Craving the rich, cheesy, ultra-cozy flavor of Outback Steakhouse’s famous Walkabout Onion Soup? This homemade version brings that restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen — creamy, savory, loaded with tender onions and topped with melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for cool nights, cozy dinners, or when you need a soul-warming bowl of deliciousness.
Unlike traditional French onion soup, this version uses a cream-based broth that’s smooth and hearty, making it a perfect stand-alone meal or indulgent starter.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese (for topping)
- Croutons or toasted bread, for serving (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Caramelize the onions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
2. Make the roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add liquids and seasonings
Slowly stir in the beef broth, chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Melt in the cheese
Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
5. Serve and top
Ladle soup into bowls, top with croutons or toasted bread if desired, and add a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Broil for 1–2 minutes (optional) until the cheese melts and bubbles, or simply let it melt over the hot soup.
💡 Tips
- Use sweet onions (like Vidalia) for the most authentic flavor.
- Low and slow is key for perfectly caramelized onions.
- Thicken or thin to your liking by adjusting the flour or broth amounts.
- Want it extra rich? Use all heavy cream instead of milk for a decadent base.
- Broil carefully if melting cheese in the oven — it browns fast!
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian version: Use veggie broth instead of beef/chicken and skip the cheese topping.
- Add bacon: Stir in crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickener.
- Lighter option: Use 2% milk and skip the cream for a leaner soup.
❓ FAQs
What makes this different from French onion soup?
Unlike French onion soup (which is broth-based), Walkabout Onion Soup has a creamy base and cheddar cheese, giving it a rich and velvety texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.
Can it be frozen?
Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.
How do I reheat it?
Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping
- Pair with a steak or salad for a restaurant-style meal
- Top with crispy fried onions for a crunchy garnish
- Serve in bread bowls for a cozy presentation
- Add a simple green salad for a balanced lunch
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