Outback Potato Soup Recipe

Growing up, my family had a tradition of turning to soups and stews as our go-to comfort foods during the fall and winter months. Among the many recipes that filled our home with mouthwatering aromas, one stood out for its simplicity, heartiness, and the warmth it brought to our dining table. It was a recipe that seemed to weave tales of distant lands and adventurous spirits into its very fabric – the Outback Potato Soup.

For those who might not have had the pleasure, this soup is a creamy blend of smooth potatoes, savory broth, crispy bacon, and a melody of herbs and spices that create a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Each spoonful feels like a discovery of homely comfort and untamed wilderness, a tribute to the spirit of Australia’s heartland.

How to make Outback Potato Soup

Outback Potato Soup is a popular dish served at Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-themed American casual dining restaurant chain. This hearty soup features diced potatoes, bacon, onions, celery, and various seasonings, all simmered in a creamy base, often garnished with shredded cheese, chives, and sometimes bacon bits. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that has become a favorite among many restaurant patrons.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: 5-6 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes. They are the heart of this soup and provide the perfect creamy texture.
• Bacon: 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped. For that smoky, savory depth that only bacon can offer.
• Onions and Garlic: 1 medium onion, diced, and 3 cloves of garlic, minced. These aromatics are the foundation of savory flavor.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of quality chicken broth, to marry all the flavors together.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream, to bring that luxurious richness to the soup.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, because butter makes everything better.
• Flour: 1/3 cup, to thicken up your soup to just the right consistency.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup, to add a little tang and creaminess.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, plus a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick.
• Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and extra bacon bits for garnish.

Instructions:

Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add your diced potatoes and cook until they are fork tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Drain and set them aside.

Cook the Bacon:

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. Reserve some of the bacon fat in the pot for cooking the onions and garlic.

Sauté Aromatics:

1. Add the diced onions in the same pot with the bacon fat.
2. Sauté them until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This is the roux that will thicken your soup to that perfect consistency.

Combine Ingredients:

1. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the cooked potatoes and let them meld with the broth for a few minutes.
4. Blend the Soup: For a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup to your preferred texture. If you like it chunky, blend only half.

Finishing Touches:

1. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream.
2. Allow the soup to heat through but not boil, as you don’t want to risk curdling the dairy.
3. Add the cooked bacon bits back into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
4. Season: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, reserved bacon bits, and chopped green onions.

Tips for Success:

• Polish Your Potatoes: Dice your potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
• Low and Slow Roux: When making your roux, keep the heat on low to cook it slowly and avoid burning – this can affect the final taste.
• Customize Texture: Use a potato masher instead of a blender if you prefer a soup with more chunks and texture.
• Slow Incorporation: Add your dairy products slowly and do not boil, to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without separation or curdling.
• Reserve Some Toppings: Always reserve some crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions for guests to add extra on top according to their taste.

What to serve with

Outback Potato Soup stands as a hearty meal on its own, but the right accompaniments can elevate this comforting dish to a lavish feast that tantalizes all your senses. Here are some curated suggestions on what to serve with your Outback Potato Soup to create a well-rounded and unforgettable dining experience.

1. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of dipping a piece of warm, crusty bread or a fluffy dinner roll into a creamy potato soup. The bread sops up the soup beautifully, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts the smooth texture of the soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart bread makes for an irresistible choice, adding a layer of garlicky or cheesy goodness.

2. Green Salads

To balance the richness of the Outback Potato Soup, consider serving it with a fresh green salad. A simple salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing touch to your meal. For something a bit more robust, a spinach salad with apples, walnuts, and a balsamic dressing offers a lovely combination of sweetness, crunch, and tang.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are another excellent side that adds both color and nutrition to your table. Options like roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper can complement the creaminess of the soup with their earthy flavors and crispy texture.

4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Elevate the classic soup-and-sandwich combo by pairing your Outback Potato Soup with a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Opt for high-quality cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites between slices of artisan bread. You might also add slices of tomato, bacon, or a swipe of pesto for added flavor.

5. Australian Damper Bread

To stay true to the Australian theme, try serving your Outback Potato Soup with a side of Australian Damper Bread. This traditional Australian bread is a simple, scone-like bread that’s baked and perfect for dipping into soup. It’s easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients.

6. Quiche or Savory Tart

For a more sophisticated or brunch-type pairing, a slice of quiche or savory tart can wonderfully accompany the soup. Options like a spinach and feta quiche or a caramelized onion tart offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

7. Meat Platter

If you’re catering to a crowd with hearty appetites, consider serving a charcuterie platter or sliced grilled sausages alongside your soup. The salty and savory meats complement the creamy, earthy flavors of the potato soup.

Substitutes for Ingredients in Making Outback Potato Soup

While the Outback Potato Soup is a delightful blend of ingredients, there might be times when you may not have all of them at hand, or dietary restrictions might require you to seek alternatives. Here are some substitutes for the ingredients used in making this Soup:

Potatoes

Though Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because of their starchy texture that aids in creating a creamy consistency, Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes can also be used as a substitute, as they are creamy but hold their shape well.

Bacon

For vegetarian or non-pork eaters, substitute bacon with smoked turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. For a meat-free option, you can use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor that bacon provides.

Butter

In case of a shortage, you can use margarine or oil instead of butter. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free margarine or substitute with olive oil or coconut oil.

Seasonings

With seasoning, feel free to explore with what you have. If cayenne pepper is unavailable, use red pepper flakes or paprika. Remember that seasonings can be adjusted to personal preference.

Toppings

For a vegan topping, use a vegan cheese alternative instead of cheddar. If green onions are not available, use chopped fresh chives or fried onions as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

With these tips and instructions, your Outback Potato Soup will not only be a deliciously warm experience on a cold day, but it will also bring the rustic charm of the Australian countryside right to your dining table. Enjoy the journey, mate!

More Soup Recipes:

• Applebee’s French Onion Soup