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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread used)
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: onion soup, caramelized onion soup, Outback steakhouse recipe, French onion soup, cheesy soup, comfort food, fall soup