There is a reason Copycat Outback Potato Soup has remained a favorite comfort food for years. This homemade version brings the same restaurant-style flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients, a creamy texture, and an easy one-pot cooking method.
Made with tender potatoes, creamy broth, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, this soup delivers a rich and satisfying flavor in every spoonful. The combination of smooth soup, hearty potato pieces, and classic toppings creates the comforting experience people love about the Outback version.
Copycat Outback Potato Soup-The Short Answer
This easy potato soup recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, chilly days, family meals, or whenever you want a comforting homemade bowl that feels special without complicated preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you enjoy creamy comfort food, this Copycat Outback Potato Soup recipe is a great choice. It combines potatoes, cream, cheese, and savory seasonings to create a smooth and flavorful soup with a satisfying texture.
This recipe is also flexible and practical. You can use fresh russet potatoes, refrigerated potatoes, or canned potatoes depending on what you have available. The simple preparation and everyday ingredients make it easy to recreate a restaurant-style soup at home.
Another reason this potato soup works well is that it reheats beautifully. It is a convenient option for leftovers, meal prep, family dinners, or a comforting lunch the next day.
Ingredients
The ingredients in this Copycat Outback Potato Soup work together to create the creamy texture and rich flavor of the classic restaurant-style version. Choosing the right potatoes, cheese, and seasonings helps build a balanced soup base with the perfect combination of creamy and chunky textures.
Potatoes and Aromatics
You will need:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Russet potatoes are the preferred choice because their natural starch helps create a creamy soup texture. Peel the potatoes and cut them into approximately ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
Keeping some potatoes mashed and the remaining pieces as bite-sized chunks creates the classic creamy and chunky potato soup consistency.
The onion and garlic provide the aromatic base that builds flavor throughout the soup.
Soup Base Ingredients
You will need:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
The butter and flour create a smooth roux that thickens the soup while adding richness. Whisking the flour mixture properly helps remove the raw flour taste and creates a creamy base.
Chicken broth and chicken bouillon add savory depth, while heavy cream provides the smooth, restaurant-style finish.
Cheese and Toppings
You will need:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts smoothly into the soup and adds a rich cheesy flavor. Colby-Monterey Jack cheese works well as a topping and creates the classic restaurant-style presentation.
Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor, while green onions provide freshness and color. Salt and black pepper help balance the overall flavor of the soup.
How To Make Copycat Outback Potato Soup
This Copycat Outback Potato Soup comes together with a few simple cooking steps. Preparing the potatoes properly, creating a smooth roux, and adding the dairy ingredients at the right time helps create a creamy soup with the perfect balance of smooth texture and hearty potato pieces.
Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into approximately ½-inch cubes.
Place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water until the water reaches about 1 inch above the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and divide them into two portions. Lightly mash half of the potatoes while keeping the remaining pieces as bite-sized chunks.
This combination creates the classic creamy and chunky texture of Outback-style potato soup.
Make the Roux
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Sprinkle in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes. This creates a smooth roux while helping remove the raw flour taste.
Create the Creamy Soup Base
Gradually add 4 cups chicken broth while whisking constantly to create a smooth soup base.
Stir in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder and continue mixing until the flour mixture is fully dissolved.
Add 1 cup heavy cream and gently combine everything together. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.
Avoid boiling the soup because the dairy ingredients can affect the texture.
Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Add the mashed potatoes and remaining potato chunks to the soup base.
Stir gently to allow the mashed potatoes to naturally thicken the soup while keeping the potato pieces intact.
Season with:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
Continue simmering until the soup reaches your preferred creamy consistency.
Add Cheese and Finish the Soup
Reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to maintain a smooth texture.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
When the soup is hot and creamy, ladle it into serving bowls and finish with:
- Crispy chopped bacon
- Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- Sliced green onions
Serve warm for the classic restaurant-style potato soup experience.
Serving Copycat Outback Potato Soup
The right toppings and sides help create a restaurant-style experience when serving this Copycat Outback Potato Soup.
Ladle the creamy soup into deep bowls and finish each serving with classic toppings:
- Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- Crispy chopped bacon
- Sliced green onions
These toppings add extra flavor, texture, and color while complementing the creamy potato base.
Serve the soup with comforting sides such as:
- Crusty bread
- Warm dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
These options are perfect for dipping and help turn the soup into a complete meal.
For a lighter balance, pair the soup with a crisp salad or a refreshing beverage. The fresh flavors create a nice contrast with the rich and creamy soup.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage helps maintain the creamy texture and flavor of this potato soup.
Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, let the soup cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe airtight containers. Leave a small amount of space at the top to allow room for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers and freeze the soup for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Thawing Instructions
Transfer frozen soup to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
Avoid thawing the soup at room temperature to help maintain quality and food safety.
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop Method
Transfer the soup to a saucepan and warm it over low to medium-low heat.
Stir occasionally so the dairy heats evenly and the soup maintains its creamy texture.
Avoid bringing the soup to a vigorous boil after reheating because high heat can affect the smooth consistency.
Microwave Method
Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals.
Stir after each interval until the soup is evenly warmed.
Adjusting Consistency After Storage
After refrigeration, this potato soup may become slightly thicker because the potatoes and dairy continue to settle.
If needed, gradually add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken broth while stirring until the original creamy consistency is restored.
Tips for the Best Outback Potato Soup
Avoid Overcooking the Potatoes
Watch the cooking time carefully to prevent the potatoes from becoming too soft.
Russet potatoes are the preferred option because their natural starch helps create the creamy texture that makes this soup special.
Keep the Potato Texture Balanced
When mashing the potatoes, use a fork to maintain small pieces and create a more natural texture.
Avoid completely pureeing the potatoes because the combination of creamy soup and small potato chunks gives this recipe its signature texture.
Use Canned Potatoes Properly
If using canned potatoes, drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
Lightly mash a portion while keeping some pieces intact to maintain the balance between creamy and chunky textures.
Adjust Seasoning Before Serving
Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
If using store-bought bacon, additional bacon grease is optional because the butter already provides enough richness.
Add Fresh Garnishes
For a fresh finish, garnish the soup with additional green onions or fresh herbs such as parsley.
Variations
This Copycat Outback Potato Soup is easy to customize while keeping the same creamy texture and comforting flavor.
Extra Cheesy Potato Soup
For a richer cheese flavor, increase the cheddar cheese slightly or add an additional cheese blend while keeping the original soup base unchanged.
Extra cheese creates a creamier texture and a stronger cheesy taste that works well for cheese lovers.
Spicy Potato Soup
Add diced jalapeños or a small amount of cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
The added heat creates a flavorful twist while still allowing the creamy potato base to remain the main focus.
Vegetable Potato Soup
Add vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Keep in mind that adding extra vegetables creates a variation of the classic Copycat Outback Potato Soup while changing the traditional restaurant-style profile.
Bacon and Cheese Variation
Increase the amount of bacon topping or combine different cheese flavors for a smoky and cheesy version.
This variation adds extra richness while keeping the same creamy soup structure.
Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker Note
Recipe Notes
- Fresh russet potatoes provide the best texture, but refrigerated or canned potatoes can also be used when needed.
- Colby-Monterey Jack cheese is recommended as a garnish to maintain the classic restaurant-style presentation.
- Bacon bits can be used as a topping, but the recipe quantity is based on cooked chopped bacon.
- Optional additions should enhance the flavor without changing the main soup structure.
- This recipe makes approximately 8 cups of soup, making it suitable for family meals, gatherings, or leftovers.
Nutrition
The nutritional values below are estimates and may vary depending on the brands of chicken broth, cheese, bacon, dairy products, and ingredient substitutions used.
This recipe makes approximately 6 main-course servings or 8 appetizer servings.
Approximate nutrition per main-course serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 30 g
- Protein: 14–17 g
For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and brands you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Potatoes Work Best for This Recipe?
Russet potatoes are the best choice because their natural starch helps create the creamy texture that makes this potato soup special.
Other potato varieties can be used, but the final texture may be slightly different.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon.
However, the flavor will be different from the traditional Copycat Outback Potato Soup because chicken broth and chicken bouillon provide the signature savory taste.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them properly until ready to cook.
For the best texture and flavor, preparing the soup fresh is recommended.
How Can I Thin Out a Thick Soup?
If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.
A small amount of cream can also be added to maintain the rich texture.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No. This recipe is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour as part of the roux.
A gluten-free flour substitute would be needed to make a gluten-free version.
Does Outback Potato Soup Contain Meat?
Yes. Traditional Outback-style potato soup is not vegetarian because it contains chicken broth and chicken bouillon powder.
Bacon is also commonly used as a topping for the classic restaurant-style version.
