Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

A rich, creamy Steakhouse potato soup that whispers comfort with every spoonful.

Cold evenings call for something hearty and warm.

This incredible soup captures the essence of cozy restaurant-style dining right in your kitchen.

Home cooks adore recreating restaurant favorites with their personal touch.

Savoring each velvety bite loaded with tender potato chunks and subtle seasonings.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

You’ll feel like a culinary star when friends ask for seconds of this delightful soup.

How To Save And Reheat Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using sour cream or milk-based soups, as texture may separate.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of dairy ingredients.
  • Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature. Add extra cheese or bacon bits to refresh flavors.

What Tastes Good With Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

  • Bacon Bliss Pairings: Complement the soup's rich bacon flavor with a crisp, hoppy IPA beer or a light pilsner that cuts through the creaminess while enhancing the smoky bacon notes.
  • Cheese Companion Selections: Match the cheesy potato soup with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay that balances the soup's creamy texture and brings out its subtle cheese undertones.
  • Comfort Crunch Sides: Serve alongside garlic-butter toasted sourdough croutons or a fresh arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a bright, crisp contrast to the soup's creamy richness.
  • Hearty Herb Additions: Garnish with fresh chives or pair with a light herb-infused focaccia bread to add an extra layer of aromatic complexity that elevates the soup's rustic charm.

Easy Twists For Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

  • Smoky Sweet Potato Spin: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a rich, caramelized flavor. Add a dash of chipotle powder to enhance the smokiness and create a warm, comforting profile that tingles taste buds.
  • Vegetarian Harvest Blend: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or roasted mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a deep, savory base.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Dice fresh jalapeños and sauté them with onions for an extra punch of heat. Sprinkle additional pepper jack cheese on top to amplify the spicy undertones and create a zesty soup experience.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Style: Stir in crumbled blue cheese and top with crispy chives, extra bacon bits, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. This variation transforms the soup into a decadent, fully loaded potato experience that feels like comfort in a bowl.

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe Questions Answered

  • Why is bacon used in this potato soup recipe?

Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor and provides a crispy texture that elevates the soup’s overall taste. The bacon fat also helps build a delicious base for cooking the vegetables.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese alternatives to keep the creamy texture.

  • How do I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the chicken broth, milk, and cream gradually into the flour mixture, stirring constantly. This technique helps create a smooth base and prevents flour clumps from forming in the soup.

  • What makes this soup similar to Outback Steakhouse's version?

The combination of multiple cheeses, partial potato mashing for thickness, and the use of smoked paprika closely mimics the restaurant’s signature potato soup recipe. The layered flavors and creamy consistency are key to recreating the original dish.

What’s Special About Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: A creamy potato soup packed with smoky bacon, rich cheeses, and aromatic herbs that dance together in every spoonful.
  • Texture Triumph: Enjoy a perfect balance of smooth, velvety base with chunky potato pieces and crispy bacon bits that provide delightful contrasts in each bite.
  • Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, warming soup that delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen, making it ideal for cozy nights or quick family meals.
  • Effortless Elegance: Simple cooking techniques and readily available ingredients allow even novice cooks to create a gourmet-style soup with minimal preparation time and maximum deliciousness.

Everything You Need For Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

Meat Base:
  • Bacon: Provides a smoky, rich flavor and crispy texture for the soup; choose thick-cut bacon for best results.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Key flavor base that adds depth and aromatic foundation to the soup; fresh garlic brings intense flavor.
  • Green Onions: Bright, fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and color contrast.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a rich, creamy base for the soup; whole milk provides a smooth texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that add sharpness and creaminess; sharp cheddar recommended for more intense flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps thicken the soup.
Thickening and Seasoning:
  • Flour: Helps create a smooth roux and thickens the soup base.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid base and additional flavor depth.
  • Thyme, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall soup flavor profile.

Steps To Make Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp the Bacon

Grab a spacious pot and transform those bacon pieces into golden, crunchy delights. Let them dance in the heat until perfectly crisp. Gently scoop out the bacon using a slotted spoon, placing them on a paper towel. Keep a generous coating of bacon fat in the pot for maximum flavor magic.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Introduce butter to the sizzling bacon fat. Watch it melt and shimmer, then welcome the diced onions. Let them soften and become translucent, creating a fragrant base. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it release its intoxicating aroma for a quick moment.

Step 3: Craft the Velvety Base

Dust the flour over the onion mixture, stirring with enthusiasm. Allow it to cook briefly, eliminating any raw flour undertones. Slowly pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream

Whisk with confidence, banishing any potential lumps from your culinary creation.

Step 4: Potato Transformation

Introduce the diced potatoes to the party, along with:
  • Fresh thyme
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the potatoes become wonderfully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.

Step 5: Cheese and Comfort Fusion

Time to elevate the soup’s texture and richness. Gently mash some potatoes, creating a luxurious blend of smooth and chunky. Fold in:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream

Stir until the cheeses melt into a creamy embrace. Mix in half the crispy bacon, saving the rest for a spectacular topping.

Step 6: The Grand Finale

Ladle the soup into welcoming bowls. Crown each serving with:
  • Extra cheese sprinkles
  • Remaining crispy bacon bits
  • Freshly chopped green onions

Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Smart Tips For Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

  • Bacon Brilliance: Crisp the bacon perfectly by cooking it slowly over medium heat, which ensures even browning and maximum flavor without burning.
  • Roux Rescue: Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a rich, smooth base for the soup's creamy texture.
  • Potato Perfection: Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier consistency, and leave some chunks for delightful texture variation in each spoonful.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth finish.
  • Garnish Game: Top the soup with fresh green onions and extra bacon bits just before serving to add crunch and bright flavor contrast.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe

Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty russet potatoes with rich, velvety broth. Potato lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic American recipe that warms from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 slices of bacon, diced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Herbs and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Garnish:

  • Additional shredded cheese
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Initiate the flavor foundation by rendering bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Extract the bacon pieces using a perforated utensil and transfer to an absorbent surface, preserving approximately two tablespoons of rendered fat within the cooking vessel.
  2. Incorporate butter into the residual bacon drippings, allowing it to melt seamlessly. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. Immediately introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for one minute.
  3. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, thoroughly integrating to create a roux. Toast the mixture briefly to eliminate any raw flour undertones. Methodically stream in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent luminal formations.
  4. Introduce diced potatoes along with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, periodically stirring to prevent scorching. Continue cooking until potatoes reach a tender consistency, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  5. Manipulate the potato texture by partially mashing, creating a rustic, hearty profile while maintaining some chunk integrity. Fold in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, followed by sour cream, stirring until a smooth, luxurious consistency develops. Fold in half of the reserved bacon bits, reserving the remainder for garnishing.
  6. Elegantly portion the soup into serving vessels. Embellish with additional cheese shreds, crispy bacon fragments, and finely chopped green onions. Accompany with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Crisp the bacon slowly to render maximum flavor and ensure even cooking without burning.
  • Save bacon grease as a secret weapon for adding depth to the soup’s base, enhancing overall richness.
  • Control potato texture by gently mashing some pieces while leaving chunks for a rustic, hearty feel.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy consistency.
  • Elevate vegetarian options by replacing bacon with smoked paprika and roasted mushrooms for umami complexity.
  • Prevent cheese from curdling by removing pot from heat before adding dairy and stirring gently until melted.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika or adding cayenne for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 575
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star