Outback Potato Soup
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Discover the Comfort of Homemade Potato Soup
When the cool weather rolls in or you need a warm bowl of comfort food, nothing beats a hearty potato soup. This creamy version, inspired by the popular Outback dish, is not just a comforting meal—it’s a blend of rich flavors and textures that’s sure to please everyone around the table. I love making this potato soup on chilly evenings or during family gatherings. It brings back that cozy feeling of home, making every spoonful a delightful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to try out this Outback-style potato soup. For starters, it’s incredibly satisfying and packed with flavors that will warm your heart. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s both nourishing and delicious, containing ingredients you likely have on hand.
"This soup is a go-to in our household. It’s creamy, filling, and everyone always goes back for seconds!" – A satisfied home chef
Not only that, but it also makes for an impressive addition to your holiday table or a casual family brunch. Once you make this recipe, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making this Outback potato soup is a straightforward process that combines simple ingredients into a delicious dish. The cooking is mostly hands-off, allowing you to enjoy some downtime while the flavors develop. Here’s the step-by-step rundown:
- Dice and boil your potatoes until tender.
- In a large pot, create a flavorful broth with onions, seasoning, and water.
- Make a roux to thicken the soup.
- Combine the roux with the broth and add cream for that velvety finish.
- Stir in the cooked potatoes and finish with your favorite toppings.
You’ll be surprised at how easily this dish can come together in your kitchen!
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, here’s a handy list of ingredients to gather for an amazing pot of potato soup:
- Water (enough to cover the potatoes and boil)
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes
- 8 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup green onion (diced)
- 1/2 sweet yellow onion (diced, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Feel free to substitute with whatever potatoes you have, and if you’re looking for a lighter version, low-fat cream or milk can work, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in water until tender, then set them aside for later.
2. Create the Flavor Base
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and fresh water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This step enables the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Make the Roux
In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1/3 cup of flour until a smooth paste forms. Allow the roux to cook for a couple of minutes—this helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
4. Thicken the Soup
Slowly incorporate the roux into your simmering broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. This step adds creaminess to your soup.
5. Enrich with Cream
Pour in approximately 3/4 cup of heavy cream while stirring gently. This not only enriches the soup but also gives it a decadent texture.
6. Final Simmer
Let your soup simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will help thicken it to your preference.
7. Add Potatoes
Once the soup has thickened up nicely, gently stir in the diced potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
8. Serve and Garnish
Ladle your soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon bits, and finely chopped green onions. The toppings not only enhance the flavors but also provide a delightful visual appeal.
9. Enjoy
Serve the soup hot and indulge in these comforting flavors with each bite.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This potato soup is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate your meal even further. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Pair it with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete experience.
- Serve it alongside a fresh salad to add a refreshing contrast.
- Try it with a lightly grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Outback potato soup effectively, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To ensure quality, it’s best to consume frozen soup within 2-3 months.
When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. If it appears thickened after freezing, a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore that velvety consistency.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Perfecting the Texture: Be patient with the roux; cooking it long enough will ensure a smooth, non-gritty final product.
- Add Flavor Depth: Consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering stage for extra depth of flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until extra crispy for the best topping texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. Here are some fun variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in other vegetables, like carrots or celery, to up the nutrition.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream, broth, and substitutes for butter and bacon to make it vegan-friendly.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for the soup?
Prep time typically takes about 15-20 minutes, while cooking can take around 50 minutes to an hour in total.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! You can use any type of potatoes you love, but russets are best for their creaminess.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Outback potato soup and make those cozy evenings even more delightful! Happy cooking!
Creamy Outback-Style Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in water until tender, then set them aside for later.
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced onions, salt, pepper, and fresh water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1/3 cup of flour until a smooth paste forms. Allow the roux to cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Slowly incorporate the roux into your simmering broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Pour in approximately 3/4 cup of heavy cream while stirring gently.
- Let your soup simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once thickened, gently stir in the diced potatoes.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
