Outback Potato Soup – The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Bowl You’ll Love

Nothing beats a warm bowl of Outback potato soup on a cold day. This hearty, creamy, and fully loaded comfort food has become a favorite in homes across the country. Modeled after the beloved version from Outback Steakhouse, this soup is rich in flavor, thick in texture, and topped with classic fixings like bacon, cheese, and green onions. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from its origins and popular variations to how to make it at home step-by-step. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions like how to thicken potato soup, why yours might lack flavor, and if it’s hard to digest. Whether you’re craving comfort food or trying to recreate a restaurant favorite, this guide is for you.

What is Outback Potato Soup and Why It’s So Popular

Outback Steakhouse, the well-known Australian-themed American restaurant chain, became famous not only for its steaks but also for its indulgent side dishes—and their baked potato soup stands out among them. Known for its rich texture and comforting flavor, this soup quickly became a customer favorite, prompting countless fans to try recreating it at home. While many creamy soups exist, there’s something uniquely satisfying about the Outback version that keeps people coming back for more.

At its core, this soup is a blend of familiar ingredients: potatoes, cream, cheese, bacon, and spices. But what sets it apart is the balance between smooth and chunky textures, the smoky taste from crispy bacon, and the hint of sharpness from cheddar cheese. This balance creates a layered flavor experience that feels both gourmet and familiar.

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Key Ingredients in Authentic Outback Potato Soup Recipe

Must-Have Ingredients and Substitutions

To replicate the famous Outback potato soup at home, you’ll need to stick to a set of reliable core ingredients. These essentials work together to give the soup its signature creamy texture and comforting depth.

Here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need:

Most versions of Outback potato soup include bacon as a key ingredient, giving it that unmistakable smoky undertone. However, if you’re making a meatless or lighter version, there are plant-based or lean alternatives that still bring plenty of flavor.

Discover more great swaps and additions in this warm dish: Chocolate Chip Bagel – The Best Homemade Recipe You’ll Ever Bake—perfect to pair on the side for brunch-style comfort meals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Outback Baked Potato Soup at Home

Prepping Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Before turning on the stove, proper prep is key to making this recipe smooth and stress-free. Start by washing, peeling, and dicing your potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Uniformity ensures even cooking and the perfect blend of soft and slightly firm textures in each bite.

Next, chop your aromatics: green onions, garlic (if using), and any additional herbs you plan to add. Set aside shredded cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, and measured spices. It’s best to cook and crumble your bacon ahead of time. This allows you to control how crispy you want it, and you’ll even have bacon grease leftover to use in your roux for an extra boost of flavor.

Here’s a simple prep checklist to help you stay organized:

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Cooking Instructions for That Signature Flavor

Once your ingredients are ready, follow these step-by-step cooking directions to recreate the creamy, dreamy Outback baked potato soup at home.

1. Cook Aromatics & Bacon Fat Base
   In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or use reserved bacon fat). Add chopped green onions and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
2. Add Broth and Potatoes
   Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to avoid lumps, then add diced potatoes. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Mash & Stir
   Use a potato masher to mash some (not all) of the potatoes in the pot. This helps naturally thicken the soup while leaving chunks for texture.
4. Add Cream & Cheese
   Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is rich and smooth.
5. Season & Simmer
   Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Finish with Toppings
   Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, and green onions. Optional: add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

The end result? A velvety soup with the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors that tastes just like it came from Outback’s kitchen.

How to Thicken Potato Soup Naturally (Without Ruining It)

The Science Behind Soup Thickness

Thickening potato soup doesn’t have to involve complicated techniques or a ton of extra ingredients. In fact, the beauty of Outback-style potato soup is that it thickens beautifully on its own when you understand the role of starch and fats.

Potatoes—especially starchy varieties like russets—naturally release starch into the liquid as they cook. This starch acts as a thickener, helping to build a creamy base without needing heavy thickeners like cornstarch or flour-based roux. When some of the cooked potatoes are mashed or blended into the broth, the starch intensifies the thickness, giving the soup a luscious, velvety feel.

Heavy cream, butter, and shredded cheese also contribute to the thickness. Their fat content emulsifies into the broth, making the soup richer and silkier.

So, thickening comes down to two things: starch from the potatoes and fat from the dairy. Once you understand this combo, you’ll never need shortcuts like instant mashed potatoes or thickeners that dull the flavor.

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Flavor Boosters – How to Avoid Bland Potato Soup

Common Mistakes That Kill Flavor

There’s nothing worse than a beautiful bowl of potato soup that tastes flat. Even when your texture is perfect, poor seasoning or ingredient imbalances can leave your soup lifeless. Here are the most common flavor-killing mistakes to avoid when making Outback-style potato soup:

1. Underseasoning
   Potatoes soak up a lot of salt, so if you don’t season early and often, your soup will fall flat. Always season the soup base while it simmers, not just at the end.
2. Skipping the Aromatics
   Green onions, garlic, or shallots might seem optional, but they build foundational flavor. Sautéing them at the start is key to adding depth.
3. Using Low-Quality Broth
   Your broth carries the soup’s flavor. If it’s bland, your soup will be too. Use high-quality chicken or vegetable broth—or better yet, homemade stock.
4. Adding All the Dairy Too Soon
   Adding cream or cheese too early can mute flavor development. Wait until the end of the cooking process so the soup has time to develop a rich profile before dairy is added.
5. Overboiling
   Boiling your soup too hard can break down the fats and dull the final taste. A gentle simmer is best to let flavors marry properly.

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Simple Add-ins That Make a Big Impact

Now that you know what not to do, let’s talk about what you can do to bring that signature Outback flavor to life—and even improve on it. These little tweaks can make your soup go from good to “can I have seconds?”

1. Sautéed Garlic and Onion Base
   Cooked in butter or leftover bacon grease, this aromatic base deepens flavor from the first spoonful.
2. Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder
   Adds warmth and subtle smokiness. Use sparingly—about ½ teaspoon per pot—for a gentle kick.
3. Worcestershire Sauce
   Just a dash (½ teaspoon) brings umami depth, enhancing the savory notes without overpowering.
4. Sharp Cheddar Cheese
   Instead of mild cheddar, go sharp. The stronger flavor stands up better against the richness of cream and potato.
5. Herbs like Thyme or Rosemary
   A pinch of dried thyme or a sprig of rosemary simmered in the soup can bring a fresh, woodsy background flavor. Just remember to remove whole herbs before serving.
6. Sour Cream Finish
   A spoonful of sour cream stirred into the bowl before serving brightens up the richness and balances heavy flavors.
7. Freshly Cracked Pepper
   Don’t underestimate a few turns of the pepper mill—black pepper adds a sharp note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

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Nutritional Breakdown – Is Potato Soup Healthy or Heavy?

Caloric and Nutritional Values

Outback-style potato soup, with its rich mix of cream, cheese, and bacon, leans toward the indulgent side of the comfort food spectrum. A standard serving (around 1½ cups) of loaded baked potato soup typically contains:

These numbers can vary based on ingredient swaps and portion sizes. Most of the calories come from the cream, cheese, and bacon, while the carbohydrates are mainly from potatoes and any added flour.

The soup does provide decent protein thanks to the cheese and bacon, and it has filling fiber from the potatoes. But the high sodium and fat content make it more of an occasional comfort meal than a daily go-to—especially if you’re watching your diet.

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Serving Ideas – What to Pair with Outback Potato Soup

Best Bread, Salad, and Drink Pairings

Outback potato soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but the right sides can turn a bowl of soup into a full dining experience. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, lunch, or even brunch, the right pairing adds texture, contrast, and a bit of freshness to the table.

Perfect Breads for Dipping or Serving On the Side:

• Garlic breadsticks: The buttery crunch complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Cheddar biscuits: A Southern classic that mirrors the soup’s cheesy richness.
• Crusty French baguette: Adds structure and soaks up every last drop of flavor.
• Soft pretzel rolls: Their saltiness pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and cheese.

Fresh Salad Options That Balance the Richness:

• Classic Caesar salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing add freshness.
• Baby spinach salad with vinaigrette: Light, tangy, and great for cutting through the richness.
• Kale and cranberry slaw: A bit of sweetness and crunch balances the hearty soup.
• Arugula salad with citrus dressing: Peppery greens contrast nicely with the creamy base.

Beverage Pairings That Work Well:

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Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

How Long Does It Keep?

Outback-style potato soup stores surprisingly well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. The key is proper storage to preserve the texture and taste.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Refrigerator: The soup stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent excess moisture and condensation.
• Freezer: While technically freezable, dairy-based soups with cream or cheese can separate or become grainy when thawed. For better results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese, then stir them in when reheating.

If freezing, portion the soup into individual airtight containers and label them with the date. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just leave room at the top for expansion.

Tip: Avoid storing garnishes like bacon or green onions in the soup—they get soggy. Store them separately and add them fresh when serving.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Creaminess

The biggest challenge when reheating creamy soups is keeping the texture smooth. Follow these easy steps to maintain that restaurant-style richness.

Stovetop Method (Best Option):

1. Transfer soup to a saucepan and warm over low to medium-low heat.
2. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or separation.
3. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture.
4. Reheat just until hot—avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to curdle.

Microwave Method:

1. Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely.
2. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
3. If it thickens too much, stir in a bit of cream or broth.
4. Top with fresh bacon and cheese after reheating.

Make-Ahead Pro Tip:
If you’re prepping this soup for a party or weeknight dinner, cook it up to the point before adding cream or cheese. Then cool, store, and finish the soup with the final ingredients just before serving. This way, you get that fresh, creamy texture every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Outback Potato Soup

How does potato soup thicken?

Potato soup thickens naturally as the starch from the potatoes breaks down during cooking. You can also mash some of the cooked potatoes or blend a portion of the soup to release more starch. Adding dairy like heavy cream and cheese also contributes to a rich, velvety consistency. If you need more thickness, a flour or cornstarch slurry can help, but natural thickening from the potatoes is usually enough.

Does Outback baked potato soup have bacon?

Yes, the original Outback baked potato soup is topped with crispy bacon and often includes small bacon bits mixed into the soup. The smoky flavor of the bacon enhances the creamy, cheesy richness and gives the soup that signature loaded baked potato taste. It’s one of the most popular elements of the dish.

What kind of soup does Outback have?

Outback Steakhouse is most well-known for its baked potato soup, which is offered seasonally. They occasionally serve other options like French onion soup or clam chowder, but their baked potato soup is a fan favorite and the most frequently requested by customers and copycat recipe seekers alike.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Making the Perfect Outback Potato Soup

There’s a reason Outback potato soup has become a comfort food staple. It combines creamy, cheesy richness with bold toppings like crispy bacon and green onions—creating a bowl of warmth that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re making the original, trying a vegetarian spin, or prepping for the week, this soup is adaptable, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to master.

With the right potatoes, careful seasoning, and simple kitchen techniques, you can bring that restaurant-quality flavor right to your own table. From flavor boosters and storage tips to healthy swaps and full-bodied garnishes, now you have all the tools to make the best bowl every time.

`Check out more cozy recipes like Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe – Easy & Delicious One-Pan Meal if you’re looking to expand your comfort food collection.