A bowl of Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With a rich, velvety texture, perfectly cooked potatoes, crispy bacon, and a cheesy finish, every spoonful is indulgent. This soup brings warmth and satisfaction, making it a must-have for chilly nights or a cozy weekend meal.
Whether you’re a fan of steakhouse classics or just love a hearty soup, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen. Serve it with fresh bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Get ready to impress your family with a creamy, flavorful soup that tastes just like the real deal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes, diced
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock (or broth)
- 1 cup cold water
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup green onion, diced
- ½ sweet yellow onion, diced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
- Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and boil them until tender. Once cooked, set them aside.
- In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, diced onions, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly incorporate the roux into the simmering broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced potatoes back into the pot, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and finely chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy comfort of steakhouse-style potato soup!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup: A Comforting Classic
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with flavors that make you feel at home with every spoonful. The Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a well loved classic that has gained popularity for its thick, velvety texture, cheesy goodness, and smoky bacon topping. Whether you’ve had it at the restaurant or are trying it at home for the first time, this soup delivers everything you could want in a warm and satisfying meal.
If you’re a fan of creamy potato soups, this recipe is an absolute must try. It’s indulgent, filling, and packed with flavors that make it the perfect dish for cozy nights, family dinners, or even a special occasion. In this article, we’ll explore the history behind this soup, what makes it so irresistible, how you can customize it, and the best ways to serve it for a truly memorable meal.
A Brief History of Potato Soup
Potato soup has been a staple in kitchens around the world for centuries. Potatoes, first domesticated in South America, made their way to Europe in the 16th century, becoming a primary ingredient in many hearty dishes. European immigrants brought their love of potato-based soups to America, where the dish evolved to include creamy bases, cheeses, and meats like bacon.
The Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is an Americanized version of classic potato soup, enhanced with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a thick, creamy consistency. It’s the ultimate fusion of rustic, homemade flavors and restaurant-quality indulgence, making it a fan-favorite on Outback’s menu.
What Makes This Soup So Special?
The Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup stands out because of its rich, creamy texture and deep layers of flavor. Unlike a simple broth-based potato soup, this version is thickened with a roux (flour and butter mixture) and enriched with heavy cream and cheese, giving it a luxuriously smooth and velvety consistency.
Key Elements That Elevate This Soup:
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness – The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese gives the soup its signature richness and slightly tangy depth. The cheese melts seamlessly into the base, making each spoonful indulgent.
- Savory Bacon Flavor – Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the soup. It enhances the depth of flavor and gives the soup that extra bit of heartiness.
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes – Soft yet slightly firm chunks of potatoes add a satisfying bite and absorb all the flavors from the creamy broth.
- Seasoned to Perfection – A touch of salt, black pepper, and onions provides a balanced depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
These simple yet well-balanced ingredients come together to create a soup that is both comforting and indulgent, making it an instant favorite.
How to Customize Your Potato Soup
One of the best things about this soup is how easily customizable it is. Whether you want to make it healthier, heartier, or simply add a twist to the classic flavors, there are plenty of ways to modify the recipe to suit your taste.
1. Make It Healthier
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this soup, there are a few substitutions you can make without sacrificing too much of the flavor:
- Swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half – This will reduce the fat content while still keeping the soup creamy.
- Use turkey bacon or skip it altogether – If you want a lower-fat option, turkey bacon can still add a smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon completely.
- Increase the vegetables – Adding carrots, celery, or even cauliflower can increase the nutrient content without changing the flavor too much.
2. Make It Even More Indulgent
For those who love extra richness, here are some ways to take this soup to the next level:
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a deeper, more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Add sour cream to give the soup a subtle tang and even creamier consistency.
- Top with more bacon and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
3. Experiment with Different Toppings
While crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions are the classic toppings, you can mix things up with:
- Crumbled feta or blue cheese for a sharper taste.
- Crushed croutons for added crunch.
- A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
Best Ways to Serve This Soup
This potato soup is already a standalone meal, but pairing it with the right side dishes can enhance the dining experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Crusty Bread – A warm, toasted baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
- With a Fresh Salad – A light garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
- As a Side Dish – This soup works great as a starter for steak, grilled chicken, or roasted meats.
- In a Bread Bowl – Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a restaurant-style presentation.
Why This Soup Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making this soup for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or a potluck dinner, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Here’s why it’s perfect for different occasions:
1. Family Dinners
This soup is kid-friendly and easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for weeknight family meals. Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches or homemade biscuits for a complete meal.
2. Holiday Gatherings
Potato soup is a great addition to any holiday menu. It can be made ahead of time and reheated easily, making it convenient for busy holiday preparations.
3. Meal Prep and Leftovers
The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply reheat it on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy consistency.
Conclusion: A Must Try Comfort Food
The Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make it a true comfort food classic. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or customize it to suit your preferences, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit.
With its rich, indulgent texture and hearty ingredients, it’s the ultimate dish for chilly nights, family meals, or special occasions. Try making a batch today and experience the warmth and satisfaction that only a bowl of homemade potato soup can bring!