Name: Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter (divided); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 large onion (diced); 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 ounces Velveeta cheese (chopped); 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese (garnish, for serving)

Are you craving the cozy warmth of Outback Steakhouse’s famous Walkabout Soup? Now, you can recreate this beloved classic right in your own kitchen!

My Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup Recipe brings you this iconic dish’s rich, creamy flavors, blending tender onions, select spices, and a velvety broth, all topped with melting cheese.

Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you need a comforting bowl of deliciousness. So grab your soup pot, and let’s bring a taste of Outback into your home with this easy-to-follow recipe!

What Is Outback’s Famous Walkabout Soup?

Outback Steakhouse’s famous Walkabout Soup is a well-loved menu item renowned for its rich and comforting taste. This creamy onion soup is known for its smooth, velvety texture and deep, savory flavor profile. It typically features a base of tenderly cooked onions simmered in a broth enriched with cream and often includes select herbs and spices to enhance its flavor.

One of the key characteristics of the Walkabout Soup is its hearty and indulgent nature, making it a popular choice, especially during colder months or as a satisfying starter to a meal. The soup is often garnished with cheese, adding an additional layer of richness and flavor.

The Walkabout Soup holds a special place in the hearts of many Outback Steakhouse patrons due to its unique taste that sets it apart from the more traditional onion soups. Its popularity has led to many home cooks creating “copycat” recipes to replicate the experience of this beloved dish at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’re going to love this Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup Recipe for several delightful reasons:

Comfort in a Bowl: This soup offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its rich, creamy texture and deeply satisfying flavors, perfect for cozy nights in.
Restaurant Quality at Home: You can recreate the famous Outback Steakhouse experience in your kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving the comfort of your home.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is made with simple, easily accessible ingredients that work together to create a flavor-packed dish.
Versatile and Customizable: While staying true to the iconic taste, the recipe allows customization. Adjust the seasonings to suit your palate, or add extra cheese or croutons.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a regular family dinner, a special occasion, or you’re hosting guests, this soup fits right in and is sure to impress.
A Nostalgic Treat: For fans of Outback Steakhouse, this soup brings back those fond dining memories and lets you relive them anytime.

The Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup Recipe is a must-try for its comforting warmth, rich flavors, and the joy of replicating a restaurant classic at home.

Ingredients Needed For Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup Recipe

Get ready to recreate the magic of Outback Steakhouse’s beloved Walkabout Soup with this copycat recipe. Each ingredient in this list is carefully chosen to mimic the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of the original dish, ensuring you can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup right from your kitchen.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Yellow Onions: The foundation of the soup, yellow onions are sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness and robust flavor, essential for that signature taste.
Butter: Used for sautéing the onions, butter adds richness and depth to the base of the soup, enhancing its creamy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its hearty and satisfying consistency.
Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, contributing to its depth of flavor and making it more savory.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the soup, creating a velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
Salt: A key seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Ground Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the soup, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese (optional): For garnishing, cheddar cheese complements the creamy soup with its sharp, tangy flavor and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Fresh Chives or Green Onions (optional): Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and a hint of fresh, oniony flavor.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a bowl of comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed Walkabout Soup that’s as close to the Outback Steakhouse classic as you can get at home.

3 Methods For Making Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup Recipe

Creating the beloved Outback Walkabout Soup at home can be achieved through various methods, each offering a unique approach to this creamy, onion-based comfort dish. Here are three different methods to consider:

Traditional Stovetop Method:

Sauté and Simmer: Begin by sautéing diced onions in butter until they are soft and translucent. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth, continuously stirring to ensure a smooth texture. Bring to a simmer.
Add Creaminess: Once the onion and broth mixture is simmering, reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Final Touches: Continue to cook on low heat until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives or green onions.

Slow Cooker Method:

Layer Ingredients: In your slow cooker, layer the diced onions, and then dot with butter. Sprinkle flour over the onions and pour in the chicken broth.
Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and let the soup cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with cheddar cheese and fresh chives or green onions before serving.

Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Method:

Sauté in Instant Pot: Using the sauté function, cook the onions in butter until soft. Stir in the flour, then gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, release the pressure carefully.
Finish with Cream: Switch back to the sauté function, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar and chopped chives or green onions.

Each method offers its own convenience and can result in a deliciously creamy and flavorful soup that closely mimics the taste of Outback Steakhouse’s famous Walkabout Soup. The choice of method can depend on your time constraints, the kitchen equipment you have, how involved you want to be in the cooking process.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to cater to a vegetarian diet while maintaining the rich flavors of the soup.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for garnishing. Try Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or smoked cheddar for a hint of smokiness.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture.
Beer-Infused Soup: Replace some of the broth with a dark beer for a deeper flavor profile. This adds a unique, malty depth to the soup.
Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half or a milk substitute like almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream. This will reduce the richness but still provide a creamy texture.
Bacon-Enhanced Soup: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the soup for texture and a savory, smoky flavor. Bacon pairs well with the creamy onion base.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: A gluten-free flour blend thickens the soup, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic touch. Herbs can elevate the flavor complexity of the soup.
Caramelized Onion Upgrade: Caramelize the onions slowly before adding to the soup for a sweeter, more intense onion flavor. This adds an extra layer of depth.
Mushroom Addition: Add sliced sautéed mushrooms to the soup for an earthy flavor and additional texture. Mushrooms complement the creamy base wonderfully.
Roasted Garlic Flavor: Incorporate roasted garlic into the soup for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Carrot and Celery Mix: Add diced carrots, celery, and onions for a classic mirepoix base, adding more nutrients and flavors to the soup.

These variations on the Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup Recipe allow you to tweak the classic to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting and savory dish.

Pro Tips

Perfect Onion Sauté: Slowly sauté the onions over low heat until they are soft and translucent. Avoid browning them too much, as this can affect the soup’s flavor and color.
Roux Consistency: When adding flour to create the roux, cook it with the butter and onions for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste. It should reach a light golden color without burning.
Gradual Liquid Addition: Slowly add the chicken broth to the roux while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. This helps to create a smooth, velvety soup.
Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for creaminess. You can increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.
Season to Perfection: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper accordingly. The right balance of seasoning can make all the difference.
Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the soup on low heat to meld the flavors together without boiling. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
Cheese Choices: If using cheese as a garnish, consider using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for better melting and flavor.
Consistent Heat: If using a stovetop method, maintain a consistent temperature to ensure even cooking without scorching the bottom.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley towards the end of cooking for a burst of freshness and color.
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently, avoiding high heat to prevent the soup from separating or curdling.
Quality Ingredients: Use good quality chicken broth and fresh, heavy cream for the best flavor. The quality of these key ingredients can greatly impact the taste of the soup.
Serve Warm: Always serve the soup warm. It enhances the flavors and makes it more comforting, especially on chilly days.

By following these pro tips, your Copycat Outback Walkabout Soup will not only taste delicious but also bring a touch of restaurant-quality sophistication to

your dining table. Enjoy the process of creating this rich, creamy, and comforting soup that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Faq’s

What is Outback Walkabout Soup? Outback Walkabout Soup is a creamy, onion-based soup popularized by Outback Steakhouse. It’s known for its rich flavor, often enhanced with cheese and a variety of seasonings.

Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

What kind of onions should I use for the soup? Yellow onions are typically used for their balance of sweetness and sharpness, but white onions can also be a good alternative.

How do I achieve a smooth texture in the soup? Ensure the flour is well-cooked in the butter and onions to form a smooth roux, and add the liquid gradually while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Can I freeze the Walkabout Soup? Cream-based soups don’t always freeze well as they can separate when thawed. However, if you do freeze it, reheat slowly while stirring to re-emulsify.

What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a milk substitute. The soup won’t be as rich but will still be flavorful.

Is it necessary to use cheese in the recipe? While cheese adds richness and flavor, it can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

How can I add more flavor to the soup? Experiment with additional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or even a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.

What sides go well with this soup? The soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or as a starter to a heartier main course.

Can I make the soup thicker? Yes, you can cook the roux a bit longer to make it thicker or add more flour. Alternatively, simmer the soup longer to reduce and thicken it.

How long does the soup last in the refrigerator? Stored in an airtight container, the soup should last 3-4 days in the fridge.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! Consider adding carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.

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