Here is a comprehensive guide to making the Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup, a rich and creamy dish that has achieved near-legendary status among fans of the restaurant. We’ll explore its history, the debate between the original and copycat versions, and a detailed method to create this comforting bowl of goodness in your own kitchen.
A Note on the Recipe
Before we begin, it’s important to note that the original Walkabout Soup served at Outback Steakhouse was a creamy onion soup, often made with a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack . However, many popular copycat recipes online have interpreted it as a brothy French onion-style soup . This recipe will guide you through creating the rich, creamy, cheesy version that patrons remember most fondly .
Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty soup, and the Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is a perfect example. This isn’t just any onion soup; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and deeply savory experience that transports you to a cozy corner of the Australian-inspired restaurant . I’ve been making this recipe for a long time, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The magic lies in slowly caramelizing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness and then enveloping them in a velvety broth rich with melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quiet night in or as a show-stopping starter for a dinner party.
I especially love adding a bit of sherry to deepen the flavors, just before serving. Remember, you want to use a good quality drinking sherry, not “cooking sherry,” which can be overly salty and lack complexity. This little touch elevates the soup from delicious to extraordinary.
History
The Walkabout Soup holds a special place in Outback Steakhouse history. It was a signature item, particularly popular during the restaurant’s early years in the 1990s . The name itself is a nod to Australian culture, referring to a long journey made on foot, often through the Australian Outback . This “walkabout” theme is woven throughout the restaurant’s identity, from the decor to the names of its dishes.
In 2023, to celebrate its 35th anniversary, Outback Steakhouse brought back several beloved items from its archives for a limited-time “Boomerang Menu.” Among the returning favorites was the Walkabout Soup, officially described as a “creamy onion soup topped with Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses” . This brief return only solidified its status as a cult classic among diners, and its subsequent discontinuation has led many to seek out copycat recipes to recapture that unique flavor at home .
Ingredients
To recreate this creamy, savory soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final dish, so choose wisely .
For the Soup Base:
· 4 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced. Sweet onions are key for a deep, caramelized flavor without bitterness .
· 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided: 3 tbsp for onions, 3 tbsp for roux) .
· 2 cubes chicken bouillon, crushed.
· 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning (or other Creole seasoning), plus more to taste .
· 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour .
· 1½ cups whole milk .
· 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) .
· 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed. This provides an incredibly smooth and creamy texture .
· 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that prevent it from melting smoothly.
· 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended – use a good quality sherry, not cooking sherry).
· Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.
For Serving:
· ½ cup shredded cheese for topping (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is excellent).
· Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish.
· Crusty bread or baguette slices, for serving.
Formation (The Method Explained)
The process of making this soup is a journey in itself, transforming simple ingredients into something complex and wonderful. The key stages are:
1. Caramelization: This is the most important step. Cooking the sliced onions low and slow in butter coaxes out their natural sugars, resulting in a deep, sweet, and savory flavor that forms the backbone of the soup. It requires patience but is absolutely worth the time .
2. The Roux: After the onions are caramelized, you’ll add flour to the butter and onion mixture. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it a velvety body. Cooking the flour for a couple of minutes removes the raw, starchy taste .
3. Building the Broth: The liquids—milk and chicken broth—are gradually whisked into the roux. This technique ensures a smooth, lump-free base.
4. The Melt: The cheeses are added last, off the direct heat to prevent them from becoming grainy. The Velveeta ensures an ultra-smooth texture, while the sharp cheddar provides the distinctive cheesy flavor .
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create your own batch of Walkabout Soup .
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onions and the crushed chicken bouillon cubes. Sprinkle with the Creole seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until the onions are very soft, sweet, and a deep golden brown. If they start to stick, you can add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan.
2. Remove Onions: Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set them aside.
3. Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes. This cooks the flour and forms a smooth, bubbling paste.
4. Incorporate Liquids: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the milk is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, slowly whisk in the chicken broth.
5. Combine and Thicken: Return the caramelized onions to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
6. Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the cubed Velveeta and the grated cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is completely melted before adding the next. Continue until all the cheese is incorporated and the soup is velvety smooth.
7. Final Seasoning: Stir in the dry sherry (if using). Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. You can also add another pinch of Creole seasoning for extra kick.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with the shredded cheese blend. Place the bowls under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot!). Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
This is a rich and indulgent soup, best enjoyed as a comforting treat. The nutritional values below are estimates based on the ingredients listed and typical restaurant data. Please note that actual values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods .
Nutrient Amount Per Serving (approx.)
Calories ~470 kcal
Total Fat ~31g
Saturated Fat ~15g
Cholesterol ~60mg
Sodium ~1200-1500mg
Total Carbohydrates ~28g
Dietary Fiber ~2g
Protein ~20g
Health Benefits
While primarily a comfort food, this soup does offer some nutritional benefits thanks to its core ingredients:
· Onions: Onions are a good source of prebiotic fibers and antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. They also provide vitamin C and B vitamins .
· Calcium and Protein: The generous amount of milk and cheese provides a significant amount of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, and protein, which is crucial for muscle health and satiety .
· Warmth and Hydration: As a broth-based (with cream) soup, it contributes to your daily fluid intake and is a wonderfully warming dish, especially during colder months, which can boost mood and provide comfort .
Conclusion
The Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary nostalgia. By making it at home, you’re not just following a set of instructions—you’re reviving a beloved dish and creating a warm, delicious experience for yourself and your loved ones. The process of caramelizing the onions, building the rich, cheesy broth, and finally broiling it to golden perfection is a labor of love that pays off in every single spoonful. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or discovering it for the first time, this creamy, savory soup is sure to become a favorite in your own home. So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of that good sherry, and enjoy the journey.
For the “Lovers”
This soup is for the lovers of:
· Rich, savory comfort food.
· Cheese in all its glorious, melted forms.
· The deep, sweet flavor of perfectly caramelized onions.
· Restaurant “copycat” recipes that let you enjoy a favorite meal any time.
· Warm, hearty meals on a cold day.
· A touch of nostalgia, bringing back memories of meals at Outback Steakhouse.
· Impressively delicious food that’s actually simple to make at home.
· A splash of good sherry to elevate a classic dish.
