Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup

This Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, indulgent dish loaded with hearty potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in, this copycat recipe recreates the beloved steakhouse favorite right at home with simple ingredients and irresistible results!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • Water (enough to cover potatoes for boiling)

  • 4 large russet or golden potatoes, diced

  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 2½ cups chicken stock (or broth)

  • 1 cup cold water

  • ¾ cup cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)

  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

  • ½ cup butter

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup green onions, diced

  • ½ sweet yellow onion, diced (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Boil the Potatoes:
    Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in a pot of water until tender, then set aside.

  2. Prepare the Broth Base:
    In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, diced onions, salt, pepper, and 1 cup cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes.

  3. Make the Roux:
    In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

  4. Thicken the Soup:
    Slowly whisk the roux into the simmering broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

  5. Add Cream:
    Pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring gently to combine.

  6. Simmer:
    Allow the soup to simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  7. Add the Potatoes:
    Gently stir the cooked potatoes into the thickened soup.

  8. Serve and Garnish:
    Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and diced green onions.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~450–500 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: ~30g

  • Protein: ~12g

  • Fat: ~35g

  • Fiber: ~2g

  • Sodium: Moderate to high, depending on broth and bacon

What Makes This Potato Soup So Special

The secret to the unforgettable taste of this Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup lies in its perfect balance of creamy richness and savory depth. It starts with tender russet or golden potatoes, known for their ability to soften beautifully while maintaining their shape. A velvety broth made from chicken stock and heavy cream forms the luxurious base, thickened by a classic butter-and-flour roux that gives the soup its signature body and texture.

What truly sets this soup apart are the layers of flavor built throughout the cooking process. The gentle sautéing of onions, the slow simmering of the broth, and the careful blending of the roux all contribute to a soup that is deeply savory and satisfying. Topped with gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and fresh green onions, each spoonful delivers a perfect combination of creamy, smoky, and slightly tangy notes.

The Comforting Power of Creamy Soups

Creamy soups like this potato soup have a way of wrapping you in comfort and making any day feel a little more special. There’s something inherently soothing about their rich texture and warm, savory flavors. This Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is a prime example of why creamy soups remain perennial favorites, especially during the colder months.

The richness of the heavy cream and butter provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the potatoes offer hearty substance that turns the soup into a true meal rather than just an appetizer. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the dinner table, invites second helpings, and leaves everyone feeling full and content.

Building Layers of Flavor

Creating a memorable potato soup means paying attention to each step of the cooking process. Sautéing the onions first develops a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the broth. Using chicken stock instead of just water introduces savory, umami undertones that make the soup more complex and satisfying.

The roux, a cooked mixture of butter and flour, plays a critical role in thickening the soup while also adding a rich, toasty flavor. Gradually incorporating the roux into the broth ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps. The addition of heavy cream elevates the soup’s richness, making it silky and indulgent without being overly heavy.

Finally, adding the tender potatoes near the end allows them to absorb the flavors of the broth without disintegrating. Each spoonful offers a creamy base punctuated by bites of tender potato, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to soup. For the best results, russet or golden potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe. Russets are starchy and break down slightly during cooking, creating a thick and hearty texture. Golden potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, offer a buttery flavor and a creamier texture that hold up well in soups.

Dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces ensures that they cook evenly and are easy to enjoy in every spoonful. Their mild flavor allows the richness of the broth and the toppings to shine without overpowering the dish.

Toppings That Take It to the Next Level

While the soup itself is incredibly delicious, the toppings are what truly make this dish stand out. Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. Sharp cheddar cheese melts slightly on top, adding an extra layer of richness and a slight tanginess that cuts through the creaminess.

Freshly diced green onions bring a pop of color and a subtle bite that brightens up each serving. These finishing touches transform a simple bowl of soup into a fully loaded, restaurant-style experience that feels indulgent and satisfying.

For even more variety, you can customize the toppings to suit your tastes. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a few dashes of hot sauce can add exciting new dimensions to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

This Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course, especially when paired with some warm, crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup, creating a well-rounded meal.

It also makes an excellent starter for a larger dinner. Serve it before a grilled steak, roast chicken, or even a vegetarian main course for a satisfying and impressive meal. Because it reheats beautifully, it’s a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy cozy, homemade comfort food throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love Making This Soup at Home

Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home is always a rewarding experience, and this Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is no exception. It’s a simple recipe with straightforward steps, yet the results feel indulgent and special.

Making it yourself allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about filling your kitchen with the warm, savory aroma of homemade potato soup and knowing that a delicious, hearty meal is just minutes away.

Not only will you save money compared to dining out, but you’ll also have the flexibility to enjoy this comfort food classic whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup is the epitome of cozy, comforting food. Rich, creamy, and packed with hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and savory flavors, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied.

This homemade version captures everything you love about the restaurant favorite while being easy enough to prepare on any night of the week. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish with some crusty bread or serving it as a starter for a special dinner, this potato soup is sure to impress.

With its irresistible combination of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory toppings, this soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Once you experience the comfort and flavor of this homemade classic, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, savoring every spoonful.

 

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