This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Outback Steakhouse right to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends, this creamy potato soup is filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavor that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Comfort: The combination of heavy cream and cheese creates a rich texture that warms you from the inside out.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this flavorful soup in under an hour.
Customizable Toppings: Enjoy it as is or top it with your favorite garnishes like chives, extra cheese, or crispy bacon bits.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a game day snack, this soup fits in beautifully.
Leftover Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make cooking seamless and enjoyable. Having the right equipment on hand helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or stock pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for even cooking and perfect for simmering soups without burning.
Sharp knife: Makes chopping ingredients quicker and safer.
Ladle: Ensures easy serving without spills.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
5-6 slices uncooked bacon, diced (reserve some for garnish, if desired)
1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
5-6 small yellow potatoes, diced (peeled, if desired)
32 oz vegetable broth

For Creaminess

1 cup heavy cream or milk
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish

Chives, bacon, and shredded cheese for garnish

How to Make Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Bacon and Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or stock pot:
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced bacon and sauté for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
3. Stir in minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender and fragrant. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
Stir to combine and cover with a lid.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
For a thicker texture, gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.

Step 3: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Once potatoes are cooked, stir in heavy cream (or milk), Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and shredded cheddar cheese.
Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until cheese is fully melted and soup is creamy.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls.
Garnish with reserved bacon crumbles, freshly chopped chives, and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Serving your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup can elevate the experience of this hearty dish. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your serving presentation and flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

Chives: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
Crispy Bacon: Add reserved bacon crumbles as a crunchy topping to complement the creamy soup.
Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, enhancing its richness.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a flavorful accompaniment that’s perfect for dipping.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are great for soaking up every last drop of the soup.

Create a Complete Meal

Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair this classic comfort food with a gooey grilled cheese for a satisfying meal.

How to Perfect Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Perfecting your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup ensures that every bowl is flavorful and creamy. Here are some handy tips to achieve the best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality cheese will greatly enhance the flavors in your soup.
Adjust Texture: For a creamier consistency, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or traditional blender.
Season Generously: Taste as you go; adjusting salt and pepper will ensure your soup has just the right amount of flavor.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor.
Store Properly: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for 3-4 days.
Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly on low heat to prevent curdling of dairy ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

To create a delightful meal around your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup, consider serving it with these tasty side dishes.

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons pairs well with the richness of the soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch and complement the potato flavors perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables provides color and nutritional balance to your meal.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, refreshing your palate between bites of creamy soup.
Baked Potatoes: Offer individual baked potatoes as an alternative way to enjoy similar flavors, topped with butter and sour cream.
Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread makes for a comforting side that pairs excellently with any bowl of potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Using the wrong type of potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Stick with yellow or russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor in your soup.
Overcooking the bacon: If you let the bacon cook too long, it can become too crispy and lose its flavor. Sauté until just crispy for the best results.
Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season appropriately can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process.
Skipping the simmer time: Rushing through cooking can result in undercooked potatoes. Ensure you let them simmer until fork-tender for a creamy consistency.
Forgetting the garnishes: Skipping garnishes like chives or extra cheese takes away from the dish’s visual appeal and flavor. Always finish with a sprinkle of toppings before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup special?

This recipe captures the rich flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s original while allowing you to customize it at home.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.

How do I thicken my soup further?

You can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or mash more potatoes directly in the pot for added thickness.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not only creamy and comforting but also highly customizable. You can adjust ingredients based on personal preferences, whether it’s adding more vegetables or spicing it up with hot sauce. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!