Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the good stuff. Just like the one from Outback—but even better because you made it at home.

I whipped it up on a chilly night, and oh wow, the family couldn’t get enough. The potatoes are tender, the cheese is melty, and those crispy bacon bits? Total game changer.

It’s warm, cozy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. Trust me, you’ll want a big bowl.

Let’s get cooking! This copycat Outback baked potato soup is easy, satisfying, and sure to impress. Grab your pot—dinner’s about to get delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Homemade Favorite: This recipe recreates the familiar, comforting flavors of the restaurant version, but with easy-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect for when you’re craving comfort food without leaving home.
• Perfectly Creamy: The balance of tender potatoes, broth, and heavy cream gives this soup a smooth, luxurious texture without it feeling too heavy.
• Customizable Toppings: Like at the restaurant, you can load your soup with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, green onions, and more to create the perfect bowl for you.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prepping lunches or a cozy dinner the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: About 20 minutes. This includes baking (if you didn’t pre-bake the potatoes) and prepping ingredients like bacon and onion.
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes on the stovetop, giving the soup enough time to meld flavors and thicken properly.
• Total Time: Around 1 hour, from start to finish, for a warm, comforting soup on the table.

Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a cozy gathering, or batch-prepping for the week.

Difficulty:
This soup is approachable for beginner cooks. There’s no fancy equipment or complicated steps—just simple, classic cooking techniques like sautéing, simmering, and adding creamy ingredients.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup with ease:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup base and blending flavors.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring ingredients gently without damaging the pot.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop onions, garlic, and bacon.
• Potato masher or immersion blender (optional): For breaking down potatoes into a creamy base, if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls easily.

Ingredients for the Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients and their roles in the soup’s flavor and texture:

• 4 large pre-baked russet potatoes, peeled and chopped: These starchy potatoes give the soup its body and creamy consistency. Pre-baking them enhances their texture and makes them easy to incorporate.
• 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. Cooking it in the same pot as the soup base layers in flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion: Gently sautéed, it adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a mild garlicky flavor without overpowering the delicate potato notes.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: This forms the liquid base of the soup, providing essential flavor and just the right consistency. Chicken broth lends richness, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Introduces a silky texture and luscious mouthfeel that makes the soup feel indulgent.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for a sharp, cheesy flavor that balances the richness. I recommend a good-quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a touch of tanginess and smooth texture that perfectly complements the cream and cheese.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that tie all the flavors together and balance the richness.

Optional Toppings:
These toppings make the soup “loaded” and give it that signature Outback touch:

• Chopped green onions: For a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: For extra cheesy goodness.
• Crispy bacon pieces: Add a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor.

Variations for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup is comforting on its own, but here are a few simple ways to add your own twist:

• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in some chopped parsley or thyme at the end for extra freshness and a burst of flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap the Cheese: Try a mix of sharp white cheddar or even a smoky gouda for a different cheesy profile.
• Add More Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, or corn can be simmered with the soup for extra texture and flavor.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness slightly, while still keeping the soup creamy.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. This takes about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful bits. Add the chopped, pre-baked potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the potatoes break down slightly.

4. Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Stir in the sour cream for a touch of tangy flavor. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Adjust the Texture

If you like a smoother soup, use a potato masher to break down some of the larger chunks of potatoes. For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup partially or fully. If you prefer it chunky, simply leave it as is.

6. Serve with Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy bacon, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-style potato soup at home.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a cozy main dish all on its own, but here are some simple ideas to round out the meal:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
• As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as a starter before a main course of grilled meat or a hearty casserole.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	2g
Protein	13g
Sodium	720mg

FAQs of Copycat Outback Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Just skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like corn or carrots for extra flavor.

Q: Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
A: Yes, leftover baked potatoes work perfectly in this recipe. Just chop them into chunks and add them as directed.

Q: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: Mash more of the potatoes or stir in a slurry of a tablespoon of flour mixed with a bit of broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Yes, sharp cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or a blend of your favorites.

Conclusion

I’ve used these ingredients to bring the comforting, creamy goodness of Outback’s loaded baked potato soup into my own kitchen—and now you can too. This recipe captures the richness of bacon, cheddar, and creamy potatoes without any unnecessary fuss. Simple, cozy, and easy to customize with toppings, this soup is a perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings.