Steakhouse bread is soft, slightly sweet, and typically served warm with butter at steakhouses. It’s known for its fluffy texture and rich flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty steak dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make that soft, pillowy bread at home.
Steakhouse Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for brushing on top)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, honey, and egg.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and comes together in a ball.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use it on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
4. First Rise:
- Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Alternatively, you can place the dough into a greased loaf pan for a more traditional bread shape.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking dish, making sure they are close together.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the dough again with a clean towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and the balls of dough are touching.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has finished its second rise, bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Optional Butter Glaze:
- If you’d like a slightly sweeter finish, brush the top of the bread with a little melted butter mixed with a teaspoon of honey. This will add a slight shine and extra sweetness.
10. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and allow it to rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Flavor Variations: If you’d like to add a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder, onion powder, or rosemary on top before baking.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy your steakhouse bread with your favorite meal, or simply dip it in butter for a delightful treat!