One rainy afternoon last fall, I was craving that rich, comforting potato soup from Outback Steakhouse but didn’t want to brave the weather. I decided to recreate it at home, and after several experiments, I landed on this version that’s become a regular in my household. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so satisfying.
What I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You don’t need to be an experienced cook to make it turn out beautifully. The process is straightforward, and the result is this creamy, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, much like our hearty hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American-inspired
Category: Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I first started making this loaded baked potato soup recipe, I discovered that using a good quality, heavy-bottomed pot makes all the difference. It distributes heat evenly and prevents the dairy from scorching. If you’re shopping for kitchen equipment, I’d recommend investing in one—it’s useful for so many other dishes too.
You’ll need basic kitchen tools: a sturdy pot for cooking, a sharp knife for chopping vegetables, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a potato masher for creating that perfect texture. Having these ready before you start makes the process much smoother.
INGREDIENTS
I remember the first time I made this cheesy potato soup—I was rushing and didn’t properly measure my ingredients. The result was still delicious, but I learned that taking those extra few minutes to measure everything out leads to more consistent results every single time.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
PREPARATION
From experience, I’ve found that the key to nailing this creamy potato soup recipe is patience during the simmering stage. Rushing this step means the potatoes won’t break down properly, and that’s what gives the soup its signature thickness. Give it the time it needs. If you’re looking for another comforting baked treat, try our delicious oatmeal carrot cake for dessert.
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher, gently mash some of the potatoes right in the pot to thicken the soup to your preferred consistency.
- Stir in heavy cream and sour cream until well combined. Heat through but do not boil.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon and sliced green onions.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fiber: 3g
Making It Your Own
What works for me when making copycat recipes is remembering they’re a starting point, not a rigid formula. I’ve made this soup with different potatoes when that’s what I had on hand—Yukon Gold potatoes create a slightly creamier texture, while red potatoes hold their shape better. Both are delicious variations.
If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich. For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or some smoked paprika. I’ve found that these small adjustments can make the dish feel new again, even if you make it regularly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. The potatoes will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or cream when warming it up. If you’re looking for other make-ahead meals, our delicious fresh peach fritters make a wonderful breakfast treat.
Outback Steakhouse Inspired Potato Soup – Copycat Favorite Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Outback Steakhouse Inspired Potato Soup – Copycat Favorite Recipe!
Nutrition Information
One thing to note: this creamy potato soup recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content. The texture can become grainy when thawed. If you need to make it ahead for busy weeks, you can prep the base (through step 5) and refrigerate, then add the dairy components when you’re ready to serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! For this Outback Steakhouse Inspired Potato Soup – Copycat Favorite, cook bacon separately, then add all ingredients except dairy to slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours, then stir in cream, sour cream and cheese during last 30 minutes.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use whole milk mixed with melted butter as a substitute, though the soup will be less rich. The dish will still be delicious with this adjustment.
How can I make it thicker?
Mash more potatoes directly in the pot, or make a slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Conclusion
This Outback Steakhouse Inspired Potato Soup – Copycat Favorite has brought so much comfort to my table over the years. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your home too, creating cozy memories around the dinner table. Give it a try this week—your family will thank you!
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