Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty bowl of soup with all the flavors you love from Outback Steakhouse, look no further than this homemade potato soup recipe. Inspired by the classic Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup, this recipe delivers the same rich, creamy texture and savory goodness, all in the comfort of your own kitchen. The creamy base, loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, makes each spoonful a satisfying experience.

This soup is perfect for chilly nights or as a comforting appetizer for a family dinner. The combination of chicken stock, heavy cream, and butter creates a luscious, velvety texture that’s perfectly balanced with the sharpness of the cheddar cheese and the saltiness of the bacon. Garnished with green onions and extra cheese, it’s a comforting and delicious bowl of goodness that rivals any restaurant recipe. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this Outback-inspired potato soup is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort in a Bowl

This rich, creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day.

2. Loaded with Flavor

With crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy goodness, every spoonful is packed with flavor.

3. Easy to Make

Despite its decadent taste, this potato soup is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only basic ingredients and a few simple steps.

4. Great for Meal Prep

It stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep. You can enjoy it throughout the week or freeze for later.

5. Customizable Toppings

Top the soup with extra cheese, bacon, or green onions to customize it to your taste.

Ingredients

• Russet or golden potatoes
• Bacon
• Chicken stock (or chicken broth)
• Cold water
• Cheddar cheese
• Heavy whipping cream
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Green onions
• Sweet yellow onion (optional)
• Salt and black pepper

Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give the soup a spicy kick.

Use Different Cheese

While cheddar cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses.

Add Vegetables

Throw in some carrots, celery, or corn to add extra texture and flavor to the soup.

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

Top With Sour Cream

For extra creaminess, top your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan, crumble, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

In another large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced sweet yellow onion (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Slowly pour in the chicken stock and cold water while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Potatoes and Base

Once the potatoes are tender, drain and add them to the soup base. Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 6: Add Dairy and Season

Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the soup with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and diced green onions before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t rush the potato boiling process — make sure the potatoes are tender before adding them to the soup.
• Use a hand masher to break up some of the potatoes for a creamier texture.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; some brands of chicken broth are saltier than others.
• If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes.

How to Serve

This Outback-inspired potato soup is perfect as a main dish, paired with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a grilled sandwich or a juicy steak. It’s also great as an appetizer before a larger meal or at a cozy gathering with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat the soup over low heat on the stove, adding a bit more chicken stock or cream if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet or golden potatoes work best for this soup because they break down slightly, creating a creamy base. However, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer.

2. How can I make this soup thicker?

Mash some of the potatoes in the soup to thicken it, or use a small amount of instant potato flakes.

3. Can I make this soup without bacon?

Yes! You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or use a plant-based bacon alternative.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Cook the potatoes and onions on low for 6-8 hours, then add the cream, cheese, and seasonings during the last 30 minutes.

5. Can I use heavy cream substitutes?

Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free cream substitute if you prefer.

6. What can I use instead of chicken stock?

You can substitute vegetable broth or even water if you want a lighter version.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Feel free to add carrots, celery, or even corn for extra texture and flavor.

8. Can I top the soup with sour cream?

Yes, sour cream is a great addition for extra creaminess. It’s especially good if you want a tangy contrast to the richness of the soup.

9. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to spice things up.

10. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later.

Conclusion

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a delicious, hearty, and comforting dish that’s easy to make at home. With rich ingredients like bacon, cream, cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or serving it as a comforting appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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