Hey, fellow food lovers! I’m about to embark on a delicious culinary journey, and you’re invited to join me! There’s something undeniably exciting about recreating a beloved dish from a restaurant and bringing it straight to your own kitchen. And what better dish to start with than the iconic Outback Steakhouse potato soup? It’s creamy, hearty, and perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food, making it the ideal recipe for those chilly nights when you just need a little indulgence.
I recently discovered a recipe that is remarkably close to the real Outback version—honestly, it’s almost as if a chef from the restaurant passed it on! The idea of enjoying this creamy, cheesy goodness at home whenever I want is too good to pass up, so I’m sharing all the steps with you to bring this amazing dish into your own kitchen.
A Hearty Indulgence
Let’s be real: this isn’t a low-calorie meal. It’s packed with butter, cream, and cheese—everything that makes comfort food so irresistible. But hey, life’s too short to skip out on these indulgent moments. So, why not dive in and embrace the rich, velvety textures that make this potato soup a must-have treat every now and then?
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in bringing this iconic soup to life. Each one plays a key role in creating that deep, comforting flavor we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large russet potatoes – these are the star of the show, bringing a tender, hearty texture to the soup.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth – this adds the rich, savory base for the soup.
- 1/2 small onion, diced – a bit of sharpness to balance out all that creamy goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper – for seasoning.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – for thickening and achieving that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/8 cup bacon bits, and 1/8 cup green onions – for garnish, adding flavor, color, and a bit of extra indulgence to the final dish.
These ingredients are simple, but together they create a symphony of flavors that transform into an unforgettable bowl of potato soup.
Tools You’ll Need
While you’re getting the ingredients together, don’t forget the essentials for cooking and serving this soup:
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Perfect for simmering and cooking the soup evenly.
- Cheese Grater – To grate fresh cheddar for a gooey, melty topping.
- Serving Bowls – To present your delicious creation with style.
Cooking Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Here’s how to replicate that Outback Steakhouse magic in your own kitchen:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by dicing your potatoes into bite-sized cubes and boiling them until they’re tender. Once they’re soft and ready, set them aside.
- Make the Soup Base: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and water. Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat, letting the flavors meld together for about 20 minutes.
- Create the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring continuously until a smooth paste forms. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Combine the Roux with the Broth: Slowly add the roux to the simmering broth mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. This is what will give the soup that rich, creamy texture.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. This will enrich the soup, giving it that velvety smoothness.
- Simmer and Stir: Let the soup simmer for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking.
- Add the Potatoes: Once the soup is thick and creamy, gently add the diced potatoes, stirring them in to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. These toppings add not only flavor but also a beautiful visual appeal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
- Add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and texture.
- Play around with toppings! A sprinkle of fresh herbs, extra cheese, or even a few extra bacon bits can make all the difference.
A Toast to Comfort
Sometimes, it’s okay to set aside the calorie count and simply indulge in a hearty, soul-warming meal like this Outback Potato Soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. So, let’s savor this rich, velvety soup and enjoy the simple joy of a delicious homemade meal.
If you love this recipe, you’ll want to check out my Houston’s Hawaiian Ribeye recipe too!
Outback Potato Soup Recipe
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes
- 8 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 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 diced green onion
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Dice the potatoes and boil them until tender. Set aside.
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add the roux to the simmering broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delicious soup, and share it with those you love!