Ever sit down at a steakhouse, and before the menu even hits the table, a warm, dark loaf of bread arrives—soft, slightly sweet, and totally unforgettable?

That’s the magic of steakhouse brown bread. I remember trying to replicate it years ago and always falling short—until I finally used a bread machine.

Now, this bread machine recipe is my go-to for dinner parties, cozy weekends, and even gifting. It’s restaurant-level quality without the fuss, and the flavor payoff? Outrageous.

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Why This Bread Machine Recipe Is So Irresistible

Perfect for Dinner Steakhouse Brown Bread Machine Recipe - Dinner Steakhouse Brown Bread pin 1 midia 1

This isn’t just any homemade loaf—it’s packed with the kind of flavor you expect from a high-end steakhouse. The combination of molasses, honey, and whole wheat gives it a rich, dark sweetness that’s perfectly balanced with a pinch of kosher salt.

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The texture? Smooth and velvety inside, with just the right amount of chew in the crust.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

Deep, dark color from cocoa and whole wheat flour
Naturally sweetened with molasses and honey
Buttery soft texture with a rich aroma
Reliable results using a standard bread machine

Best Ways to Serve Steakhouse Brown Bread

This loaf is shockingly versatile. While it’s epic on its own, a little creativity turns it into something unforgettable. Try these serving ideas:

Slice and slather with whipped honey butter (my personal favorite)
Serve alongside beef stew or chili for a hearty winter meal
Use as the base for a gourmet sandwich with brie, apples, and arugula
Toast it and top with cream cheese and jam for a quick breakfast

You can also shape it into dinner rolls using the dough setting—perfect for holidays or meal prepping ahead of time.

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Perfect for Gatherings, Meal Prep & Everyday Meals

One of my favorite things about this bread machine recipe is how effortlessly it fits into any routine. Hosting a dinner party? Bake this ahead of time, slice thick, and let guests tear into it family-style.

Need something to elevate a weeknight soup? This loaf transforms even the simplest meal into a feast.

It’s also:

Family-friendly and kid-approved (even picky eaters love it)
Budget-friendly using pantry staples
A great make-ahead item—it freezes beautifully

Tips to Customize Your Loaf

Want to tweak this bread machine recipe to suit your diet or taste? Here are some easy variations:

Gluten-free: Swap in a gluten-free bread flour blend and add a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based oil.
Add texture: Toss in a handful of sunflower seeds or rolled oats.
Lighter version: Reduce the molasses slightly and use more whole wheat flour.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is super forgiving, and the bread machine takes care of all the heavy lifting.

Why Bread Machine Recipes Like This One Save Time (and Sanity)

Perfect for Dinner Steakhouse Brown Bread Machine Recipe - Sandwiches CaDinner Steakhouse Brown Bread pin 2 midiaraway Rye Bread pin 2 midia

Let’s be honest—kneading dough and guessing proofing times isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. That’s where the bread machine comes in. Just layer your ingredients, push a button, and walk away. Seriously, it’s that easy.

This steakhouse brown bread recipe is:

Set-it-and-forget-it simple
Foolproof even for beginners
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
Guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing

If you’ve been giving your bread machine a rest, this recipe will wake it right up. And once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your weekly routine—because who doesn’t want warm, bakery-style bread with zero stress?

Steakhouse Brown Bread Machine Recipe

This rich, dark bread machine recipe captures the hearty flavor of steakhouse-style brown bread, made right at home with ease.

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Total Time 3

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings loaf

Equipment

Bread machine with Basic/White program
1½- to 2-pound loaf capacity pan

Ingredients

For the 1½-Pound Loaf:

1 cup water
3 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp honey
1½ tbsp cooking oil
2 cups bread flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp yeast

For the 2-Pound Loaf:

1¼ cups water
¼ cup molasses
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp cooking oil
2¾ cups bread flour
1⅓ cups whole wheat flour
1¼ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1¼ tsp kosher salt
2¼ tsp yeast

Instructions

Add ingredients to the bread machine’s baking pan in the order listed—starting with water and ending with yeast.
Select the Basic/White bread program on your machine. Choose the setting that matches your loaf size (1½-lb or 2-lb).
Start the machine and allow it to complete the cycle.
When the loaf is finished, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Slice warm and pair with beef stew or hamburger soup.
Use it for a gourmet sandwich with brie, thin green apple slices, and a drizzle of honey.

Keyword Bread machine brown bread, Bread machine dark bread, Brown bread for steak dinner, Cocoa honey wheat bread, easy bread machine loaf, Homemade steakhouse bread, Honey molasses bread machine recipe, Sweet molasses bread recipe

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Davin Eberhardt

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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.