There’s something about recreating that iconic Outback Steakhouse potato soup in your own kitchen that makes my heart skip a beat. Picture this: a creamy, rich soup that embodies comfort food at its finest, bringing all the warmth of the restaurant experience into your home. I came across a recipe that’s so close to the real thing, it feels like a little secret from the kitchen of Outback Steakhouse. The idea of enjoying this beloved dish anytime we crave it? Pure excitement!
Now, let me be honest. This isn’t exactly the “light and healthy” meal we often seek. We’re talking about a soup that’s loaded with cream, butter, and a whole lot of cheese. But, let’s be real—sometimes, life’s too short to skip out on indulgent comfort. Every now and then, we deserve a little treat, and this potato soup is just that!
Key Takeaways:
- Culinary Adventure: Recreating the famous Outback Steakhouse potato soup from scratch in the comfort of your kitchen.
- Authentic Excitement: Discovering a recipe so close to the original makes the cooking process even more thrilling.
- Indulgence: While this soup is indulgent, it’s the perfect occasional treat that’s worth savoring.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Alright, fellow food lovers! Let’s talk about the ingredients that’ll transform your kitchen into a potato soup haven. The recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at the store. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature Outback potato soup:
- 4 large potatoes – the hearty, comforting base of this soup.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth – providing a rich and savory foundation for the soup.
- 1/2 small onion, diced – to add a hint of sharpness and balance the creaminess.
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper – to bring out the flavors and season the soup just right.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour & 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – the dream team that gives the soup its velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/8 cup bacon bits, & 1/8 cup green onions – the finishing touches that elevate the soup from good to amazing!
The Cooking Process: Bringing It All Together
Imagine the excitement of crafting this comforting masterpiece right in your kitchen! To start, peel and dice the potatoes, then cook them in boiling water until they’re soft and tender. Set them aside for later—trust me, these potatoes are the star of the show.
Next, combine your chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 20 minutes. This is the base that will infuse your soup with deep, savory flavor.
While the broth is simmering, we’ll make a roux! In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Stir for a couple of minutes until the roux becomes golden brown, creating the perfect thickening agent for our soup.
Once the roux is ready, slowly whisk it into the simmering broth, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Then, pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to mix in and give the soup its luxurious consistency. Let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep everything from sticking.
Finally, add those diced potatoes to the pot and give the soup a good stir, ensuring each bite is packed with that hearty, comforting potato goodness.
Garnishing and Serving: A Feast for the Eyes (and the Taste Buds)
Now for the fun part—the garnishing! As you ladle the soup into bowls, the toppings are your chance to add flair and flavor. Think of them as the finishing touch that turns a bowl of soup into a feast.
Top each bowl with a generous handful of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, allowing it to melt into the hot soup. Sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits for that savory crunch, and finish with finely chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color.
Want to get even more indulgent? Add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness, or throw on some fresh herbs for a touch of brightness. Every spoonful will be packed with flavor and the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness.
A Toast to Indulgence: Savoring the Comfort
Sometimes, it’s okay to throw the calorie count out the window and simply enjoy a rich, creamy bowl of Outback’s potato soup. This indulgence is worth every bite, warming your soul with every spoonful.
So, if you’re craving more copycat recipes to spice up your kitchen, be sure to check out my Houston’s Hawaiian Ribeye Recipe for another unforgettable meal.
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Ingredients:
- Water (enough to cover the potatoes)
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock (or broth)
- 1 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup green onion, diced
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and boil them in water until tender. Set aside.
- Make the Broth Base: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Create the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until smooth and golden. This will create the thickening agent for the soup.
- Combine the Roux and Broth: Gradually add the roux to the simmering broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, then let the soup simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
- Add the Potatoes: Gently stir in the diced potatoes and let the soup continue to simmer.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Optionally, add sour cream and fresh herbs.
There you have it—your very own comforting, indulgent bowl of Outback’s famous potato soup. Serve it up, enjoy, and share the love with friends and family. Bon appétit!