Introduction
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish loved by many people. If you have ever visited Outback Steakhouse, you may remember their famous baked potato soup. It is thick, smooth, and filled with the delicious flavors of potatoes, cheese, bacon, and cream.
The good news is that you can easily make a similar version at home. This homemade recipe captures the same creamy texture and savory taste that makes the restaurant version so popular. The soup is warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days or cozy dinners.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. With a few potatoes, some broth, cheese, and cream, you can create a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a restaurant meal.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, weekend lunches, or even as a starter before a main course. Let’s learn how to make this delicious potato soup step by step.
Cooking Time & Prep Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheese
- Extra bacon bits
- Chopped chives
- A spoon of sour cream
These toppings make the soup look beautiful and add extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and help the soup become creamy.
Place the diced potatoes in a large pot. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Let the potatoes cook for about 15 minutes or until they are soft. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Once cooked, lightly mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or potato masher. This step helps create a thicker soup.
2. Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes cook, place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook until the bacon becomes crispy. This usually takes 6–8 minutes.
Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Then crumble it into small pieces.
Small tip: Save a tablespoon of bacon pieces for topping the soup later.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In another large pot or the same soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly golden.
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir gently so the garlic does not burn.
The onion and garlic create a strong flavor base for the soup.
4. Make a Simple Thickening Base
Sprinkle the flour into the pot with the onions and butter.
Stir continuously for about 1 minute. The flour helps thicken the soup.
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring. This prevents lumps from forming.
Then add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth.
5. Add the Potatoes
Now add the cooked potatoes and chicken broth into the creamy mixture.
Stir everything together gently.
Add salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend together.
6. Add Cheese and Sour Cream
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely.
Then add the sour cream and mix well. This gives the soup its rich, creamy taste.
Finally, stir in most of the crumbled bacon.
Let the soup cook for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
Serve the soup warm and enjoy every creamy spoonful.
Tips & Variations
Use baked potatoes
If you have leftover baked potatoes, you can use them in this recipe to save time.
Make it vegetarian
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon.
Make it gluten-free
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour.
Make it lighter
Use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
Add vegetables
Carrots, celery, or corn can add extra flavor and texture.
Make it extra cheesy
Add more cheddar or mix in mozzarella for a stretchy texture.
Small tip: If the soup becomes too thick, add a little warm broth or milk.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Health Benefits
Even though potato soup is a comfort food, it still offers some helpful nutrients.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients help support heart health and digestion.
Milk and cheese provide calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth.
Garlic and onions contain antioxidants and natural compounds that support the immune system.
If you add vegetables like carrots or celery, the soup becomes even more nutritious.
For a healthier version, you can reduce the cream and add more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Outback-style potato soup is very filling and works well as both a starter or main meal.
You can serve it with:
- Warm crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- A fresh garden salad
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
A simple green salad with lemon dressing balances the creamy soup very well.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool before storing.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove and add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
Potato soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months, although the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that is easy to recreate at home. With soft potatoes, rich cream, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, every bowl is warm and satisfying.
This recipe is simple enough for beginners and perfect for family dinners, cold evenings, or cozy weekends. The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking steps are straightforward.
Once you try this homemade version, you may find yourself making it again and again. It delivers the same comforting flavors that people love at the restaurant.
Give this delicious potato soup a try, share it with family or friends, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade comfort.
Helpful Cooking Tools
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup
Introduction Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish loved by many people. If you have ever visited Outback Steakhouse, you may remember their famous baked potato...
