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Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Enjoy the comforting and savory Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup made with slow-caramelized yellow onions, rich beef broth, and topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese on toasted baguette slices. This recipe delivers a deep, hearty flavor perfect for any season and is easily adaptable for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1 baguette or French bread, sliced and toasted (use gluten-free bread for gluten-free option)
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (alternatives: mozzarella, cheddar, or Fontina)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they turn a rich golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes. This process unlocks the onions’ natural sweetness and builds the soup’s rich flavor base.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Let these aromatics sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, setting the aromatic tone of the soup.
  3. Pour in the Broth: Slowly add the beef broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate full flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Toast the Bread: While the soup simmers, slice the baguette and toast the slices until crisp and golden. This creates a delicious base for the melted cheese topping.
  5. Assemble and Melt Cheese: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted bread slices on top, and generously sprinkle grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese over each bowl. Place under a broiler until the cheese bubbles and forms a golden crust, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Slow and low caramelizing of onions is key to developing deep, sweet flavors without burning.
  • Use a high-quality or homemade beef broth to enhance the soup’s richness.
  • Gruyère cheese provides a perfect melt and nutty flavor, though Swiss or Fontina are excellent alternatives.
  • Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving for best texture and safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: onion soup, caramelized onion soup, Outback steakhouse recipe, French onion soup, cheesy soup, comfort food, fall soup