
Instead of butter, Outback serves their bread with soft whipped butter tops. These sweet honey-cinnamon butter tops perfectly complement the fluffy bread. Some locations also provide specialty flavored butter tops like key lime or mango for guests to enjoy.
Why Outback’s Bread is So Good
When all of the ingredients and steps come together, the result is Outback’s irresistible signature bread. Here are some of the stand-out qualities that make it so delicious:
– Freshly baked daily – Baking breads in-house rather than using frozen loaves ensures freshness.
– Light and airy – Careful kneading and rising creates a soft, feathery crumb.
– Slightly sweet – A touch of sugar enhances the flavor.
– Savory herbs – Oregano, rosemary, and garlic add mouthwatering aroma and taste.
– Soft crust – The crust strikes the ideal balance between crisp and tender.
– Warm serving temperature – Arriving hot and fresh from the oven is key.
– Flavored butter tops – Sweet honey-cinnamon or fruit butter tops for dipping.
Overall, it’s the combination of quality ingredients, skilled baking techniques, and prompt serving that makes Outback’s bread stand out from the crowd. The bread complements any meal perfectly. No wonder it’s one of the highlights of the Outback dining experience!
Nutrition Information
While Outback’s bread tastes amazing, how does it measure up nutritionally? Here is the nutrition information for a standard 1-ounce slice of Outback’s bread:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 115mg |
As you can see, a single slice of Outback’s bread contains 75 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates. It has 2 grams of fiber per slice, which helps slow digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
There is minimal fat and sugar at 1 gram each per slice. The protein content clocks in at 2 grams per slice as well.
Lastly, the sodium is moderate at 115 milligrams per slice. Overall, while not the lightest bread option out there, Outback’s freshly baked bread fits well into most balanced diets when enjoyed in moderation.
Gluten-Free Bread Alternatives
While Outback’s signature bread contains gluten, there are options for guests looking to avoid it. Outback offers a gluten-free bread made with tapioca, rice, and sorghum flours. The loaf is also egg-free and dairy-free.
For an extra charge, you can substitute the gluten-free bread for their regular bread with any meal. Keep in mind that the gluten-free bread is frozen rather than fresh baked. Some locations may have limited availability.
If you have celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, be sure to inform your server when ordering so the gluten-free option can be accommodated. Outback strives to handle gluten-free orders carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
Copycat Recipes
If you just can’t get enough of Outback’s iconic fresh bread, you’re in luck. Creative home cooks and bloggers have developed various copycat recipes designed to mimic the taste and texture of the restaurant’s bread.
While the exact proportions of Outback’s top-secret bread recipe are unknown, these copycat versions come quite close. Here is one highly-rated recipe to try baking the famous bread at home:
Ingredients
– 3 cups bread flour
– 1 tablespoon white sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons canola oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
– 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine the bread flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the middle.
2. Add the warm water and canola oil to the well. Stir to combine.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if too sticky.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp cloth and let rise 1 hour.
5. Punch down dough to release air pockets. Divide into 2 pieces.
6. Shape each piece into loaf and place into greased 9 x 5 inch bread pans.
7. Cover loaves and let rise 30 minutes until dough reaches tops of pans.
8. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F.
9. Bake 35-40 minutes until loaves are golden brown.
10. Remove bread from pans and allow to cool on wire rack.
11. Slice and serve warm alongside cinnamon honey butter. Enjoy!
This homemade copycat recipe uses similar ingredients to Outback’s original bread. Feel free to add garlic powder or parsley for extra flavor. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serve warm with butter for an authentic Outback experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Outback’s famous bread:
Is Outback bread made from scratch?
Yes, Outback bakes their bread fresh from scratch daily in each restaurant location. It is not pre-made or frozen.
What time of day is Outback bread baked?
Baking happens continuously throughout open hours to ensure fresh loaves all day. Batches are taken hot from the ovens as needed.
Does Outback bread contain dairy?
The original bread likely contains small amounts of butter or oil. However, those with dairy allergies can request dairy-free bread that uses vegetable oil instead.
Can I purchase Outback bread without a meal?
Unfortunately, Outback does not currently sell their bread separately for take-home. It is only available for dining guests.
Does Outback’s gluten-free bread taste the same?
While not identical, Outback’s gluten-free bread has a similar flavor and texture. It makes a reasonable substitute for gluten-intolerant guests.
What is the nutrition information for Outback’s gluten-free bread?
The nutrition facts vary slightly. A 1-slice serving has 80 calories, 16g carbs, 1g fiber, and 2g protein. Fat and sodium are similar to the original.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse’s freshly baked bread is truly iconic. From its secret recipe to warm, optimized serving, Outback has perfected the art of irresistible bread. Quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and prompt baking make each loaf incredibly tasty.
While imitating Outback’s signature bread at home takes some effort, copycat recipes come satisfyingly close. There’s no denying this appetizing bread is part of what keeps guests coming back to Outback time and again. Next time you dine at this Australian-inspired establishment, be sure to save room for at least one loaf of their famous baked goodness!
