Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that has become a signature favorite at Outback Steakhouse. This creamy, savory soup is made with a base of caramelized onions, beef broth, and a blend of cheeses, creating a comforting, satisfying bowl of goodness. Topped with crispy fried onions and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that packs a punch of bold, delicious flavor. If you’re craving this iconic soup and don’t want to head to the restaurant, making Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup at home is surprisingly easy and just as tasty!
The key to this onion soup’s success is the slow-cooked, caramelized onions. As the onions cook down, they release their natural sugars and develop a sweet, deep flavor that forms the backbone of the soup. The rich beef broth enhances this sweetness while giving the soup its savory depth. Then, a generous amount of cheese—usually a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan—creates a decadent, creamy texture that makes the soup incredibly hearty. The final touch is the crispy fried onions, which provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s creamy base, elevating the whole dish.
This Walkabout Onion Soup is perfect as an appetizer or even as a light meal on its own. The savory, cheesy layers, combined with the sweet richness of the caramelized onions, make each spoonful absolutely irresistible. It’s a great choice for special occasions or a cozy dinner when you want to impress your guests or treat yourself. Best of all, you can easily recreate this beloved Outback classic in the comfort of your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.
Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 4 slices French bread or baguette (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. This process is slow, but it’s crucial to develop the depth of flavor in the soup. Be patient and keep the heat on medium to prevent burning. Add salt and pepper to taste during this process.
- Deglaze the Pot: Once the onions are caramelized, add the white wine (if using) to the pot to deglaze. Scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Let the wine cook down for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
- Toast the Bread (Optional): While the soup is simmering, you can toast the French bread or baguette slices. Toast the bread in a toaster or oven until it’s crispy and golden. This step adds a nice texture to the soup, but it’s optional if you want to keep the soup lighter.
- Assemble the Soup: Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have come together, ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of the toasted bread, then sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, forming a golden crust on top.
- Serve: Remove the bowls from the oven carefully (they will be hot!) and sprinkle with crispy fried onions on top. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 9g
- WW Points: 9 SmartPoints per serving (based on 4 servings)
Why Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is a Winner:
- Deep, Savory Flavor: The slow caramelization of onions creates a deep, rich flavor that’s the heart of this soup. Paired with the savory beef broth and the slight tang from the Worcestershire sauce, this soup is incredibly satisfying and full of umami.
- Cheesy, Comforting Goodness: The melty mozzarella and Parmesan on top form a gooey, indulgent layer that makes this soup extra comforting. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crispy, especially with the addition of the fried onions for crunch.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This soup is the ideal appetizer for a holiday meal, dinner party, or any special occasion. It has a “wow” factor thanks to its rich flavors and cheesy top, but it’s also simple enough to make at home for an everyday meal.
- Comfort Food: Walkabout Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially during the colder months. The warm broth and cheesy topping are perfect for cozying up with on a chilly evening.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste preferences. Add extra garlic, throw in some fresh thyme, or make it a little spicier with a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want to make it lighter, skip the bread and cheese topping, or use a lighter cheese. The soup can be tailored to fit your dietary needs.
Tips for Success:
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: The key to a good onion soup is caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat. Don’t rush this step—it’s what gives the soup its deep, sweet flavor. If the onions start to stick to the pan, lower the heat slightly and continue cooking.
- Broil Carefully: When broiling the cheese, keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. You want the cheese to be golden and bubbly, not overly browned.
- Fried Onions: The fried onions are a must for that crispy texture and added flavor. You can use store-bought crispy fried onions, or make your own by coating thinly sliced onions in flour and frying them until golden.
- Wine Option: Adding white wine enhances the depth of the soup’s flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer. The beef broth will still provide a rich base for the soup.
- Serve with Sides: If you want to make the soup a more substantial meal, serve it with a side salad or a bowl of fresh greens.
