Creamy Outback Potato Soup

Featured in Warm, Comforting Soups & Stews.

Skip the pricey steakhouse and make their loaded potato soup in your kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon, it's the ultimate comfort meal in a bowl.

Emily Watson
Updated on Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:39:45 GMT
A warm, creamy potato soup garnished with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, served with chopped parsley on the side. Pin it
A warm, creamy potato soup garnished with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, served with chopped parsley on the side. | thefamilycooks.com

Homemade Version of That Famous Steakhouse Loaded Potato Soup

The first time this thick potato soup touched my lips at that popular Australian-themed steakhouse, I was hooked. I spent weeks in my kitchen trying different versions until I got it just right. Now I'm sharing my homemade take that brings all the restaurant feels without leaving your house. It's thick, hearty and just what you need when you're craving something warm and satisfying.

What Makes This Bowl So Special

Let's be honest - this isn't health food, and that's exactly why it's amazing. In my house we don't shy away from dishes that bring pure joy. Once you try this ultra-creamy potato mixture packed with melty cheese and topped with crunchy bacon bits, you'll agree it's totally worth the splurge.

Ingredients for Your Comfort Food Fix

  • Potatoes: 4 large potatoes, the foundation of our delicious creation.
  • Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups for that rich flavor background.
  • Onion: ½ small onion, chopped small to build complexity.
  • Seasonings: ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and ground black pepper to bring everything together.
  • Flour and Cream: ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and 1 ½ cups heavy cream for that luxurious texture.
  • Butter and Cheese: ½ cup butter and ¾ cups cheddar cheese because good things shouldn't be skimped on.
  • Toppings: ⅛ cup each of bacon bits and green onions to finish it perfectly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Get Your Potatoes Ready:
Chop up 4 large potatoes into bite-sized pieces and cook them in water until they're soft when poked.
Start Your Soup Base:
Warm up your chicken broth with a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Whip Up a Thickener:
In another pan, blend your flour with some broth until it turns slightly golden and smooth.
Mix It All Together:
The best part comes next - pour everything into one pot and stir until you've got a velvety mixture.
Add Your Garnishes:
Top each serving with the good stuff - those bacon crumbles, sliced green onions and watch as cheese melts throughout.

The Finishing Touches

Dressing up each serving is half the fun. A tiny splash of olive oil gives it a nice sheen, freshly cut green onions add a pop of color and mild zip. I never skimp on the cheese because watching it slowly disappear into the hot soup is so satisfying. Scatter bacon pieces on top, add a small spoonful of sour cream and finish with garden herbs for that perfect look.

A Little Indulgence

I firmly believe some foods aren't meant for calorie counting. This potato soup falls squarely in that category. Ladle yourself a big portion, grab some warm bread for dipping and take a minute to enjoy this little moment of food bliss. Your stomach will definitely thank you later.

A close-up of a creamy soup topped with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions, served in a black bowl. Pin it
A close-up of a creamy soup topped with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions, served in a black bowl. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are potatoes boiled apart first?

Boiling them separately guarantees soft, tender spuds that won't make the soup too thick or heavy.

→ What gives it richness?

The creamy texture comes from the butter-flour base combined with heavy cream. These two are the secret to that buttery, velvety finish.

→ Can milk replace the cream?

For that thick, dreamy consistency, heavy cream works best. You can use half-and-half if needed, but milk will water it down too much.

→ Why make the roux ahead?

Cooking flour and butter on their own gets rid of any raw flavor and keeps your finished soup lump-free. Worth the little extra effort.

→ Can this be prepped early?

Yes, it warms up great in the next 3-4 days. Heat slowly and stir in a little cream if it's thickened too much in the fridge.

Outback Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup loaded with bacon, melted cheese, and scallions. A home-cooked take on a crowd-favorite dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pot)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 potatoes, large size.
02 2 and a half cups of chicken broth.
03 1 cup of chilled water.
04 3/4 cup of thick cream.
05 Half a cup of butter.
06 Cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup.
07 Half an onion, finely chopped.
08 1/8 cup of crumbled bacon.
09 Chopped green onions, 1/8 cup.
10 1/3 cup plain flour.
11 1/2 teaspoon of table salt.
12 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
13 Extra water for cooking the potatoes.

Instructions

Step 01

Cut into chunks. Boil till soft. Put aside to cool.

Step 02

Mix broth, spices, and onions. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Step 03

Warm butter till melted. Stir in the flour. Cook for a couple minutes.

Step 04

Pour roux into the broth. Add cream. Let it simmer for another 20 minutes. Drop in potatoes.

Step 05

Sprinkle green onions on top. Add bacon and cheese.

Notes

  1. Keep leftovers and warm them slowly when needed.
  2. Boiling the potatoes ahead keeps the soup smooth.
  3. Go with heavy cream for a rich and creamy result.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot.
  • Smaller pan.
  • Whisk for stirring.
  • Pot for boiling spuds.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese, cream).
  • Has wheat (from flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 12 g