Introduction
If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you may have tried their legendary Walkabout Onion Soup—a creamy, cheesy, and comforting bowl of rich onion goodness. Unlike traditional French onion soup, this version has a silky, velvety texture thanks to a blend of milk, butter, and cheese, making it a perfect bowl of comfort food.
Unfortunately, this iconic soup is no longer on the Outback Steakhouse menu, but the good news is that you can recreate it at home with this easy, foolproof recipe! Whether you’re craving a cozy soup for a chilly evening or want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and bring the flavors of Outback Steakhouse straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients (in Grams)
- 4 medium onions (about 600g), thinly sliced
- 50g unsalted butter
- 30g all-purpose flour
- 750ml chicken broth
- 250ml whole milk
- 250ml heavy cream
- 150g shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onions)
(Optional: Croutons or toasted bread for topping)
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to blend and eliminate any raw taste.
3. Add Broth & Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Add the Dairy & Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the milk, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Once the soup is hot but not boiling, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
5. Serve & Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese and croutons or toasted bread for added texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Bowl)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Tips and Tricks
1. How to Get the Perfect Creamy Texture
For an ultra-smooth soup, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese. This step enhances the creamy consistency while still keeping some onion texture.
2. Make It Lighter
Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use low-fat milk to reduce calories. The soup will still be creamy but slightly less rich.
3. Best Cheese Options
While cheddar is the classic choice, you can mix in Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor.
4. Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation.
5. Perfect Pairings
- Serve with grilled steak or a hearty sandwich for a full meal.
- Pair with crusty Italian bread for dipping.
- Enjoy with a fresh garden salad for a balanced dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Tastes just like the Outback Steakhouse version!
✅ Super creamy, cheesy, and comforting
✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✅ Perfect for meal prep and freezing
✅ A great alternative to French onion soup
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