Description
This Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavorful indulgence that brings the iconic restaurant experience right to your kitchen. Imagine the sweet, caramelized onions melding into a velvety broth, enriched with a blend of cheeses and just the right touch of seasonings. This is comfort food elevated to a new level, perfect for a chilly evening or any occasion when you crave a warm and satisfying meal. It’s not just soup; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will fall head-over-heels for this Walkabout Onion Soup for several reasons:
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the restaurant wait times and enjoy a dish that tastes just as good, if not better, than the original, all in the comfort of your home.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The slow caramelization of the onions creates a deep, sweet flavor base that’s perfectly balanced with the savory broth and rich cheeses. Every spoonful is an explosion of taste.
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is incredibly satisfying, perfect for warming you up on a cold day or providing a comforting meal after a long day.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or experiment with different cheese blends to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its sophisticated taste, this soup is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. You’ll impress your family and friends with your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Dipping: The creamy texture makes it ideal for dipping crusty bread, adding another layer of enjoyment to your meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this soup is sure to be a hit, receiving rave reviews and leaving everyone feeling satisfied and content.
- Versatile: It works equally well as an appetizer or a main course, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
- Budget-Friendly: With ingredients that are generally inexpensive, you can enjoy a luxurious, restaurant-style meal without breaking the bank.
- Nostalgic: This soup evokes memories of dining out at Outback Steakhouse, bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions: Begin by thinly slicing the yellow onions. Uniformity in slicing will ensure even cooking and caramelization. This step is crucial, as the caramelized onions are the heart and soul of the soup, providing its signature sweet and savory flavor.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, translucent, and deeply caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. The key is to cook them low and slow, allowing the natural sugars to release and create a rich, golden-brown color. Avoid burning the onions by stirring frequently and adjusting the heat as needed. The caramelization process is what gives the soup its distinctive flavor.
Step 3: Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the caramelized onions. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to form a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat used to thicken sauces and soups. Cooking the flour with the onions ensures that it loses its raw taste and integrates smoothly into the soup. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the flour from clumping or burning.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and water. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Adding the liquid gradually helps to prevent the formation of clumps. Next, stir in the heavy cream, which adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup. Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 5: Season the Soup: Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup, adding depth and complexity. The Worcestershire sauce provides a subtle umami note that complements the sweetness of the onions. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This slow simmering process is essential for developing a well-rounded, harmonious flavor.
Step 6: Add the Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it melts completely into the soup for a creamy, cheesy consistency. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory note that balances the sweetness of the onions and complements the other flavors. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Serve with Toppings: Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown. Broiling the cheese creates a delicious, crispy topping that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup hot and bubbling. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Moderate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.
- Pair with crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Serve alongside a salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with croutons, chives, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
- Offer a selection of cheeses for topping, such as Parmesan, Swiss, or provolone.
Tips:
- For deeper caramelization, add a pinch of baking soda while cooking the onions.
- Use a combination of yellow and white onions for a more complex flavor.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, you can broil the cheese topping on a baking sheet and then transfer it to the soup.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste, as preferences vary.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: Varies depending on broth used
Conclusion
This Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the restaurant experience to your home. With its rich, caramelized onion flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or an impressive appetizer for a dinner party, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and comfort of this classic soup, and let it transport you to your favorite steakhouse with every spoonful.
Questions and Answers
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This soup actually benefits from sitting overnight, as the flavors meld together even more. Prepare the soup through step 6 (before broiling the cheese topping), let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then proceed with broiling the cheese topping and garnishing.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. To freeze, prepare the soup through step 6 (before adding the cheese), let it cool completely, and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, reheat gently on the stovetop, and then proceed with adding the cheese, broiling, and garnishing.
- What kind of cheese works best for topping the soup?
- While the recipe calls for mozzarella or Gruyère cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses that melt well and have a good flavor. Provolone, Swiss, or even a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella can be delicious alternatives. Choose a cheese that complements the flavor of the soup and your personal preferences.
- How can I make this soup healthier?
- There are several ways to make this soup healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content. Additionally, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to lower the fat content. You can also add more vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery, to increase the nutritional value. Using whole wheat flour for the roux is another way to boost fiber.
- What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?
- This soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches are excellent for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, for added nutrition and flavor.
