This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delightful twist on the beloved classic from Outback Steakhouse. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family, this recipe brings creamy goodness filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or impress guests at a dinner party, this soup stands out as ultimate comfort food.
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 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 Options
- Bread Pairings
- Salad Suggestions
- 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 Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?
- How can 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
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is rich and filling, making it an ideal choice for cold days.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this soup is always a hit.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Using the right equipment can make cooking simpler and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or stock pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for even cooking and simmering large batches of soup.
- Sharp knife: Helps in quickly chopping ingredients like onions and potatoes with precision.
- Ladle: Makes serving your delicious soup easy without spilling.
Ingredients
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
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Chives
- Reserved bacon crumbles
- Additional shredded cheese
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.
1. Add the diced bacon and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until crispy.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender and fragrant.
3. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
1. Stir to combine everything well and cover with a lid.
2. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. 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,
1. Stir in heavy cream (or milk), Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls.
1. Garnish with reserved bacon crumbles, freshly chopped chives, and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Serving Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not just about the soup itself; it’s an experience. This rich and creamy soup can be paired with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor and presentation.
Garnish Options
- Crispy Bacon: Add extra bacon bits on top for a crunch and a smoky flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy bite.
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
Bread Pairings
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for dipping into the soup.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Salad Suggestions
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Perfecting your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup can take this dish to another level. Here are some tips to ensure you make it just right.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality bacon make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or reduce the broth slightly.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for added flavor.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling once you add dairy to prevent curdling; simmer gently instead.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Pairing sides with your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy, vibrant side that adds color and nutrients to your meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A gooey grilled cheese is always a comforting companion to any soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can be a delightful appetizer before diving into the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people overlook simple things that can elevate their Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the bacon, onion, and garlic enhances the flavor of your soup. Don’t rush this step; it adds a depth of taste that’s essential.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients matters. Opt for fresh potatoes and good quality cheese to make your soup truly delicious.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
- Ignoring texture preferences: Some prefer a smoother soup, while others enjoy chunks of potato. Decide how you want your soup to be and adjust by mashing or blending accordingly.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Check them at 25 minutes and remove from heat once fork-tender.
- Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like chives, bacon, and cheese add an appealing touch and enhance flavor. Don’t skip this final step!
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
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup special?
This recipe captures the rich flavors of Outback’s soup while allowing you to customize it at home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with toppings!
Can I make Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for added flavor without meat.
How can I customize my Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
You can add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, use different types of cheese, or even spice it up with jalapeños based on your taste!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not just a comforting dish but also versatile enough to cater to various tastes. With its creamy texture and savory ingredients, it makes a delightful meal on chilly days. Feel free to get creative with toppings or mix-ins to suit your preferences!
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: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the creamy warmth of Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup, a delightful twist on the classic favorite from Outback Steakhouse. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese. With rich flavors and simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-style comfort food in your kitchen effortlessly. Top it off with fresh chives and extra bacon for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in, this loaded baked potato soup will be a hit.
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
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sauté the diced bacon until crispy. Add onions and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mix in heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and cheddar cheese; simmer until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra bacon crumbles, chives, and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing/Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
