Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. Inspired by the popular restaurant favorite, this homemade version is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect dish for chilly days, weeknight dinners, or when you’re craving a hearty bowl of warmth.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes Just Like the Restaurant Version – Get the same creamy, cheesy goodness at home.
• One-Pot Recipe – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
• Customizable – Adjust the texture and toppings to suit your taste.
• Filling and Satisfying – A perfect meal on its own or paired with a side.

This soup is a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners or gatherings. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic dish in under an hour.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking, it’s helpful to have everything prepped and ready. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot – Ensures even cooking and enough space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and scraping up any flavorful bits.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – To dice the potatoes, onions, and bacon.
• Potato masher (optional) – Helps create a thicker consistency.
• Ladle – For serving the soup easily.

Preparation Tips

• Dice the potatoes evenly – This helps them cook at the same rate.
• Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture.
• Use room-temperature dairy – This prevents curdling when added to the hot soup.
• Reserve some bacon for garnish – It adds a nice crispy texture on top.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5-6 slices uncooked bacon, diced (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 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

For Garnish:

• Chopped chives
• Reserved crispy bacon
• Additional shredded cheddar cheese

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Bacon and Aromatics

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

2. Cook the Potatoes

1. Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well.
2. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. For a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.

3. Add the Dairy and Cheese

1. Stir in heavy cream (or milk), Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Simmer for 3-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

4. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top with reserved bacon, chopped chives, and extra cheddar cheese.
3. Serve hot and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. The crisp texture contrasts nicely with the smooth, velvety consistency of the soup.

2. Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup. A mix of arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and crunch.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A classic grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with this soup. The crispy, golden bread and melty cheese make it an irresistible combination. Try using cheddar or gouda for a rich, smoky flavor.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus bring a natural sweetness and add a healthy touch to your meal. The caramelized edges of the vegetables add depth to the flavors.

5. Baked Potatoes

If you love potatoes, serving a baked potato on the side makes for an extra filling meal. Load it with sour cream, chives, and bacon for a complete experience.

6. Cornbread

A slice of sweet and buttery cornbread provides a great contrast to the savory soup. Its slightly crumbly texture works well for soaking up the broth.

7. Crusty Baguette

A warm, crusty baguette is a simple yet effective side. It adds a chewy bite that complements the smoothness of the soup.

8. Steamed Broccoli

For a healthier option, steamed broccoli adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich soup. You can also mix some directly into the soup for extra texture and nutrients.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

1. Overcooking the Potatoes

Issue: If the potatoes are overcooked, they can become too mushy and dissolve completely into the broth, leaving you with a soup that lacks texture.
Solution: Keep an eye on the potatoes and check them with a fork after 25 minutes. They should be tender but still hold their shape.

2. Soup Too Thin

Issue: If the soup turns out too watery, it may lack the thick, creamy consistency of the restaurant version.
Solution: Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until thickened.

3. Soup Too Thick

Issue: If the soup is too thick, it can become heavy and difficult to ladle.
Solution: Add more vegetable broth or a splash of milk until the desired consistency is reached. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

4. Cheese Not Melting Properly

Issue: If the cheese clumps together instead of melting smoothly, it can create an unpleasant texture.
Solution: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Also, add the cheese off the heat and stir continuously.

5. Bland Flavor

Issue: If the soup lacks depth of flavor, it may taste underwhelming.
Solution: Adjust seasoning as needed. Adding extra salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the overall taste.

6. Curdling Dairy

Issue: Adding cold dairy ingredients to a hot soup can cause them to curdle.
Solution: Bring the heavy cream and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) to room temperature before stirring them into the soup. Adding them slowly while stirring can also prevent curdling.

7. Not Reserving Bacon for Garnish

Issue: If all the bacon is mixed into the soup, you miss out on the added crunch and flavor contrast.
Solution: Reserve some crispy bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving for the best texture.

8. Using the Wrong Potatoes

Issue: Some potato varieties break down too much and affect the soup’s texture.
Solution: Yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes are best because they hold their shape while still becoming tender and creamy. Russet potatoes work as well, but they should be peeled first to avoid a grainy texture.

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Recipe Tips for the Best Soup

1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest texture, shred your own cheese from a block.

2. Adjust the Thickness

If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or milk. If it’s too thin, mash some of the potatoes or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

3. Enhance the Flavor

For a deeper, more savory taste, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of hot sauce. These small additions can elevate the soup without overpowering its classic flavor.

4. Make It Vegetarian

To make this soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. For a smoky flavor, add a small amount of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

5. Add Extra Toppings

While bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives are classic toppings, you can also try:

• Crumbled feta or blue cheese for a tangy twist
• Crispy fried onions for added crunch
• Diced avocado for creaminess
• A drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze This Soup?

Freezing is not recommended because the dairy ingredients can separate, leading to a grainy texture when reheated. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the dairy and stir in the cream and cheese after reheating.

How to Reheat

Stovetop:

• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.

Microwave:

• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Add a small amount of broth or milk if needed.

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FAQs

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes. Cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the dairy and cheese at the end.

What’s the Best Type of Potato to Use?

Yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape and have a naturally creamy texture. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they should be peeled first.

Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Vegetable Broth?

Yes, chicken broth adds a slightly richer flavor and works well as a substitute.

How Do I Prevent the Cheese from Clumping?

Make sure the cheese is freshly shredded and added off the heat. Stir continuously to help it melt smoothly.

Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

Yes. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use a plant-based cheese alternative.

What Can I Do If My Soup Is Too Salty?

If the soup turns out too salty, add a little more broth, milk, or mashed potatoes to balance the flavor.

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Final Thoughts

This Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With the right toppings and proper storage, you can enjoy this comforting dish whenever you crave a warm, hearty meal. Whether served on its own or with a side dish, this soup is a delicious homemade version of a restaurant favorite.