Outback Steakhouse-Inspired Potato Soup

Cooking often brings back fond memories, like the times spent preparing meals with family. Each simmer, sauté, and stir creates a tapestry of flavors and connections. One dish that evokes these feelings is potato soup. Comforting and hearty, it warms both the stomach and the heart.

Potato soup shines as a staple in many kitchens, embodying comfort just as much as a family gathering. The creamy texture and rich flavors can transport anyone back to simpler times. When craving something warm and inviting, potato soup proves to be the go-to option. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a delightful memory in a bowl.

Let’s take inspiration from beloved restaurants around us, particularly the comforting potato soup from Outback Steakhouse. Using simple, fresh ingredients, this dish transforms into something extraordinary. With crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy goodness, it invites everyone to gather around the table and share a hearty meal.

Now, let’s dive into the journey of crafting this Outback Steakhouse-inspired potato soup.

Potato Soup Fundamentals

Ingredients

To begin the exploration of potato soup, gather the essentials. Invest in four large potatoes, diced precisely for even cooking. Choose one medium onion for flavor depth, alongside four slices of bacon to enhance the savory notes. Don’t forget essential liquid elements, as four cups of chicken broth set the base for an incredible flavor profile.

Add richness with one cup of heavy cream, creating a creamy texture that comforts. For a burst of flavor, include one cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded to melt beautifully into the soup. Season liberally with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, chives or green onions offer a fresh garnish to elevate the presentation.

Preparation/setup

Preparation stands as the cornerstone of a successful dish. Start by carefully dicing the potatoes and chopping the onion, ensuring even cooking and release of flavors. Next, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. The preparation phase transforms gathering ingredients into a delightful experience.

Set up a large pot on the stovetop. Begin heating it over medium heat. This timing matters; bringing the pot to temperature enhances the sizzle when adding ingredients.

Directions for Creamy Potato Soup

Crafting this potato soup follows a straightforward set of steps. Begin with the star ingredient: bacon. Place the chopped bacon into the pot, allowing it to cook until crispy and golden brown. The aroma fills the kitchen with anticipation. Upon achieving the desired crispiness, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Keep the delicious drippings, as they provide essential flavor to the soup.

Next, toss the chopped onion into the remaining bacon drippings. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This process softens the onion and infuses the base of the soup with layers of taste.

Once the onion is ready, it’s time to add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the potatoes to cook until they soften, typically between 15 to 20 minutes.

After cooking, use a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes while keeping some chunky for texture. This duality creates the perfect heartiness in the soup. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until completely melted and blended. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

To serve this delightful potato soup, ladle it into bowls while garnishing with the reserved crispy bacon and a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions. Enjoy the comforting goodness immediately. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Mastering the Art of Potato Soup

Technique

Using the right techniques makes all the difference in creating a fantastic potato soup. Starting with cooking bacon uncovers crucial flavors that permeate throughout the dish. Letting the onions sauté is equally important, as this enhances the sweetness and complexity.

In addition to proper layering of flavors, the choice of potatoes matters too. Opt for starchy varieties, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, as they lend a creamier consistency when mashed. This thoughtful selection ensures a silky texture that elevates each bite.

Tips/tricks

Several tips delineate a good potato soup from a great one. Consider letting the soup simmer longer for a more pronounced flavor. Gradually build the flavor profile; don’t rush the process.

Another trick involves using an immersion blender to create a creamier consistency if desired. Blending a portion of the soup while leaving some chunks achieves a delightful balance.

When it comes to bacon, feel free to adjust the quantity to satisfy personal preference. More bacon can only amplify the flavors, and it can be substituted with turkey bacon for a healthier option.

Perfecting Your Potato Soup

Perfecting results

To perfect the results of potato soup, maintain attention to the cooking time for the onions and potatoes. Undercooking leads to bite-sized chunks of onion rather than a smooth base, while overcooking may mush the potatoes.

As for the seasonings, adjust salt and pepper to fit personal taste. Each ingredient plays a role in harmony, ensuring each bowl bursts with flavor.

Troubleshooting/variations

In the face of common challenges, have a few troubleshooting techniques at hand. If the soup appears too thick, incorporate additional chicken broth or heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if the soup is too runny, let it simmer longer to evaporate excess liquid.

Variations abound with potato soup. For an added layer of flavor, experiment with garlic or leeks in the base. Introducing spices like paprika, cayenne, or herbs like thyme can agrade the taste profile, making it unique.

Serving and Storing Potato Soup

Serving/presentation

Presentation matters, especially with hearty dishes like potato soup. Serve hot in wide bowls, allowing space for toppings. A sprinkle of chives or green onions provides vibrant color, while crispy bacon adds texture and visual appeal.

For an inviting atmosphere, pair the soup with crusty bread or a crisp salad. This enhances the experience and encourages sharing among family and friends.

Pairing/storage

Pair this potato soup with crusty bread for a complete meal experience. Consider incorporating fresh salads to add a light contrast to the richness of the soup.

For storage, leftover potato soup remains fresh in an airtight container, stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding additional broth if necessary for consistency.

Creations like this Outback Steakhouse-inspired potato soup not only comfort the body but also evoke memories and foster connections. This recipe embodies the joy of home cooking, pleasing both chefs and diners alike.

Outback Steakhouse-Inspired Potato Soup

---

• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty potato soup inspired by Outback Steakhouse, featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy texture.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Chives or green onions for garnish

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, keeping drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in bacon drippings until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
4. Use a potato masher to mash some potatoes while leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon and chives or green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a creamier consistency, consider using an immersion blender. Adjust bacon quantity to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soups
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: potato soup, comfort food, Outback Steakhouse, hearty soup, creamy soup