Outback Potato Soup – Creamy Copycat Recipe

I absolutely love recreating my favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this Outback potato soup has become one of my most requested recipes! There’s something truly satisfying about that first spoonful of creamy, bacon-loaded goodness that instantly transports you to your favorite steakhouse booth.

I still remember the first time I tried to make this soup after a disappointing takeout experience during the pandemic. After several attempts and tweaks, I finally nailed that perfect balance of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar that makes Outback’s version so addictive. This copycat Outback potato soup delivers all those comforting flavors in one hearty bowl, and honestly, I think my homemade version captures the essence beautifully. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now, making it the perfect cozy meal for busy weeknights.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Potato Soup

I always recommend using russet potatoes for the best creamy texture – they break down beautifully when blended. Pro tip: freshly shredded cheese melts so much smoother than pre-packaged varieties!

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I prefer sharp cheddar for more flavor
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening if desired)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I recommend starting the bacon first in a separate skillet while you prep the vegetables – this saves time and prevents overcooking.

Step 1: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.

Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 4: Add cubed potatoes, chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 18-20 minutes until potatoes are very tender. Test with a fork – they should practically fall apart.

Step 6: Using an immersion blender, blend soup until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully and return to pot. For a thicker soup, whisk flour with a small amount of cold broth and stir into soup before blending.

Step 7: Return to low heat and gradually stir in heavy cream and sour cream. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling to prevent curdling. This is crucial for maintaining that silky texture.

Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot in bowls topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.

Perfect Pairings for Potato Soup

This rich Outback potato soup pairs beautifully with lighter, complementary flavors.

Crusty sourdough bread: The tangy flavor cuts through the richness while providing the perfect vessel for dipping.

Simple green salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette balance the hearty, creamy soup perfectly.

Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic combo that turns this soup into the ultimate comfort meal.

Roasted vegetables: Caramelized carrots or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to round out the meal.

Expand Your Potato Soup Repertoire

This restaurant-style Outback potato soup pairs beautifully with other crowd-pleasing potato soup variations for entertaining or meal planning. For a more rustic, homestyle approach, try our Loaded Potato Soup, which offers similar hearty satisfaction with a homemade twist that guests always love.

When hosting dinner parties or family gatherings, consider offering this alongside our internationally-inspired Russian Potato and Mushroom Soup for an earthy alternative, our protein-rich Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup, and our herb-enhanced Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This quartet provides familiar comfort with exciting flavor variations that keep guests coming back for more.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

This potato soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day!

For reheating, use the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much. I recommend avoiding the microwave for large portions as it can heat unevenly and may cause the dairy to separate.

Common Questions About Potato Soup

Time to Make This Comforting Classic

This copycat Outback potato soup brings restaurant-quality comfort food straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques. The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold days or whenever you need a little culinary hug.

Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s become my family’s go-to comfort food – I guarantee it’ll become yours too!

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