OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

OUTBACK POTATO SOUP is a creamy and comforting dish that brings the essence of the Outback Steakhouse right into your home. Perfect for chilly nights or as a hearty side dish, this potato soup is rich in flavor and easy to prepare. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a touch of cream, it’s bound to be a favorite at family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery potatoes and savory bacon creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like extra cheese or green onions for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this soup fits right in.
• Comfort Food Classic: Warm up with this satisfying soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Tools and Preparation

To create OUTBACK POTATO SOUP, having the right tools can make cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Separate saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the broth and cooking the soup evenly.
• Whisk: Helps to blend the roux into the broth smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for dicing the potatoes and onions quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• water (enough to cover the potatoes and boil)
• 4 large russet or golden potatoes
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock (you can also use chicken broth)
• 1 cups cold water
• 1/2 sweet yellow onion (diced optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

For Topping

• 8 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 3/4 cups cheddar cheese (plus more for topping optional)
• 1/4 cup green onion (diced)

How to Make OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in water until they are tender. Once cooked, set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, diced onions, salt, pepper, and cold water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes so that the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Create the Roux

In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in 1/3 cup of flour until a smooth paste forms. Let this roux cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Slowly incorporate the roux into the simmering broth while whisking continuously. This helps thicken your OUTBACK POTATO SOUP and gives it a rich creamy consistency.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

Pour in approximately 3/4 cups of heavy cream while stirring gently. This step enriches your soup with luxurious creaminess.

Step 6: Final Simmer

Allow your soup to simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot. This time lets all flavors blend beautifully.

Step 7: Combine Potatoes

Once thickened to your liking, gently add in the diced potatoes. Stir well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout your soup.

Step 8: Garnish Before Serving

Ladle out portions into bowls and garnish each serving with generous sprinkles of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon bits, and finely chopped green onions. These toppings will enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve your OUTBACK POTATO SOUP hot. Enjoy every comforting bite filled with creamy goodness!

How to Serve OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

Serving OUTBACK POTATO SOUP is all about enhancing its rich, creamy flavors with delicious accompaniments. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Toppings

• Crispy Bacon Bits: Add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top for a savory crunch that contrasts the creamy soup.
• Shredded Cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar or Colby-Monterey Jack cheese melts perfectly into the warm soup, adding extra flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for those who love an aromatic flavor pairing with their potato soup.

Presentation Ideas

• Soup Bowls: Use rustic bowls for serving to enhance the comforting feel of the dish.
• Garnish with Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill as a final garnish can elevate your presentation and add a hint of herbal flavor.

How to Perfect OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

To achieve the perfect bowl of OUTBACK POTATO SOUP, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your soup is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying every time you make it.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh potatoes and quality stock to bring out the best flavors in your soup.
• Cook Potatoes Properly: Ensure potatoes are tender but not overcooked; they should hold their shape when added to the soup.
• Whisk Roux Thoroughly: When making your roux, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture in your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your soup as it simmers and adjust salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps flavors meld together more harmoniously, creating a richer taste.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize toppings based on what you enjoy—different cheeses or herbs can create new flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

Pairing side dishes with OUTBACK POTATO SOUP can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider serving alongside this comforting dish.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic pairing that adds warmth and gooeyness—perfect for dipping!
3. Baked Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide an extra potato kick while being crispy on the outside.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth and nutrients to your meal.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can serve as a delightful appetizer, giving an elegant touch to your dinner table.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement the salty flavors of the potato soup wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making OUTBACK POTATO SOUP, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can compromise the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the simmering step: Not allowing the broth to simmer for long enough can result in a bland soup. Make sure to let it cook for at least 20 minutes to develop deep flavors.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold cream or stock directly into the pot can shock the mixture. Always allow ingredients like cream to come to room temperature before adding them.
• Neglecting the roux: Failing to cook the roux adequately may lead to a floury taste. Cook it just until golden to remove any raw flavor before combining it with the broth.
• Overcooking potatoes: If you overboil your potatoes, they may turn mushy. Boil them just until tender and firm enough to hold their shape in the soup.
• Ignoring garnishes: Skipping toppings like cheese and bacon bits can make your soup less appealing. Garnishes add both flavor and visual appeal, so don’t skip this step.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store OUTBACK POTATO SOUP in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

• Freeze OUTBACK POTATO SOUP in freezer-safe containers.
• It is best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating OUTBACK POTATO SOUP

• Oven: Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OUTBACK POTATO SOUP?

OUTBACK POTATO SOUP is a creamy, hearty dish made primarily from potatoes, broth, cream, and flavorful toppings like cheese and bacon.

Can I customize OUTBACK POTATO SOUP?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients or swap out cheeses based on your preference.

How do I make OUTBACK POTATO SOUP gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

Is OUTBACK POTATO SOUP suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

OUTBACK POTATO SOUP is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Its creamy texture paired with crispy bacon makes it delightful. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting toppings to suit your taste!