There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, velvety bowl of creamy onion soup. Inspired by the famous Outback Steakhouse dish, this recipe captures all the rich, savory flavors we love in their signature soup. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of restaurant-quality indulgence into our own kitchens.
What makes this soup so special is its balance of sweetness from caramelized onions and the luxurious creaminess that coats every spoonful. Whether we’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a cozy main course, it’s a dish that always hits the spot. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home!
Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in no time.
Outback Creamy Onion Soup Recipe
Creating a homemade version of the beloved Outback Steakhouse creamy onion soup is easier than you might think. Follow our step-by-step guide to recreate its signature flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the process.
Ingredients
Here’s what we’ll need to make this luscious, creamy soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, sliced thinly
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Croutons (optional garnish, for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced yellow onions, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Sauté for about 20-25 minutes until they turn soft and golden-brown. This step develops that sweet, caramelized flavor essential for this soup.
- Cook the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Season and Thicken
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Mix well and let the soup cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, a small handful at a time, stirring continuously until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Optional garnishes include a dollop of sour cream, croutons, extra shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Cooking Tips Table
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Sweet Onions | Yellow onions work best for a sweeter flavor. Avoid red or white onions. |
| Don’t Rush Caramelizing | Be patient during the onion caramelization step. It’s key to achieving deep flavor. |
| Stir Cheese Gradually | Add shredded cheddar in small portions to avoid clumping. |
| Adjust Thickness | Add more broth if the soup is too thick or simmer longer to reduce. |
| Garnish for Extra Flavor | Croutons, parsley, and extra cheese elevate presentation and flavor. |
Ingredients
To recreate the rich and velvety texture of the Outback Creamy Onion Soup, we’ll need a carefully selected set of ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in delivering the signature flavor of this beloved dish. Here’s what we’ll use, listed in the order you’ll need them:
- 4 medium yellow onions – thinly sliced for caramelization
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – for achieving that golden onion sweetness
- 2 cups beef broth – for a rich, savory base
- 1 cup chicken broth – to balance flavors with a lighter touch
- 1 cup heavy cream – the key to achieving the soup’s creamy delight
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken the soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for indulgent cheesiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for added depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – to enhance the onion base
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for a touch of spice
- Salt – to taste
Optional for Garnish:
- Sour cream – for an extra tangy layer
- Croutons – for crunch and texture
- Fresh parsley – finely chopped for a pop of freshness
For convenience, refer to this quick ingredients breakdown:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Onions | 4 medium | Sweet base of the soup |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tablespoons | Caramelizing onions |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups | Savory and rich flavor |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup | Lightens the flavor balance |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Creamy texture and richness |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 tablespoons | Acts as a thickening agent |
| Cheddar Cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | Adds cheesy indulgence |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon | Boosts depth in flavor |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon | Intense onion flavor enhancement |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon | Adds slight heat |
| Salt | To taste | Balances overall flavor |
| Garnish | As needed | Optional for garnish and texture |
Tools And Equipment
To replicate the rich, velvety Outback Creamy Onion Soup at home, we need a selection of tools and equipment that ensure consistency and ease during preparation. Each item plays a key role in achieving the desired texture and flavor for this indulgent dish. Let’s get everything ready before we begin.
Essential Tools
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for evenly cooking and caramelizing the onions without burning. A heavy-bottomed pot retains heat effectively, helping us achieve that golden, sweet flavor.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring the onions and blending ingredients without scratching the pot’s surface.
- Whisk: Necessary for blending the flour with liquids to avoid lumps in the soup base.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise and even slicing of onions for uniform cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely cutting the onions.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Helps us measure ingredients like butter, broth, and seasonings accurately. Precision is key for achieving the signature creamy flavor.
- Ladle: Essential for serving the soup elegantly into bowls.
- Blender or immersion blender (optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, blending the soup is an excellent option.
Optional Tools for Added Convenience
- Cheese grater: For freshly grating cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and incorporates seamlessly into the creamy soup.
- Soup bowls and garnish tools: Use a ladle-friendly bowl for serving and small kitchen scissors or a knife for cutting parsley or chives to garnish.
Quick Tools Reference Table
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large heavy-bottomed pot | Even cooking and caramelization of onions |
| Wooden spoon or spatula | Gentle stirring and mixing |
| Whisk | Prevents lumps in soup base |
| Sharp knife | Precise onion slicing |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate measurement of ingredients |
| Blender/Immersion blender | Optional, for achieving smoother consistency |
| Cheese grater | Freshly grated cheddar for creamier, melt-in texture |
| Ladle | Serves soup neatly |
Equipping ourselves with these tools ensures a seamless cooking process, allowing us to focus on delivering restaurant-quality Outback Creamy Onion Soup right at home.
Directions
Let’s start crafting our Outback Creamy Onion Soup by following these simple, step-by-step directions to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture. This recipe will guide us through preparing the ingredients, caramelizing the onions, creating the creamy base, and combining everything for that signature rich soup.
Prepare The Ingredients
- Peel and slice 4 medium yellow onions into thin, even slices for uniform cooking.
- Grate 1 cup of cheddar cheese freshly to ensure it melts evenly.
- Measure out the following ingredients for smooth cooking:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Every ingredient should be ready and within reach before heating the stove. This will make the process seamless and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Cook The Onions
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Once the butter melts and starts to slightly bubble, add the sliced onions.
- Stir occasionally and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions turn a deep golden brown. This caramelization step is key to bringing out the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt during cooking to help draw out moisture and enhance the flavor.
Pro Tip: Be patient and stir frequently to avoid burning – perfectly caramelized onions are the base of our creamy, flavorful soup.
Make The Creamy Base
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This step will thicken the soup without creating lumps.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly to combine.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring the base becomes smooth, rich, and velvety.
”The secret to the luscious texture lies in whisking adequately and keeping the heat controlled during this stage.”
Combine And Simmer
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted into the soup.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Taste-test the soup and make final adjustments to the seasoning, if needed.
Serve our Outback Creamy Onion Soup hot, garnished with optional sour cream, croutons, or fresh parsley for added flair and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this Outback Creamy Onion Soup, presentation and pairing are key to enhancing the experience. Whether you’re offering it as a starter or a standalone main dish, there are countless ways to elevate its indulgent flavors. Here are our top serving ideas and tips!
Pair with Crusty Bread or Bread Bowls
For an irresistible combination, serve the soup in toasted sourdough bread bowls or alongside thick slices of freshly baked baguette. The creamy texture of the soup pairs beautifully with the crunchy, chewy texture of bread, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. Add a light brushing of garlic butter to the bread for extra flavor.
Complement with Fresh Salads
Balance the rich, creamy soup with a refreshing side salad. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple garden salad topped with vinaigrette works well to cleanse the palate and add variety to the meal. Incorporate toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons for added crunch.
Suggested Toppings and Garnishes
Elevate your soup’s flavor and aesthetics with creative toppings. Here’s a quick reference table:
| Topping | Flavor & Texture Benefits |
|---|---|
| Shredded cheddar | Adds extra richness and a sharp, cheesy kick |
| Sour cream | Provides a tangy contrast to the creamy soup base |
| Fresh parsley | Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes |
| Croutons | Offers a satisfying crunch to complement the creaminess |
| Bacon bits | Infuses a smoky, savory punch to the flavor profile |
| Green onions | Adds a mild zing and pop of color to the presentation |
We recommend scattering the toppings right before serving to ensure they stay fresh, crunchy, and visually appealing.
Pairing Beverages
Complete your meal with a well-chosen beverage. A chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay complements the soup’s creamy notes, while robust iced tea or sparkling water provides a refreshing counterpart. For a cozy evening, pair it with a warm mug of cider or light beer.
Creative Leftovers Ideas
If you’ve made extra soup, use it creatively! Pour it over baked potatoes for a satisfying topping, or use it as a sauce for casseroles or roasted vegetables. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate—it tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.
By combining thoughtful toppings, sides, and drinks, we create a memorable dining experience perfect for chilly nights or indulgent gatherings.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
Preparing in Advance:
This Outback Creamy Onion Soup is an excellent recipe to prepare ahead for busy days or special occasions. We can caramelize the onions and cook the soup base up to a day in advance. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.
Reheating Instructions:
For reheating, place the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or cream to adjust the texture. Avoid reheating on high heat, as it may cause the cream to separate.
Freezing the Soup:
We recommend freezing the soup base without adding the cheese for the freshest results. Cheese can sometimes alter texture when frozen. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Freezing | Allow the soup to cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers. |
| Storage | Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality. |
| Thawing | Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. |
Once thawed and reheated, stir in freshly shredded cheddar cheese to maintain the smooth and luscious texture of the soup.
Leftover Storage:
If there’s any leftover soup, we can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container that could dilute the flavor. To prevent waste, utilize leftovers for inspired dishes like baked potato toppings or creamy casseroles.
Conclusion
With its rich flavor, velvety texture, and comforting warmth, our Outback Creamy Onion Soup recipe is sure to impress. It’s a dish that brings restaurant-quality indulgence straight to your kitchen, perfect for cozy nights or special occasions.
By following the simple steps and tips we’ve shared, you’ll master this crowd-pleaser in no time. Don’t forget to get creative with garnishes and pairings to make it truly your own. Let’s bring the heartiness of this classic soup to our tables and savor every spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Outback Creamy Onion Soup unique?
The Outback Creamy Onion Soup is known for its rich, velvety texture and the balance of sweet caramelized onions with a creamy base, making it both indulgent and comforting.
What are the main ingredients in this creamy onion soup?
The main ingredients include yellow onions, butter, beef broth, chicken broth, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper.
How do you achieve the perfect caramelized onions?
To caramelize onions perfectly, cook them slowly in butter over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet flavor.
Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Prepare the caramelized onions and the soup base a day ahead. Store them separately, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I thicken or adjust the soup’s texture?
To thicken the soup, add more flour and whisk thoroughly. To thin it out, add a little extra broth or cream and stir until the desired consistency is achieved.
How long can I store leftovers, and how should I reheat them?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adjust the consistency with broth or cream if necessary.
Can this soup be frozen for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the soup base (without cheese) for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, adding cheese when serving.
What are the best garnishes for this soup?
Recommended garnishes include shredded cheddar, sour cream, croutons, and fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
What side dishes go well with creamy onion soup?
Pair the soup with crusty bread, bread bowls, or fresh salads for a balanced meal. Chilled white wine or warm cider also complements the soup nicely.
How can leftover soup be repurposed?
Leftover soup can be used as a topping for baked potatoes, a base for casseroles, or a creamy sauce for other dishes.