Outback-Style Potato Soup

The Creamy Outback Style Potato Soup is a tribute to the iconic steakhouse favorite, bursting with savory flavors and comforting textures. The combination of soft golden potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cream, and melted cheddar brings cozy, nostalgic warmth to every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just satisfy hunger it feeds the soul.

Ideal for cool evenings or casual gatherings, this soup is simple to prepare but delivers bold flavor with every bite. Whether paired with warm bread or served solo, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like it simmered all day. Its thick, creamy base and customizable toppings make it a timeless favorite you’ll turn to all winter long.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet or golden potatoes

• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or 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

• Water (enough to cover the potatoes for boiling)

Directions:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

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

3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Gradually whisk the roux into the soup base until thick and smooth.

5. Add the heavy cream, stir, and simmer for another 20 minutes.

6. Gently fold in the cooked potatoes.

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

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

The Irresistible Comfort of Outback-Style Potato Soup

When the weather cools and sweaters come out, our cravings begin to shift toward warm, comforting foods that fill the belly and soothe the spirit. Among the top contenders in the comfort food category is a good, hearty bowl of potato soup but not just any version. The Outback-Style Potato Soup, inspired by the popular offering at Outback Steakhouse, takes the humble potato and elevates it into a rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying dish.

This version of potato soup is beloved for its creamy texture, sharp cheddar tang, savory bacon topping, and the way it manages to feel like both a full meal and a warm hug. While it’s a copycat recipe, it’s far more than just an imitation it’s a celebration of simplicity done exceptionally well.

Why Outback-Style Potato Soup Stands Out

Potato soup is hardly a new concept. Variants of it exist across cultures from Irish potato and leek soup to German kartoffelsuppe, to American southern-style loaded baked potato soup. But the Outback-inspired take offers a unique balance of creamy decadence, subtle seasoning, and familiar ingredients that make it universally appealing.

The genius behind this recipe is its rich base. A roux made of butter and flour creates a luxurious thickness without needing heavy additives. When paired with heavy cream and cheddar cheese, the result is a velvety texture that coats the palate with every spoonful. The addition of crispy bacon and green onions as garnish not only adds texture and a visual pop, but it also elevates the flavor profile with smokiness and freshness.

This soup is versatile too it can be served as a comforting starter, a side dish, or even a hearty main course when paired with crusty bread or a light salad.

The Cultural Appeal of Creamy Soups

Cream-based soups have long been associated with comfort and nourishment. Historically, they were used to stretch pantry staples and feed large families without breaking the bank. A base of potatoes, broth, and dairy was common across both rural and urban kitchens.

The Outback-Style Potato Soup pays homage to this history but introduces modern-day richness. The inclusion of cheddar cheese and heavy cream speaks to indulgence, while keeping the method approachable and home kitchen friendly. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make it you just need the desire to cook something satisfying from scratch.

This cultural relevance is part of the soup’s enduring popularity. It reflects how modern comfort food continues to evolve: still grounded in tradition, but enhanced by a desire for bold, hearty flavors and a more luxurious eating experience.

Customization: A Soup for Every Lifestyle

Another reason this potato soup stands the test of time is its flexibility. It can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs and taste preferences.

For a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry. For those seeking a vegetarian option, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock add in sautéed mushrooms or a touch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Want to make it lighter? Opt for half-and-half or even whole milk in place of heavy cream. Turkey bacon can replace traditional bacon, and low-fat cheese can be used to maintain that creamy mouthfeel while reducing calories.

For those following a keto diet, try swapping potatoes with cauliflower and skip the roux altogether. Instead, blend cream cheese and cheddar for a thick, low-carb soup that still delivers indulgence.

This kind of customization isn’t just useful it’s essential for making the soup a staple in a wide range of households. Whether you’re feeding kids, preparing food for a friend with dietary restrictions, or just experimenting with what’s in your pantry, Outback-Style Potato Soup is forgiving and flexible.

Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Comfort Meal

As much as this soup can stand alone, pairing it with the right side dish or drink can turn a simple dinner into a restaurant-quality meal.

Here are a few pairing suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast: Perfect for dipping, these bring a nice chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s creaminess.

• Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, vinaigrette-dressed salad cuts through the richness of the soup and offers balance.

• Baked Sweet Potatoes or Roasted Veggies: These can round out the meal and add color, texture, and nutritional variety.

• Cider or White Wine: A chilled glass of cider or a buttery Chardonnay complements the richness without overpowering it.

For special occasions or gatherings, consider setting up a “topping bar” so each guest can customize their bowl. Offer extras like sour cream, chives, hot sauce, shredded cheeses, sautéed mushrooms, or even crispy fried onions. This turns a simple dish into an interactive dining experience.

Tips for Success: What Every Cook Should Know

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, small details can make a big difference. Here are some expert tips to ensure your potato soup turns out beautifully every time:

• Choose the Right Potato: Russets are ideal for fluffier texture, while Yukon Golds provide a naturally buttery, smooth consistency.

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: They should be tender, not mushy, to preserve a bit of bite and texture.

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often includes anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Freshly grated cheddar yields a silkier soup.

• Season Gradually: Always taste as you go. Adding salt and pepper in layers results in better flavor than dumping it all in at once.

• Let It Simmer Gently: High heat can curdle dairy. Simmer low and slow to keep the texture creamy and consistent.

By following these tips, your soup won’t just be good it’ll be spectacular.

The Emotional Power of Comfort Food

One of the reasons people love this soup beyond its flavor is the emotional reaction it evokes. Food has the power to connect us to our memories, and creamy potato soup is one of those dishes that many associate with childhood, family dinners, or cozy nights in.

The aroma of potatoes and onions simmering with butter on the stove can bring on a wave of nostalgia. Add in the sizzling of bacon and the scent of cheddar melting into cream, and you’ve got a multisensory experience that calms, comforts, and satisfies.

This emotional aspect is what transforms a basic bowl of soup into something people crave on hard days, cold nights, or after long weeks. It’s about more than eating it’s about feeling grounded, safe, and cared for.

Conclusion: 

The Outback-Style Potato Soup is a dish that combines simplicity with indulgence, tradition with customization, and nourishment with comfort. It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t need to be. What makes it special is how it consistently delivers on taste, texture, and emotional satisfaction.

Whether you’re recreating the famous Outback Steakhouse version or putting your own spin on it, this soup deserves a place in your home cooking rotation. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something special one spoonful at a time.

So the next time you feel the need for something cozy, rich, and homemade, reach for this recipe. Because sometimes, the most memorable meals are also the simplest ones and this creamy, cheesy, bacon-topped soup is as memorable as it gets.