Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Copycat Onion Soup

Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Copycat Onion Soup: A Savory Delight

Step into the comfort of your own kitchen and recreate the iconic flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s Walkabout Onion Soup with this copycat recipe! Rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Join us as we guide you through crafting this delicious dish from scratch. From ingredients to cooking tips, we’ve got everything you need to bring the taste of Outback home. Plus, we’ll explore variations, keto-friendly options, and answer your burning questions!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced yellow sweet onions
• 1 can chicken broth, 15 ounces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1/4 cup diced Velveeta cheese
• 1.5 cups of white sauce (see below)
• Shredded cheddar cheese as garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the white sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the White Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
   • Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of whole milk until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
   • Once the onions are caramelized, add the can of chicken broth to the pot, along with 2 chicken bouillon cubes. Stir until the bouillon cubes are dissolved.
4. Add the Cheeses:
   • Stir in 1/4 cup of diced Velveeta cheese until melted and creamy. This will add richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
5. Combine the White Sauce:
   • Gradually pour the prepared white sauce into the pot, stirring constantly, until fully incorporated. This will thicken the soup and give it a luscious, creamy texture.
6. Season and Serve:
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• French Onion Variation:
  • For a more traditional French onion soup flavor, substitute beef broth for the chicken broth and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for the garnish.
• Vegetarian Option:
  • Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation:
  • Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to thicken the white sauce, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version:
  • To make a low-carb version of this soup, omit the flour and use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour as a gluten-free alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use pre-sliced onions? A: Yes, you can use pre-sliced onions to save time. However, slicing your own onions allows you to control the thickness and ensures even cooking.

Q: How can I make this soup keto-friendly? A: To make this soup keto-friendly, use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum instead of flour. You can also use heavy cream instead of milk for a higher fat content.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover onion soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Q: What can I serve with onion soup? A: Onion soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a starter course before the main entree.