This Outback-style creamy potato soup brings all the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic steakhouse favorite right to your own kitchen. With tender chunks of russet potatoes, savory onions, smoky bacon, and a velvety cream base, every spoonful delivers warmth and deep satisfaction. The blend of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and buttery spices creates a silky texture that feels incredibly comforting without being complicated to prepare.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or cold-weather gatherings, this soup is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with warm bread or a crisp salad. The finishing touch of green onions, extra cheese, and crunchy bacon not only elevates the flavor but adds a restaurant-quality presentation. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Outback memory or simply craving a rich and filling bowl of goodness, this potato soup checks every box.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 3 cups heavy cream

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup flour

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Sliced green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. Add diced potatoes, chopped onions, and chicken broth to a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.

2. In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

3. Slowly whisk the heavy cream into the roux, stirring until thickened.

4. Pour the cream mixture into the potato pot and stir well.

5. Add cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and seasonings. Simmer until rich and creamy.

6. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Outback-Style Potato Soup: A Deep Dive into the Comforting Steakhouse Classic

Few dishes capture the essence of pure comfort the way a rich, velvety potato soup does—especially one inspired by the legendary bowls served at Outback Steakhouse. This hearty, creamy, fully loaded soup has built a reputation for being one of the most satisfying and memorable items from any chain restaurant menu. It’s the kind of recipe people remember for years, crave during chilly weather, and recreate at home to bring that familiar steakhouse warmth to their own kitchen.

Your website visitors will appreciate not only the flavors but also the history, character, and culinary touches that make Outback-style potato soup beloved across households. This expanded guide explores the story behind the dish, the flavors that define it, the techniques that elevate it, and the reasons it continues to captivate soup lovers everywhere.

Why Outback-Style Potato Soup Became an Iconic Comfort Dish

Potato soup has existed for centuries in different cultures—ranging from rustic European farmhouse versions to creamy American diner classics. However, the Outback Steakhouse version stands out because it is unapologetically indulgent. Instead of being thin or broth-heavy, it embraces richness, creaminess, and a fully loaded profile that mirrors the beloved “loaded baked potato.”

Its appeal lies in several key characteristics:

1. Thick and Luxurious Texture

Outback-style potato soup is known for its exceptionally creamy consistency. It’s the type of soup that gently coats the spoon, featuring both tender potato chunks and a silky base enriched with dairy. This balance of textures gives it a comforting mouthfeel that resonates with diners of all ages.

2. Familiar, Homestyle Flavor

At its core, this soup tastes like something made with care in a home kitchen—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The blend of potatoes, dairy, butter, cheese, and bacon creates a nostalgic dish reminiscent of family gatherings, winter nights, and cozy dinners.

3. Signature Steakhouse Ingredients

Outback Steakhouse is known for bold flavors and hearty dishes, and their potato soup fits that identity perfectly. The addition of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasonings adds a savory depth that transforms a simple soup into a robust, memorable meal.

4. “Loaded” Toppings for Visual and Flavor Impact

Beyond taste, the presentation plays a huge role in the soup’s popularity. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, crisp bacon bits, and fresh green onions creates a visually appealing contrast of colors and textures. This finishing touch makes it irresistible and restaurant-worthy.

The Flavor Profile: Understanding What Makes This Soup Special

Every component in Outback-style potato soup plays an important role in creating its signature flavor. When your readers understand how these elements work together, they develop a deeper appreciation for the recipe.

The Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the traditional choice because their high starch content creates a creamy consistency once cooked. They strike a perfect balance between staying intact in chunks and contributing to the soup’s naturally thick body.

The Cream Base

This soup is known for its richness. Heavy cream or whole milk, combined with butter, forms the backbone of its velvety texture. Unlike lighter soups that rely heavily on broth, this recipe leans into indulgence.

The Roux

Creating a roux—a cooked mixture of flour and butter—helps thicken the soup while preventing it from becoming grainy. This classic French technique ensures smoothness and stability, especially when dairy is involved.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar adds depth, saltiness, and richness. Its strong personality enhances the potatoes and cream, transforming the soup into something much more flavorful than a simple potato purée.

Bacon

Crispy bacon offers smokiness and savory notes that elevate the soup’s flavor profile. Its fat also contributes to complexity, making each spoonful layered and satisfying.

Onions & Seasonings

Onions, garlic, paprika, and black pepper bring additional character without overpowering the dish. These aromatics provide warmth and roundness, helping balance the richness.

Toppings

Green onions brighten everything up. Their mild onion bite cuts through the creaminess, making the dish feel complete and fresh.

A Brief History of Steakhouse Soups and Why This One Stands Out

American steakhouses have long included soups as part of their starters or side offerings. Traditionally, these soups had two purposes:

1. To offer something warm and comforting before the main meal.

2. To showcase the restaurant’s ability to transform simple ingredients into something memorable.

Loaded baked potato soup naturally found its way into this category because of its hearty ingredients and universal appeal.

The Outback Difference

Outback Steakhouse is known for its bold flavors, oversized portions, and Australian-inspired branding. When they introduced their own version of loaded potato soup, they elevated it beyond the traditional bowl served at diners or buffets.

Their soup became a favorite due to its:

• consistency (thicker and creamier than most)

• flavor balance (smoky, cheesy, garlicky, savory)

• toppings (not just optional—expected)

• portion size (generous and filling)

Fans started recreating it at home because it encapsulated everything people loved about fast-casual comfort dining.

The Role of Texture in Creating a Memorable Soup Experience

Texture plays a fundamental role in how we perceive flavor, especially in potato soup. The contrasting textures—creamy broth, soft potatoes, crisp bacon, melty cheese—create a multi-layered sensory experience.

Creaminess

The luxurious creaminess forms the soup’s identity. It’s thick enough to satisfy but smooth enough to feel refined.

Tender Potato Chunks

Having pieces of potato gives the soup substance. It makes the dish feel like more than just a blended soup.

Crunch from Bacon

This bit of crispiness keeps the soup from feeling one-dimensional.

Freshness from Green Onions

These add a pop of color and a crisp, herbal note.

Melted Cheese

Cheese enriches the soup’s body and adds elasticity when it melts into each spoonful.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate the Dining Experience

To help your website readers enjoy the best possible version of their soup, offering serving recommendations enhances your recipe page and increases user engagement.

Bread Pairings

This soup pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty French bread

• Garlic Texas toast

• Sour cream biscuits

• Soft dinner rolls

The bread absorbs the creamy broth and helps balance the richness.

Protein Pairings

Though the soup is filling on its own, it can be served alongside:

• Grilled steaks

• Roasted chicken

• Pan-seared pork chops

This turns the soup into a complete steakhouse-inspired meal.

Salad Pairings

A fresh salad balances the soup’s heaviness. Good choices include:

• Caesar salad

• House salad with vinaigrette

• Wedge salad

The crisp greens contrast beautifully with the richness of the soup.

Vegetable Sides

For added freshness and color, serve with:

• Roasted broccoli

• Grilled asparagus

• Honey-glazed carrots

These vegetables bring extra nutrition and complement the soup’s creamy base.

Why This Soup Is Perfect for Any Season

Although creamy soups are most associated with fall and winter, Outback-style potato soup is enjoyable year-round.

In Cold Weather

Its warmth and richness bring comfort during cold evenings. The hearty texture makes it ideal for warming up after a long day.

In Warmer Months

It works surprisingly well because the ingredients are widely available and the flavor profile is universally loved. Many people pair it with grilled meats during summer barbecue season.

Perfect for Family Dinners, Gatherings & Meal Prep

Outback-style potato soup is more than a comforting bowl—it’s a versatile meal solution.

Family Dinners

Its rich flavor appeals to both kids and adults. The customizable toppings make it interactive and fun.

Potlucks & Gatherings

It transports well and stays warm for long periods in slow cookers.

Meal Prep

It reheats beautifully (though you should avoid boiling it again to preserve the creamy texture). The flavors even improve after a day in the fridge.

Customization Ideas for Your Readers

Offering substitution options makes your recipe more accessible.

Lighter Variations

• Use milk instead of heavy cream.

• Substitute turkey bacon.

• Reduce cheese or use reduced-fat cheddar.

Extra-Rich Variations

• Add cream cheese.

• Use extra aged cheddar for sharper flavor.

• Include roasted garlic for deeper aroma.

Add Vegetable Boosters

• Corn

• Broccoli florets

• Carrots

• Celery

These additions bring color and extra nutrients.

Protein Add-Ins

Some readers may want extra heartiness:

• Grilled chicken

• Smoked sausage

• Ham chunks

These pair wonderfully with the soup’s flavor profile.

Why Homemade Outback-Style Potato Soup Always Tastes Better

Making this soup at home has several advantages:

1. Freshness

Each ingredient—from chopped potatoes to sizzling bacon—is used at peak freshness.

2. Control Over Ingredients

Your readers can adjust:

• salt

• richness

• toppings

• cheese level

This makes the soup customizable to dietary needs or personal preferences.

3. Cost-Effective

Restaurant soups can be expensive. Homemade versions cost a fraction of the price and yield larger batches.

4. Comfort in Cooking

Preparing the soup becomes part of the experience. The aroma of sautéing onions, simmering potatoes, and melted cheese makes home feel extra cozy.

Conclusion

Outback-style potato soup is more than just a bowl of creamy comfort—it’s a nostalgic, soul-warming experience rooted in familiar flavors and homestyle richness. Its velvety texture, hearty potato chunks, smoky bacon, and savory cheddar blend together to create a dish that satisfies on every level. Whether your readers are recreating a restaurant favorite, preparing a cozy family meal, or looking to impress guests with a reliable crowd-pleaser, this soup delivers every time.

This iconic steakhouse-inspired soup endures because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. It’s accessible enough for beginners but flavorful enough to become a household staple. With endless customization options, beautiful presentation, and versatility across seasons and occasions, Outback-style potato soup remains one of the most beloved comfort dishes of all time.