As the chill of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of loaded potato soup to warm your heart and soul. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Outback Steakhouse, this hearty dish encapsulates the rich flavors of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and cheese. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this recipe brings a touch of indulgence to any occasion.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and indulgent loaded potato soup inspired by Outback Steakhouse, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes
- 8 slices of beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, if desired)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup green onion, diced
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and boil them in salted water until tender, then set aside.
- In a large pot, mix the chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk the roux into the simmering broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring to enrich the flavors.
- After an additional 20 minutes of simmering, add the cooked potatoes and mix evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon or use a dairy-free cream alternative. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
“This loaded potato soup is my go-to for dinner parties! It’s easy to make and always impresses my guests. The flavors are just incredible!” – Sarah, avid home cook
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this loaded potato soup a standout recipe? Beyond its tantalizing taste, there are several reasons you’ll want to whip this up in your kitchen. Not only is it quick and budget-friendly, but it’s also a fantastic way to get the whole family involved in cooking. Kids adore helping sprinkle toppings, and everyone loves savoring each creamy spoonful.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or a comforting bowl on a chilly afternoon, this soup showcases the kind of homey vibes that nourish both the body and the spirit. Get ready to serve smiles all around!
How This Recipe Comes Together
Creating this Outback Steakhouse inspired loaded potato soup is as delightful as it is simple. Here’s a quick overview of the cooking journey you’re about to embark on:
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
This recipe flows smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the cooking process and the end result — a creamy, savory potato delight.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need
Gather these key ingredients for an unforgettable experience:
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes
- 8 slices of beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, if desired)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup green onion, diced
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients! For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
Directions to Follow
- Begin by dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until tender, then set aside.
- In a large pot, mix the chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and cold water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 20 minutes.
- While the broth simmers, melt your butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux and let it cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk the roux into the simmering broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will create a creamy base for your soup.
- Gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you do. This step truly enriches the flavors!
- After an additional 20 minutes of simmering, add the cooked potatoes, mixing them in evenly.
- Serve your soup hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese, crispy beef bacon bits, and finely chopped green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your soup experience, consider serving alongside freshly baked bread rolls or crispy garlic bread for dipping. Pair the soup with a light Caesar salad to balance the richness, or add some steamed broccoli for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes too — a dollop of sour cream can add a delightful creaminess!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing leftover potato soup is simple. Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For extended storage, you might consider freezing the soup in individual portions, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if it has thickened too much.
Pro Chef Tips
- Choose your potatoes wisely. Russets provide a fluffy texture, while goldens add a sweeter flavor.
- Pre-cook your bacon. For added convenience, use pre-cooked bacon or leftovers from breakfast to save time.
- Blend for creaminess. If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to blend part of it before adding the potatoes.
Creative Twists
Why not switch things up a bit? Consider adding roasted garlic for a deep flavor profile, or experiment with toppings such as jalapeños or different types of cheese. Trying a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also introduce a unique twist for flavor lovers.
FAQs
How long does the soup take to make?
This loaded potato soup takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, making it quite the efficient meal option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The soup actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld together.
What if I want to make it vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef bacon with a meat alternative (like tempeh bacon) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
With this recipe in hand, you’ll be ready to create a comforting bowl of soup that rivals any restaurant rendition. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Outback Steakhouse Inspired Loaded Potato Soup, and share with family and friends!