Enjoy the comforting flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s Walkabout Onion Soup in the comfort of your own home! This hearty and flavorful soup features sweet onions simmered in a rich broth, topped with creamy white sauce and melted cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups yellow sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup Velveeta cheese, diced
- 1 1/2-1 3/4 cups white sauce (recipe below)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
For the White Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Slice Onions: Thinly slice the yellow sweet onions.
- Saute: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan with the caramelized onions.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the chicken bouillon cubes for extra flavor.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
- Prepare Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and salt, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Cook Roux: Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes golden brown and fragrant.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Thicken: Cook the sauce until it thickens and reaches a smooth consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Add Cheese: Stir the diced Velveeta cheese into the simmering onion soup until melted and incorporated.
- Combine: Gradually add 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups of the prepared white sauce to the onion soup, stirring until well combined and creamy. Adjust the amount of white sauce according to your desired thickness.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve the Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup hot and enjoy its comforting and flavorful goodness!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for topping, such as Swiss or provolone, for added flavor and richness.
- Crouton Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, top each bowl of soup with homemade or store-bought garlic croutons before adding the shredded cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken bouillon cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s Walkabout Onion Soup with this homemade recipe. With its savory onion broth, creamy white sauce, and gooey melted cheese topping, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for your next dinner party, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use different types of onions for this soup?
A: While yellow sweet onions are traditionally used for this recipe, you can also use other varieties such as white onions or Vidalia onions depending on your preference. Each type of onion will impart its own unique flavor to the soup.
Q: Can I make the soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and top with shredded cheese just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the dairy-based white sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the soup without the white sauce and add it when reheating the soup.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve it as a starter before a main course of steak, chicken, or seafood.
