Outback Potato Soup Recipe

If there’s one dish that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug on chilly days, it has to be Outback Potato Soup. This luscious, creamy soup combines tender potatoes with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and rich cream to create a flavor experience that’s downright irresistible. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of hearty and comforting, making it not just a meal, but a true comfort food classic you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Outback Potato Soup comes from its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a rich, creamy texture and a depth of flavor that’s anything but ordinary.

• Russet or golden potatoes: These bring creamy softness and a subtle sweetness that forms the soul of the soup.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, savory crunch that infuses the soup with incredible flavor.
• Chicken stock or broth: Gives the soup a hearty backbone and savory warmth.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add a sharp, creamy note that elevates every bite.
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luxurious, silky texture that makes the soup feel indulgent.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build layers of flavor in the roux.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup gently for the perfect consistency.
• Green onion: Brings a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
• Sweet yellow onion (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the base.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning touches to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Cold water: Helps achieve the perfect soup texture by balancing out the stock’s richness.
• Water for boiling: Needed to cook the potatoes just right.

How to Make Outback Potato Soup

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling your 4 large russet or golden potatoes and cut them into chunks about the same size for even cooking. Place the potatoes in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape, about 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures your soup will have that perfect tender bite without falling apart.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes cook, crisp up 8 slices of bacon in a skillet until golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces. The bacon will add that fantastic smoky crunch which is the soul of Outback Potato Soup’s signature flavor. Set aside some bacon for garnishing if you like a little extra indulgence.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat and add the diced green onions and optional sweet yellow onion. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds a savory, sweet base that will complement the richness of the potatoes perfectly.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Add Liquids

Sprinkle 1/3 cup all-purpose flour over the softened onions and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste out. Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup cold water, carefully combining until smooth. This roux thickens the soup, creating that silky texture you crave while the chicken stock deepens the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Potatoes and Soup Base

Drain the cooked potatoes and gently add them to the pot with the roux mixture. Simmer the mixture on low for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the soup to thicken properly. At this point, chop or mash a few potato chunks slightly if you want a creamier texture with little bits of tender potato in every bite.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese, Cream, and Seasonings

Reduce heat to low, then add 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup is luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference to get that perfect balance between savory, salty, and cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Outback Potato Soup

Garnishes

To really elevate your bowl of Outback Potato Soup, top it with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and a sprinkle of diced green onions. These fresh garnishes add texture contrast and enhance the bold flavors that make this soup so memorable.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttered dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. For a refreshing balance, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette brightens the richness on your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls to make the experience extra cozy and rustic. You can also drizzle a bit of smoky paprika oil or swirl in sour cream for an impressive finishing touch that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Outback Potato Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Because of the cream and cheese, freezing is possible but may slightly change the texture. Cool the soup completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help regain that silky smooth texture if it thickens too much while cooling.

FAQs

Can I make Outback Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and omit the bacon or replace it with a smoky smoked paprika seasoning for that smoky depth. You’ll still get a hearty, creamy soup full of flavor.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet and golden potatoes are perfect because they break down just enough to give creamy thickness but still hold their shape to add texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t give you that velvety mouthfeel.

Is it OK to use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and won’t contain anti-caking agents that sometimes affect texture. Freshly shredded cheese truly makes a difference in outback potato soup’s texture and flavor.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative and using dairy-free cheese options. Just make sure to adjust seasoning to balance out the flavors.

How thick should Outback Potato Soup be?

It should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable without being gluey. The texture is silky with soft chunks of potato, making it comforting and satisfying with each bite.

Final Thoughts

Outback Potato Soup is one of those soul-satisfying meals that feels like a warm hug on the coldest days. With its perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this classic dish!

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