Outback Potato Soup

The Creamy Outback Style Potato Soup is a tribute to the beloved steakhouse classic. Brimming with hearty potatoes, crisp bacon, and velvety cheese, this soup delivers rich, comforting flavors in every spoonful. Whether served as a main dish or a cozy starter, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and perfect for when you’re craving something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The roux thickens the soup beautifully, while the combination of cream and cheese creates that signature indulgent texture. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a full, comforting meal the whole family will adore.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Water (enough to cover the potatoes for boiling)

• 4 large russet or golden potatoes

• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or chicken broth

• 1 cup cold water

• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (plus extra 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

Directions:

1. Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and boil in water until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pot, add chicken stock, sweet yellow onion (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 cup of water. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.

3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until a smooth roux forms. Cook for 2–3 minutes.

4. Gradually whisk the roux into the soup base, stirring until thickened and smooth.

5. Stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Gently fold in the cooked potatoes.

7. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and diced green onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Outback-Style Potato Soup: A Creamy Comfort Classic

When the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, nothing satisfies the soul quite like a warm bowl of rich, creamy potato soup. Among the many variations of this comfort food staple, Outback Style Potato Soup stands out with its indulgent ingredients, velvety consistency, and crave-worthy toppings. This soup doesn’t just warm your stomach it wraps you in a blanket of savory nostalgia.

Inspired by the popular version served at Outback Steakhouse, this hearty soup delivers bold flavor with a home cooked feel. It’s the kind of dish that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary: smooth, buttery potatoes melded with cheddar cheese, heavy cream, crispy bacon, and just the right touch of seasoning. The result is a crowd pleasing favorite that fits anywhere from casual weeknight dinners to cozy weekend gatherings.

The Legacy of Loaded Potato Soup

Potato soup has a long and varied history in global cuisine. From Irish potato and leek soup to German kartoffelsuppe, nearly every culture with access to potatoes has a version of this dish. In the United States, especially in the South and Midwest, loaded potato soup became a kitchen staple thanks to its affordability, accessibility, and versatility.

What makes Outback’s version unique is its unmistakable indulgence. It’s not merely a broth with potatoes floating in it it’s a rich, thick soup full of creamy textures and layered flavors. The base is usually made with butter, flour, and dairy, creating a roux that thickens the soup while delivering a luscious mouthfeel. It’s then seasoned and simmered slowly to develop deep flavor.

Unlike minimalist versions, Outback-Style Potato Soup is unapologetically hearty. Each bowl is topped with crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar, and a sprinkle of green onions for color and freshness. Some variations include onions sautéed in butter for a sweet, aromatic undertone, while others experiment with extra herbs, spices, or even sour cream.

Why People Love It

This soup checks off nearly every box when it comes to comfort food:

• Creaminess: The combination of butter, heavy cream, and cheese makes it incredibly rich and silky.

• Savoriness: Bacon adds a smoky, salty element that complements the gentle earthiness of the potatoes.

• Texture: Some versions keep a few chunks of potato for a rustic feel, while others are blended smooth it’s entirely customizable.

• Topping Galore: The toppings aren’t just garnish; they add layers of flavor and crunch that contrast the smooth base.

Moreover, it’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare in large batches, and stores well, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy households.

Nutritional Notes & Customization

Like most comfort food, this soup is meant to be indulgent. However, there are plenty of ways to adjust the recipe to meet different dietary preferences or nutritional needs:

• Gluten-Free: Swap out traditional flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux.

• Lighter Version: Use milk instead of heavy cream, and turkey bacon in place of traditional bacon.

• Vegetarian-Friendly: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika to retain depth of flavor.

• Keto Modification: Use cauliflower in place of potatoes and skip the flour-based roux. Add cream cheese or heavy cream to boost fat content.

Potato soup is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, which is one reason it’s remained popular across generations and dietary lifestyles.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This soup is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and drinks:

• Bread: Serve it with a warm baguette, garlic toast, or even a classic biscuit to soak up every last drop.

• Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.

• Wine/Drinks: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay, or even a chilled glass of cider, complements the soup’s creamy texture.

• Toppings Bar: For a party or gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar. Guests can add their own shredded cheese, chopped chives, hot sauce, sour cream, or crumbled bacon.

This makes it a fun, interactive meal option for game nights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

Cooking Tips from the Pros

Even though this is a beginner-friendly recipe, a few expert tips can make a big difference in the final result:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets yield a fluffier, starchier result that blends well, while Yukon Golds offer a more buttery, waxy texture.

• Low and Slow: Letting the soup simmer gently allows flavors to meld without curdling the dairy.

• Texture Control: If you like a silky soup, use an immersion blender. For more texture, mash the potatoes lightly or leave some chunks intact.

• Layer Your Seasonings: Don’t dump everything in at once. Season gradually and taste as you go to ensure depth.

• Cheese Matters: Always use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often include anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Cultural Comfort and Timeless Appeal

Part of the reason dishes like this have such a lasting hold in our hearts and kitchens is because they do more than just feed us. They nurture us. A bowl of potato soup isn’t just warm it’s warming. It’s not just creamy it’s comforting. Whether you grew up eating it in your grandmother’s kitchen or just discovered it through a restaurant chain, it connects us to a larger culinary story of home, simplicity, and satisfaction.

As more people embrace cooking at home, especially post-pandemic, recipes like these see a revival. There’s something soothing about slow-cooked meals, bubbling on the stove, their aromas filling the house and drawing loved ones to the table.

Conclusion

Outback-Style Potato Soup is more than a copycat recipe it’s a tribute to how simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can yield extraordinary results. It’s a dish that comforts in winter, satisfies during stressful weeks, and delights at dinner parties.

With its creamy consistency, savory toppings, and cozy appeal, it’s a timeless recipe that invites personalization and rewards every cook, from novice to seasoned chef. Add this to your weekly rotation, impress your guests, or freeze it for those days when only a warm bowl of soup will do.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or creating new memories, this soup delivers every time. It’s not just food it’s a feeling.