Description
Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup Recipe
Craving that rich, creamy potato soup from Outback Steakhouse? You can now make it at home! This copycat recipe brings all the comforting flavors into your kitchen with simple ingredients. Cream, butter, and cheese come together to create a hearty dish that’ll warm your soul. Perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones. It’s indulgent, and every spoonful is worth it!
4 large potatoes
2 ½ cups chicken broth
½ small onion, diced
½ tsp salt & black pepper
⅓ cup flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup butter
¾ cup cheddar cheese
⅛ cup bacon bits
⅛ cup green onions
Directions:
1. Boil potatoes until tender.
2. Simmer broth with onions, salt, & pepper for 20 min.
3. Whisk butter & flour, add to broth.
4. Stir in cream & potatoes.
5. Garnish with cheese, bacon bits & green onions.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 350
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the 4 large potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Create the Flavor Base: In a large soup pot, combine the 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the onion to soften and the flavors to meld.
3. Make the Roux: While the broth simmers, melt the ½ cup of butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the ⅓ cup of flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth, golden paste. This is your roux, which will thicken the soup.
4. Combine and Thicken: Gradually whisk the roux into the simmering broth. Continue to whisk for 2-3 minutes until the soup base is smooth and begins to thicken.
5. Finish the Soup: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and the cooked potatoes. Let the soup heat through for 5-10 minutes, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and sliced green onions. For a complete Outback Steakhouse experience, serve with a side of warm, dark pumpernickel bread or a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
To make Outback Steakhouse Potato Soup: Boil and cube potatoes. Simmer broth with onions and seasoning. Create a roux with butter and flour, then whisk it into the broth to thicken. Stir in cream and potatoes. Heat through and serve topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator without the toppings. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
How can I make this soup lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less rich. You can also use a lower-fat cheese and turkey bacon.
My soup is too thick. How do I fix it? Simply thin it out by gradually whisking in additional warm chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I freeze this potato soup? Freezing is not recommended. Dairy-based soups can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated. The potatoes may also become mealy.
What’s the best potato to use? Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Russets break down slightly for a thicker texture, while Yukon Golds hold their shape well and offer a buttery flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the Roux Incorrectly: Always whisk the hot roux into the hot broth gradually. Adding it all at once or to cold liquid can cause lumps.
- Boiling After Adding Cream: Once cream is added, only heat the soup through on low. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle or separate.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Boil potatoes just until tender. If they are mushy before going into the soup, they may disintegrate completely.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. Always shred cheese from a block for the smoothest melt.
Conclusion
This Outback Steakhouse copycat potato soup delivers the ultimate comfort food experience right at home. With its creamy base, tender potatoes, and savory toppings, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a restaurant-quality soup perfect for any cozy gathering. Enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of this classic favorite.