Hearty Loaded Outback Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl 🥣🥔🔥
1. Introduction
If you crave a warm, satisfying bowl of loaded potato soup that offers rich flavors and creamy textures, you’ve come to the right place. Inspired by Outback’s signature style, this savory potato chowder combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese into the perfect cozy night meal. Whether you’re seeking a comforting dish after a long day or planning a weekend family dinner, this hearty creamy potato soup will quickly become your go-to recipe for chilly evenings.
2. Ingredients for the Best Loaded Potato Soup
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, additional cheese, sour cream, jalapeños
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hearty Outback Style Potato Soup
Prepare the Potatoes and Aromatics
Begin by peeling and dice the potatoes into small, evenly-sized pieces. In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cook the Potatoes in Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Blend for Creamy Texture
For a creamier consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, process until smooth, and return it to the pot. This step creates that luscious, creamy texture typical of creamy potato soup.
Add Cheese, Bacon, and Sour Cream
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Add the sour cream for extra creaminess, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix in the cooked bacon crumbles for that signature savory flavor that defines loaded potato soup.
Final Touches
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, extra cheese, or jalapeños for a spicy kick. For an added protein boost, consider tossing in some cooked sausage or grilled chicken.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips
This Outback style potato soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, stir in a splash of broth or milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions
This hearty loaded potato soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside some creamy Cajun sausage pasta or healthy broccoli pasta to diversify your dinner plate. You can also top it with extra cheese, green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
6. FAQs About Loaded Potato Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon or replace it with a smoky plant-based alternative.
What are some good substitutions for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt, dairy-free sour cream, or even blended silken tofu for a vegan or dairy-free option.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation and cooking time total around 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
7. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
To make your loaded potato soup preparation seamless, consider using these handy kitchen tools:
- Instant-read digital thermometer — Ensures your bacon is perfectly crispy and your soup ingredients are cooked to the right temperature.
- Immersion blender — Effortlessly blend and achieve a smooth, creamy texture in your soup without transferring hot liquids to a traditional blender.
- Heavy-duty soup pot — A spacious, durable pot makes cooking and simmering much easier and safer.
8. Tips for the Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
- Choose starchy potatoes like russets for best creaminess.
- Make sure to crumble bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Garnish generously with fresh herbs and toppings for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Adjust seasoning and toppings based on your taste preferences.
9. Conclusion
This loaded potato soup is a warm, comforting dish that will elevate your cozy night dinners. With its rich, creamy texture and savory toppings, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it classic or with a spicy twist, you can’t go wrong with this Outback style potato soup. Save this recipe, experiment with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort whenever you need a hug in a mug!
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Hearty Loaded Outback Potato Soup Perfect for Cozy Nights
A creamy and savory loaded potato soup inspired by Outback Steakhouse, packed with flavorful toppings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until translucent.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream for sour cream for a richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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