If you’ve ever craved a soul-warming bowl of pure comfort, Outback Potato Soup is about to become your new obsession. This soup brings together velvety potatoes, smoky bacon, and a generous swirl of cheddar and cream for that classic steakhouse taste you love, all in the coziness of your own kitchen. With layers of flavor in every spoonful and a simple, straightforward cooking method, this satisfying bowl will have everyone asking for seconds.

Outback Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Outback Potato Soup is how it transforms simple, familiar ingredients into a restaurant-worthy delight. Each component plays a starring role, adding flavor, richness, or just the right finishing touch to make this soup truly irresistible.

Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory note and provides the soup’s incredible depth—plus the crispy bits are perfect for garnishing.
Onion: Diced onion starts the flavor base, turning irresistibly sweet and fragrant as it cooks.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives the soup a welcome little kick of warmth and aroma.
Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down into a luxuriously creamy texture, perfect for soup-making.
Chicken Broth: Brings rich, savory depth and helps simmer the potatoes to tender perfection.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup for a luscious, tangy bite and gorgeous color.
Heavy Cream: Provides that luxurious, velvety texture restaurant potato soups are famous for.
Salt: Brightens and balances all the flavors—add to taste as you cook.
Black Pepper: Adds just enough gentle heat and complexity.
Dried Thyme: Offers an earthy, aromatic note that deepens the overall flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tang and rich creaminess right at the end—don’t skip it!
Green Onions: Sliced and sprinkled on top, these add a fresh, peppery finish.
Extra Cheddar and Green Onions for Garnish: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese, and the pop of color is always welcome.

How to Make Outback Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s irresistibly crispy. Let the bacon render all that smoky goodness, which will be the flavorful foundation of your Outback Potato Soup. Once crisp, scoop out those savory bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside for later—you’ll use the flavorful bacon fat as your cooking base.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Keep the bacon drippings right in the pot, and toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is where the soup gets its signature, homey aroma.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Time for the star ingredient! Stir in the peeled and diced russet potatoes, pour in the chicken broth, and add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer away for 20 minutes, or until your potatoes are perfectly tender and ready to melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Blend for a Creamy Texture

Grab your immersion blender and gently puree the soup directly in the pot. Blend just enough to create a creamy base while leaving small chunks for texture—this rustic style is what makes Outback Potato Soup so cozy and satisfying. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a potato masher does the trick beautifully!

Step 5: Add Creamy Richness

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and the reserved crispy bacon. This is where the soup transforms into something incredibly luscious. Heat the soup through gently; you want everything to meld together without bringing it to a boil.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Spoon the finished Outback Potato Soup into bowls and lavish on those final toppings: a big handful of extra shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Each bowl is a little moment of comfort, golden and bubbling with flavor.

How to Serve Outback Potato Soup

Garnishes

A classic Outback Potato Soup is never complete without a generous scattering of extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a shower of freshly sliced green onions. These toppings don’t just look beautiful—they add bursts of flavor, from sharp cheddar to crisp, salty bacon, and the zesty lift of green onions with every bite.

Side Dishes

This soup is truly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with sides turns a simple meal into a feast. Warm crusty bread or soft rolls are perfect for dunking and soaking up every drop, while a crisp green salad offers a nice contrast that balances the soup’s richness. For a heartier spread, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or classic steakhouse veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Outback Potato Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece, or pour it into fun mugs for a cozy fireside supper. Hosting a casual gathering? Try ladling the soup into small cups for a party-friendly appetizer—complete with all the garnishes in a DIY topping bar. The possibilities are joyfully endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Outback Potato Soup should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors often become even richer as they meld overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to one month, though keep in mind that creamy soups may have a slightly different texture when thawed. For best results, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to revive its creamy consistency. Top with fresh garnishes for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I make Outback Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra smoky flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke adds a wonderful twist.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your chicken broth and bacon contain no added gluten. Always double-check product labels to be sure.

What’s the best way to thicken Outback Potato Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes before adding the cream, or let the soup simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce and concentrate. Some cooks like to whisk in a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes for quick thickening, too.

Can I use a different type Soup

Russet potatoes are classic for their creamy texture, but Yukon Golds are a tasty substitute that hold their shape well and offer a buttery flavor. You can even try half-and-half for a fun mix!

Is it possible to lighten up this recipe?

Yes! For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream. The soup will still be creamy and comforting, just with a few less calories.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade Outback Potato Soup—a bowlful of comfort and flavor that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this iconic soup, and see why it’s always a crowd favorite. Happy cooking!

Outback Potato Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Outback Potato Soup recipe is a creamy and comforting dish loaded with savory flavors like bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon:

4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes

Liquid Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Garnish:

1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
Extra shredded cheddar and green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot with bacon fat, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
Puree Soup: Partially puree the soup to desired consistency. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and cooked bacon.
Finish and Serve: Heat through without boiling. Serve topped with extra cheddar and green onions.