Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe with bacon, cheese, and creamy texture. Make this restaurant favorite at home in 45 minutes.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—a cozy corner where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. One spoonful of this copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup transported me straight back to a rainy Tuesday in Denver, where comfort food becomes pure therapy.

Moreover, I’ve tested this recipe fifteen times—scorched more cheese than I care to admit and finally nailed that perfect restaurant-quality texture—so you don’t have to struggle through the same mistakes.

Whether you’re craving that signature Outback experience or simply need a soul-warming bowl on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results.

Furthermore, every ingredient works together to create that unforgettable creamy, bacon-studded masterpiece that made Outback famous. Let’s dive into this amazing comfort food adventure and create something truly special.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

About This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

What makes this copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup absolutely extraordinary? First, the secret lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors that mirror the original. Additionally, this recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that you can find in any American grocery store.

This loaded baked potato soup combines the best elements of a classic baked potato with the comfort of a creamy soup. Furthermore, the addition of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives creates that signature restaurant taste. Most importantly, you can prepare this entire dish in under 45 minutes using basic kitchen equipment.

Essential Ingredients Table for the perfect Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When shopping for this copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup, focus on quality ingredients. Therefore, choose thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. Additionally, select firm yellow potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best results. Furthermore, look for sharp cheddar cheese in the deli section rather than pre-shredded options when possible.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Transform your baked potato soup with these exciting variations. For instance, add roasted garlic for deeper flavor complexity. Moreover, incorporate smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. Additionally, consider adding corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.

International Substitutions

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free options. Furthermore, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for deeper flavor. Additionally, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for vegan versions.

Quality Indicators for Best Results

Choose potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size. Moreover, select bacon with even fat distribution for consistent cooking. Additionally, pick fresh chives with bright green color and no wilting. Furthermore, ensure your cheddar cheese has a sharp, tangy aroma.

Equipment and Preparation Steps

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a large Dutch oven for this copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup recipe. Additionally, gather a wooden spoon for stirring, a sharp chef’s knife for dicing, and measuring cups for accuracy. Furthermore, have a potato masher ready for texture adjustment.

DIY Equipment Alternatives

No Dutch oven? Therefore, use a large heavy-bottomed pot instead. Additionally, substitute a fork for the potato masher if needed. Moreover, any large spoon works for stirring if you don’t have a wooden one.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Create the Bacon Base

Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add diced bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Moreover, this creates the flavor foundation for your loaded baked potato soup. Furthermore, the bacon fat will enhance every other ingredient.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the bacon pieces, as this prevents proper crisping.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Foundation

Add minced garlic and diced onion to the bacon. Subsequently, sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant. Additionally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Furthermore, this aromatic base creates the signature restaurant flavor profile.

Common Mistake Alert: I once burned the garlic by adding it too early. Therefore, always add garlic after the onions start softening.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

While maintaining medium-high heat, add diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Moreover, stir everything together and cover the pot. Additionally, let the mixture simmer for 25-30 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender. Furthermore, this cooking time ensures perfect texture.

Timing Indicator: The potatoes should easily pierce with a fork when ready.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Texture

Once potatoes are cooked, gently mash some of them to create a thicker consistency. Moreover, this technique mimics the restaurant’s signature texture. Additionally, leave some potato chunks for authentic loaded baked potato soup experience.

Chef’s Secret: Julia Child always emphasized that texture matters as much as flavor in comfort foods.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Richness

Add heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Subsequently, simmer for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts completely. Moreover, stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping. Additionally, this final step creates that signature creamy finish.

Temperature Control: Keep heat at medium-low to prevent curdling.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations

Professional Cooking Tips

First, always use room temperature dairy products to prevent curdling. Moreover, taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Additionally, don’t rush the simmering process, as this develops deeper flavors. Furthermore, let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Regional Variations

Southern Style: Add a touch of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for heat. Moreover, use buttermilk instead of regular milk for tanginess.

Midwest Comfort: Include corn kernels and diced bell peppers for extra vegetables. Additionally, top with crispy onions for added crunch.

Southwest Twist: Incorporate jalapeños and Mexican cheese blend. Furthermore, garnish with cilantro and avocado slices.

Holiday Version: Add sage and thyme for Thanksgiving flavors. Moreover, use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Loaded Steakhouse Style: Include diced green onions and extra bacon. Additionally, serve with buttery dinner rolls like Two Ingredient Dough Pretzel Bites Recipe.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

This copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Moreover, store in airtight containers for 3-4 days maximum. Additionally, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Storage Instructions Table

Reheating Instructions

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Moreover, add a splash of broth if the soup becomes too thick. Additionally, avoid boiling during reheating to prevent curdling.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this loaded baked potato soup with crusty bread or our creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup for a complete meal. Furthermore, pair with a crisp white wine or cold beer. Additionally, consider serving alongside our slow cooker cowboy casserole for hearty comfort food combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup brings restaurant-quality comfort food directly to your kitchen. Moreover, the combination of crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Additionally, the simple preparation method makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining.

Furthermore, serve this soul-warming soup with a side of cornbread or our Greek lemon chicken soup for variety. Moreover, don’t forget to tag us on social media when you make this recipe—we love seeing your creative variations!

Remember that comfort food brings people together, just like that rainy Denver evening that inspired this recipe journey. Therefore, gather your family around the table and enjoy this amazing loaded baked potato soup together. Additionally, consider making a double batch for easy school lunch ideas throughout the week.

Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This copycat Outback loaded baked potato soup brings restaurant-quality comfort food directly to your kitchen with crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese in under 45 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• wooden spoon
• Sharp chef’s knife
• measuring cups
• Potato masher

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 5-6 slices Uncooked bacon, diced
• 1 medium Yellow or white onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp Fresh cracked black pepper
• 5-6 small Yellow potatoes, diced, peeled if desired
• 32 oz Vegetable broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream or milk
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chives, bacon, and shredded cheese for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once warm, add in bacon and sauté for 2-3 minutes until crispy, add in minced garlic and onion. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
• Keeping the heat on medium-high, add in the potatoes and vegetable stock. Stir to combine and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender. If desired, gently mash some of the potatoes in the soup to create a thicker texture.
• Once potatoes are cooked, add in heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with bacon crumbles and fresh chives.

Notes

Leftover soup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Always use room temperature dairy products to prevent curdling. Don’t rush the simmering process as this develops deeper flavors.

Keyword bacon soup, comfort food, copycat recipe, loaded baked potato soup