If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, you know that their loaded potato soup is one of the best comfort foods on the menu. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl!
Now, you don’t have to go out to enjoy this classic—because you can make it right at home with this easy, restaurant-style copycat recipe! It’s perfect for cozy nights, cold weather, and meal prepping, and the best part? It’s super simple to make!
This homemade version captures the same velvety texture and bold flavors as the Outback Steakhouse favorite, topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, this soup is bound to become a family favorite.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional details, expert tips, and fun variations to make this recipe even better than the original!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Creamy & Comforting – Perfect for a cozy meal.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like the Outback Steakhouse version!
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
✔️ Customizable – Make it extra cheesy, spicy, or even vegetarian.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Soup:
- 900g russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion (150g), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (10g), minced
- 45g unsalted butter
- 30g all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 1L chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 500ml whole milk
- 250ml heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 200g shredded cheddar cheese
- 100g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
For the Toppings:
- 100g crispy bacon, crumbled
- 50g shredded cheddar cheese
- 30g chopped green onions or chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Chop the onions finely and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Base
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes & Simmer
- Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
Step 5: Blend & Make It Creamy
- Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Pour in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream, stirring well to combine.
Step 6: Add the Cheese & Final Touches
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt completely into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Potato Soup
✔️ Use Russet Potatoes – They create the creamiest soup with the best texture.
✔️ For a Thicker Soup – Mash more potatoes or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
✔️ For a Smoother Soup – Use an immersion blender to blend until silky smooth.
✔️ Make It Spicy – Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
✔️ Make It Vegetarian – Swap chicken broth for veggie broth and skip the bacon.
✔️ Prep in Advance – This soup tastes even better the next day!
Creative Variations
🥓 Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Stir in extra bacon, chives, and even chopped baked potatoes for a fully loaded twist.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in a blend of cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack cheese for ultimate cheesiness.
🥦 Broccoli Cheddar Twist – Add steamed broccoli for a nutritious boost.
🌶️ Spicy Tex-Mex Version – Add jalapeños, taco seasoning, or diced green chilies.
🥑 Creamy Avocado – Stir in mashed avocado for an extra velvety texture.
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