If you’re longing for the rich, hearty comfort of Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup, you’re not alone. This creamy classic is a crowd-pleaser, blending tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a luscious cream base to create a soul-warming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little guidance, you can recreate this beloved recipe right in your kitchen. This guide dives deep into every detail, ensuring you master this dish and learn some tips and tricks along the way.

Why Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Is a Fan Favorite

Outback Steakhouse has earned a reputation for delivering bold flavors and hearty meals, and their potato soup is no exception. What makes this dish truly stand out is its perfectly creamy consistency and the balance between the smokiness of the bacon and the velvety richness of the cream. It’s not just food; it’s comfort in a bowl.

Wondering what makes this soup such a hit? It’s all in the preparation and choice of ingredients. Each element works harmoniously to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you’re curious about other creamy comfort dishes, explore this shrimp and corn soup for another rich and satisfying recipe.

Another critical factor in crafting the ideal soup is choosing the right potatoes. Starchy varieties like russets are a top choice for their ability to blend seamlessly into creamy soups. Want to learn more about selecting the best potatoes for soups? Visit Potato Goodness for expert tips.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. This recipe calls for pantry staples and fresh produce, making it both accessible and rewarding.

Essential Ingredients

Russet Potatoes: These are starchy and break down beautifully into the soup, enhancing its creamy texture.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty kick that complements the richness of the cream.
Butter and Heavy Cream: These form the luxurious, velvety base of the soup.
Chicken Broth: Provides depth to the soup while balancing the richness of the cream.
Flour: A thickening agent that ensures the soup has the ideal consistency.
Onions: Sauteed to add a slightly sweet, aromatic undertone.
Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheese blend for a gooey finish.
Chopped chives for a fresh, herbal note.
Crispy bacon bits for additional texture.

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup

Follow these steps to craft your very own Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure the flavors meld perfectly.

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt.
Rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 60 minutes or until fork-tender.
Once cooled, chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes and set them aside.

2. Cooking the Soup Base

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add butter to the bacon grease and melt over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let it burn.
Sauté the finely chopped onions in the mixture until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Thickening the Base

Stir in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step ensures that the raw flour taste is eliminated.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. The mixture will start to thicken.

4. Adding Creamy Components

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The soup should have a smooth, velvety texture at this point.
Season the base with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

5. Incorporating the Potatoes

Gently stir the chopped baked potatoes into the soup. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.

6. Final Touches

Adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth if needed or letting the soup reduce slightly for a thicker texture.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

7. Serving

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, chopped chives, and crispy bacon.

Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Soup

Choose the Right Potatoes

Russets are ideal for their starchiness, which helps create a creamy soup. For a chunkier texture, consider Yukon Golds.

Add Layers of Flavor

Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the soup base for an added depth of flavor.

Control the Consistency

If the soup is too thick, thin it with extra chicken broth. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.

Curious about other hearty comfort foods? Check out this beefaroni recipe for a nostalgic and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best potatoes for this soup?

Russet potatoes are the top choice due to their high starch content, which breaks down easily to create a smooth texture. Yukon Golds can also work if you prefer a slightly firmer bite.

2. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

3. How long does this soup stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, the soup can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat to preserve the creamy texture.

4. Can I freeze potato soup?

While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly, stirring frequently.

5. What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Crusty artisan bread or garlic knots.
A fresh Caesar or spinach salad.
Complement it with a dessert like these earl grey cookies for a sophisticated finish.

Serving Suggestions

This potato soup is a meal in itself but shines even brighter when paired with complementary sides. Here are some ideas:

Bread and Rolls

Crusty sourdough bread or garlic knots are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

Salads

A simple Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

Desserts

End the meal on a sweet note with a light dessert like this tuxedo cake, which pairs beautifully with the hearty soup.

Conclusion

Recreating the Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup at home is a rewarding experience. This dish is more than just a soup; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors make it a hit for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even entertaining guests.

With the step-by-step guidance provided here, you’ll be able to master this recipe and even customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making it vegetarian, experimenting with seasonings, or pairing it with a fresh salad or crusty bread, this soup will never fail to delight.

Looking for more recipes to expand your comfort food repertoire? Explore this shrimp and corn soup for another hearty and satisfying option, or treat yourself to a sweet finish with the tuxedo cake.

Enjoy your culinary adventure, and let this recipe become a staple in your household!

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

Author: aiden rodman
Total Time: 45 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Recreate the iconic Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup at home with this rich and creamy recipe. Perfect for comfort food lovers, this dish combines tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a velvety cream base. Follow our easy, step-by-step guide to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table. Whether for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy!

Ingredients

Scale

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional for garnish)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a thick, creamy base while leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 servings