Outback Baked Potato Soup

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than Outback Baked Potato Soup. This rich, creamy soup combines tender chunks of potato, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luscious blend of flavors everyone will adore. Easy to prepare and deeply comforting, Outback Baked Potato Soup is truly the ultimate comfort food that elevates any dinner or quick lunch with its hearty goodness and smooth texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Creaminess: The perfect blend of cream and cheese creates an irresistibly smooth and velvety texture.
• Hearty and Filling: Chunky potatoes and savory bacon make each spoonful satisfying and substantial.
• Simple Prep: Minimal cooking steps with common ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
• Customizable Flavor: Easily adapted with add-ins like chives, sour cream, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Outback Baked Potato Soup plays a vital role in delivering its classic taste and comforting texture. From tender potatoes to smoky bacon and rich cheese, these basics come together to create magic in a bowl.

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best for their fluffy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky depth and crispy bite to balance the creamy soup.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aroma that builds the soup’s savory foundation.
• Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful base and thins the soup to the perfect consistency.
• Heavy cream: Enriches the soup with luscious creaminess every spoonful needs.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it delivers a rich, cheesy boost.
• Butter: Enhances the overall flavor and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to round out and balance the flavors.

Variations for Outback Baked Potato Soup

Outback Baked Potato Soup is incredibly easy to personalize. Whether you want a lighter version or crave a veggie boost, feel free to tweak the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian twist: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a meat-free but still hearty soup.
• Extra veggies: Add corn, celery, or carrots for added texture and nutrients.
• Spicy kick: A dash of cayenne or smoked paprika adds warmth and subtle heat.
• Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk and vegan cheese to enjoy a creamy version without dairy.
• Loaded style: Top with sour cream, green onions, extra cheese, and crispy bacon bits for a fully loaded meal.

How to Make Outback Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the bacon and sauté onions

Begin by frying diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Then, add diced onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the potatoes

Peel and cube russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Add them to the pot with the sautéed onions and stir to coat them in the bacon fat and onion flavor.

Step 3: Add broth and simmer

Pour in chicken broth to cover the potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until tender but not falling apart, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend and add dairy

Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer part of the soup to a blender to puree some of the potatoes, giving the soup a creamy base while keeping chunks for texture. Return to the pot, then stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Season and finish

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the crispy bacon back in or save some for topping. Keep the soup warm until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making Outback Baked Potato Soup

• Choose the right potato: Russets work best because their starch helps thicken the soup naturally.
• Blend partially: Puree only half the soup for a creamy texture without losing the comforting potato chunks.
• Use sharp cheddar: It melts well and adds prominent cheesy flavor that complements the potatoes.
• Don’t skip sautéing the onions: It builds a rich flavor base that makes a big difference in the final taste.
• Adjust thickness: Add a little broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency—thicker is perfect for a meal, thinner for a starter.

How to Serve Outback Baked Potato Soup

Garnishes

Toppings are where Outback Baked Potato Soup shines—provide options like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and dollops of sour cream to let everyone customize their bowl just right.

Side Dishes

Pair the soup with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that satisfies both comfort and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun touch or garnish with colorful herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the presentation and add a fresh aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Outback Baked Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well—just cool completely and place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months, but be aware that the texture may slightly change due to the cream and potatoes.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to reincorporate the ingredients evenly. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make Outback Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful and hearty without meat.

What type of potatoes are best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they become fluffy when cooked, helping to thicken the soup without turning mushy.

Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve for convenience.

Can I use low-fat dairy in this recipe?

While possible, the soup’s creamy richness comes from heavy cream and cheese, so using low-fat options may alter the texture and flavor somewhat.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick after refrigeration?

Add a little warm broth or cream when reheating and stir well to loosen the consistency to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Outback Baked Potato Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on any day you need a little comfort. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfies with every creamy, cheesy bite. So why wait? Grab those potatoes and get started—your perfect comfort food dinner is just a pot away!

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