Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup

Introduction

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of potatoes, cheese, and bacon, making it a perfect comfort food for any time of year. The smooth, velvety texture of the soup, paired with the smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, creates a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s a soup that wraps you in warmth and indulgence with every spoonful.

This recipe is a beloved favorite of mine, and it has a way of bringing everyone together around the table. I first made it after having it at Outback Steakhouse, and I couldn’t resist recreating it at home. The combination of the creamy broth, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon instantly won me over. It’s easy to make, but feels so special, like a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is perfect for cooler days when you want something hearty and filling. It’s great as a meal on its own or paired with a side salad and warm bread for a complete dinner. Topped with extra cheese, green onions, and more crispy bacon, it’s the ultimate bowl of cozy comfort. If you’re looking for a soup that will leave everyone asking for the recipe, this is the one to serve!

Perfect for:

Cozy dinners
Family gatherings
Comfort food cravings
Game day parties
Potato lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Creamy and Rich Flavor: The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese creates a thick and velvety texture that’s indulgent yet comforting.
Perfectly Balanced Seasoning: A perfect balance of savory flavors from bacon, cheese, and green onions makes this soup taste just like the one served at Outback Steakhouse.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make this delicious soup at home without any hassle.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes and bacon, this soup is both satisfying and filling, making it a perfect meal on its own or as a starter.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, adding more or less cheese, bacon, or seasoning to taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
Extra crispy bacon (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for making potato soup because they break down easily when cooked, creating a creamy texture.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a savory, salty crunch that perfectly complements the rich and creamy soup base.
Cheddar Cheese: The shredded cheddar melts beautifully into the soup, adding flavor and richness.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the soup, enhancing its smooth texture.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a burst of color and a mild, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup:

Prepare the Potatoes:

Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the peeled and diced potatoes, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set aside.

Cook the Bacon and Onion:

Cook the Bacon: In the same pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some bacon drippings in the pot.
Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Make the Soup Base:

Combine Broth and Cream: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk to the pot with the sautéed onions. Stir well to combine.
Add the Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Mash the Potatoes:

Mash the Potatoes: Add the cooked potatoes back to the pot and mash them with a potato masher or fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
Simmer and Thicken: Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

Finish the Soup:

Add the Sour Cream and Cheese: Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish.

How to Serve

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Main Course: Serve the soup as a hearty main dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
As a Starter: Serve the soup in smaller portions as a delicious starter before the main course at dinner parties or family gatherings.
With Extra Toppings: Offer additional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or croutons on the side for guests to customize their soup.
With Grilled Steak or Chicken: Pair the soup with a grilled steak or chicken for a classic, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
For a Comforting Lunch: Serve the soup with a side of warm, toasted sandwiches for a comforting lunch.

Additional Tips

Use Starchy Potatoes: For the creamiest soup, stick with starchy potatoes like russet potatoes, as they break down and thicken the soup naturally.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes when boiling them. They should be tender but not mushy.
Customize the Bacon: If you like extra crispy bacon, cook it until it’s very crisp before adding it to the soup for added crunch.
Control the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the soup a little heat.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup:

Loaded Potato Soup: Add additional toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even chopped chili for a loaded version.
Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup: Add more cheese (like mozzarella or gouda) to make the soup even more cheesy and indulgent.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
Spicy Potato Soup: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Smoky Potato Soup: Use smoked bacon and smoked cheese to give the soup a smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Potato soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the sour cream and cheese. Once frozen, reheat the soup and then stir in the sour cream and cheese when serving.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk to loosen the soup if it has thickened.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup easier:

Large Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the potatoes and making the soup base.
Potato Masher: A potato masher helps create the perfect texture for the soup.
Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon is useful for removing the crispy bacon from the pot without the excess grease.
Immersion Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream, milk, and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, and dairy-free sour cream.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when ready to serve.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken, or mash the potatoes further for a creamier consistency.

Conclusion

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. The creamy, rich texture of the soup combined with the savory taste of bacon, cheese, and chives makes it a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re looking to indulge on a chilly day or serve up a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

What truly makes this recipe stand out is its depth of flavor and the balance of ingredients that come together so beautifully. It’s versatile enough to enjoy as a standalone meal or alongside your favorite dishes for a full feast.

Perfect for cozy nights in or serving guests with something special, Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is sure to become a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience its rich, comforting taste! Be sure to share your creations with me on social media—I’d love to see how you make it your own! Enjoy every warm, satisfying spoonful!