This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that mimic the beloved classic from Outback Steakhouse. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply looking for a warm bowl on a chilly night, this soup delivers. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory cheese, it’s sure to be a hit!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Soup Base
- For Creaminess
- For Garnish
- How to Make Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Step 1: Sauté Bacon and Aromatics
- Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Step 3: Finish with Cream and Cheese
- Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- How to Serve Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Garnish with Fresh Toppings
- Pair with Bread
- Add a Salad
- How to Perfect Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Best Side Dishes for Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Reheating Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup special?
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- How do I customize my Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This soup combines creamy textures with savory bacon and melted cheese for an unforgettable taste.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or family dinner night, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Comforting Warmth: Enjoy a bowl of warmth that fills your home with delightful aromas.
- Versatile Garnishes: Customize with toppings like chives or extra cheese to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or stock pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for even heating and making large batches of soup without burning.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking of vegetables and potatoes.
- Measuring cups: Guarantees accurate ingredient quantities for best results.
Ingredients
This creamy, cheesy, and hearty potato soup is an at-home version of Outback Steakhouse’s classic baked potato soup. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5-6 slices uncooked bacon, diced (reserve some for garnish, if desired)
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 5-6 small yellow potatoes, diced (peeled, if desired)
- 32 oz vegetable broth
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Chives, bacon, and shredded cheese for garnish
How to Make Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté Bacon and Aromatics
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced bacon and sauté for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender and fragrant.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Stir to combine and cover with a lid.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- For a thicker texture, gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
Step 3: Finish with Cream and Cheese
- Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or milk), Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with reserved bacon crumbles, freshly chopped chives, and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Serving Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.
Garnish with Fresh Toppings
- Chives: A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: Extra bacon crumbles on top enhance the savory richness.
- Shredded Cheese: More cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the soup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: The flavors of garlic bread complement the potato soup wonderfully.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine and creamy dressing pairs well with the soup’s texture.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad balances out the richness of the loaded soup.
How to Perfect Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
To achieve the best version of Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup, keep these tips in mind for a delicious result.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and vegetables improve flavor and texture.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes directly in the pot; for a smoother texture, blend part of it.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
- Experiment with Dairy: Feel free to use heavy cream or whole milk for added creaminess, or Greek yogurt for tanginess.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Complementing your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Knots: These fluffy knots are perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that offers gooey goodness alongside creamy soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch to your meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins contrast nicely with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts bring a crunchy element to the table.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that complements the creamy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Using the wrong potatoes – Not all potatoes are suitable for soup. Stick to yellow or russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Overcooking the bacon – If you cook the bacon too long, it can become overly crispy and lose its flavor. Aim for a perfect balance between crispy and chewy.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments – Every broth varies in salt content. Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper accordingly to avoid blandness.
- Not mashing some potatoes – For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot. This adds creaminess without needing extra ingredients.
- Rushing the cooking time – Allow the soup to simmer properly for full flavor development. Patience is key for that rich taste!
- Ignoring texture preferences – If a smoother soup is desired, blend part of it. Adjust based on whether you prefer chunks or a creamy consistency.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be kept for up to 3 months.
Reheating Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop – Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup special?
This recipe captures the essence of Outback Steakhouse’s famous soup with its creamy texture and rich flavors, making it perfect for comfort food lovers.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I customize my Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
You can add toppings like jalapeños, additional cheese varieties, or even avocado slices to enhance flavors according to your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and can be made ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. With its creamy base and loaded toppings, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the delightful warmth of Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup, a creamy and hearty dish that channels the beloved flavors of Outback Steakhouse. This comforting soup features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its rich texture and savory taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve it on game day or as a comforting meal after a long day, every spoonful promises satisfaction. Customize your bowl with toppings like chives or extra cheese to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5–6 slices uncooked bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5–6 small yellow potatoes, diced
- 32 oz vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sauté bacon until crispy. Add garlic and onion; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in diced potatoes and vegetable broth; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some potatoes for thickness; then stir in heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon, chives, and extra cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
