There’s something irresistible about Copycat Outback Potato Soup the creamy texture, the smoky bacon, the melted cheese on top. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, just like the version you love at the restaurant, but made right in your kitchen.
This homemade take captures everything that makes Outback’s soup so famous: rich, buttery potatoes, smooth creaminess, and just the right amount of savory bacon flavor. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
Copycat Outback Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter to the bacon drippings. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, and top with bacon and chives before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
The Story & Why Copycat Outback Potato Soup Works
When I first tried Outback’s potato soup years ago, it was love at first bite velvety, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. That experience inspired this copycat recipe. The best part? You don’t need a chef’s kitchen or fancy tools. Just a pot, a few simple ingredients, and a little patience.
The secret to nailing that restaurant-level taste is cooking the onions and garlic in the bacon drippings before adding the potatoes. It builds a smoky base that carries through every spoonful.
If you love cozy restaurant-style soups like this, the Outback Potato Soup and Loaded Baked Potato Soup are two other creamy, crowd-pleasing options worth keeping on your list.
Ingredients and Quick Preparation
You’ll need:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions for garnish
How to Make It:
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter to the bacon drippings. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, and top with bacon and chives before serving.
For slow-cooked flavor with less effort, try the Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It’s just as creamy but lets the slow cooker do all the work.
Flavor Tips and Add-ins
What makes Copycat Outback Potato Soup shine is how customizable it is. Here are a few easy ways to switch it up:
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for a mild kick.
- Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for an elevated finish.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the Creamy Cowboy Soup brings smoky sausage and corn into the mix for a bold, southwestern twist.
And if spice is your thing, the Cajun Potato Soup has that gentle Louisiana heat you’ll want to make again and again.
Why It’s the Perfect Comfort Meal
This Copycat Outback Potato Soup is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. It’s creamy, filling, and absolutely comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cold weekends when you just want something that feels good.
It’s also a budget-friendly recipe that uses everyday ingredients but still delivers restaurant-quality flavor. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.
If you love cozy, homey meals like this, the Busy Day Soup and Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup are equally satisfying — both easy, creamy, and full of flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it cools, so just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. It also freezes well for up to a month — just leave out the cheese and sour cream before freezing and stir them in after reheating.
If you’re looking for more feel-good meals that store beautifully, the Italian Penicillin Soup is another must-try — comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Copycat Outback Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or use a smoky vegetarian alternative.
2. Can I make it in a crockpot?
Definitely. Add all ingredients except the cream, cheese, and sour cream. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, then stir in the dairy before serving.
3. How can I thicken the soup?
Mash more potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water).
4. Can I use different potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Golds or red potatoes create a creamier, richer texture.
Conclusion
Copycat Outback Potato Soup is the kind of meal that never goes out of style — creamy, savory, and completely comforting. Whether you’re cooking for the family or making a cozy meal for one, this recipe captures the restaurant flavor you love with simple, homemade ease.
Warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and a bowl full of happiness.