If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, you’ve probably heard of or even tried their famous Walkabout Soup. It’s that deliciously creamy, hearty, and comforting bowl of goodness that seems to hit just the right notes every time. This soup is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter or as a main course paired with a hearty bread, it’s the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Recreating this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually surprisingly simple. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can master this classic recipe. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making this Australian-inspired comfort dish.
Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup Recipe
The Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup is a creamy, comforting potato soup that combines rich ingredients like cheddar cheese, bacon, and potatoes, with a hint of spice from the jalapeños and a smooth base of cream. It’s an incredibly hearty soup, perfect for chilly nights or when you just want something satisfying and filling. Below, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the entire process so that you can make this soup right at home.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work in harmony to deliver that creamy, flavorful bowl of comfort:
- Russet Potatoes: The base of the soup. Russet potatoes are starchy and break down easily, which helps thicken the soup and gives it that classic potato soup texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Onions: A savory touch for a bit of natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: For aromatic flavor that enhances the base of the soup.
- Chicken Broth: To give the soup its savory foundation. You can use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt levels.
- Heavy Cream: The key ingredient for achieving that silky, creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a tangy, cheesy depth that makes the soup extra satisfying.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a crispy, smoky flavor that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.
- Jalapeños: A hint of spice to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course, as you’ll want to bring the flavors into balance.
- Flour: This helps to thicken the soup slightly, giving it the perfect consistency.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make your own Walkabout Soup at home. It’s not too complicated, but it does require a little attention to detail to get the perfect flavor and texture.
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Prepare The Potatoes
- Start by washing and peeling your russet potatoes. Cut them into small, bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Place the potato chunks in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain and set them aside.
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Cook The Bacon
- In a separate pan, cook your bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. Once cooked, remove from the pan, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small bits. Set it aside for later.
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Sauté Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make The Soup Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to create a roux (a mixture of butter and flour). Cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot as you go. Bring the broth to a simmer, and then add in the cooked potatoes. Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a thicker texture while leaving some whole for texture.
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Add Cream And Cheese
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup, creating that creamy, cheesy consistency we all crave.
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Finish The Soup
- Add the crumbled bacon and chopped jalapeños (if you prefer a bit of heat). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and maybe a bit more sliced jalapeño if you like it extra spicy. Serve with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Ingredient Insights
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are your best bet for soups like this. They break down beautifully when cooked, which thickens the soup without needing to add extra thickeners.
- Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half: While heavy cream gives the soup its ultra-smooth and rich texture, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. However, you’ll lose some of that velvety consistency.
- Bacon: The smoky, crispy bacon is a critical ingredient in this recipe. It adds not only texture but a depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Jalapeños: A little spice adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cream and cheese. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can omit the jalapeños or replace them with something milder, like a pinch of paprika.
Expert Tips
- Potato Mash: For a smoother soup, you can blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender. Be sure to leave some chunks of potato to keep that rustic feel.
- Adjusting Thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Flavor Balance: Be sure to taste as you go. The saltiness of the bacon and cheese can easily overpower, so adjust with pepper and other seasonings as needed.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Walkabout Soup recipe is fantastic as-is, there are some fun ways to give it your own spin:
- Spicy Kick: Add extra diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce, for a more intense heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and instead add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.
- Extra Veggies: Add some corn kernels, carrots, or even spinach to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Slow Cooker Version: For an easier, hands-off version, you can throw everything in a slow cooker. Just add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the cream and cheese at the end, and let it melt through.
Final Words
The Walkabout Soup from Outback Steakhouse is a comforting, rich dish that brings together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and smoky bacon bits, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
FAQs
What Is The Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup?
The Walkabout Soup is a signature menu item at Outback Steakhouse. It is a creamy and hearty soup made with a combination of baked potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions, all simmered in a savory broth, and often served with fresh bread for dipping.
How Can I Make Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup At Home?
To make the Walkabout Soup at home, you’ll need ingredients such as russet potatoes, heavy cream, butter, bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, chicken broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The ingredients are cooked together to create a creamy, comforting soup.
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Walkabout Soup Recipe?
The main ingredients include russet potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and flour for thickening.
Can I Make The Walkabout Soup Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add additional vegetables or substitute vegan cheese and cream to suit dietary preferences.
What Type Of Potatoes Should I Use For The Walkabout Soup?
Russet potatoes are recommended for the Walkabout Soup because they have a starchy texture that helps thicken the soup, giving it a creamy consistency when mashed.
Can I Freeze Walkabout Soup For Later Use?
Yes, Walkabout Soup can be frozen for later use. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, be aware that the texture may change slightly, especially with the cream and cheese.
How Can I Make The Walkabout Soup Spicier?
To add heat to the Walkabout Soup, you can include ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
How Long Does It Take To Make Walkabout Soup From Scratch?
Making Walkabout Soup from scratch typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how long it takes for the potatoes to cook and the soup to thicken.
What Can I Serve With Walkabout Soup?
Walkabout Soup pairs well with fresh bread, such as a crusty baguette or soft rolls. You can also serve it alongside a salad or a steak for a more substantial meal.
Can I Substitute The Heavy Cream In The Walkabout Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk (like coconut milk) for a lighter version, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.