The Outback-Style Onion Soup is a warm, comforting dish inspired by the fan-favorite served at the famous steakhouse. With a base of slowly caramelized onions, creamy cheddar cheese, and rich broth, this soup delivers deep, savory flavors that feel like a cozy Aussie hug in a bowl. Perfect for a chilly evening or a nostalgic culinary adventure, this Walkabout Onion Soup combines simplicity with indulgence. The cheesy finish and hearty texture make it ideal as a starter or even a light main course. Serve it with toasted bread or croutons, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of homemade comfort that rivals your favorite restaurant version.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup beef broth
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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Optional: splash of beer (for added Outback-style flavor)
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Croutons or toasted bread, for garnish
Directions:
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In a large saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and caramelized.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux.
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Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Add milk and heavy cream, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth.
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Add cheddar cheese gradually, stirring to melt.
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add a splash of beer if using.
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Let simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors meld and soup thickens slightly.
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Serve hot, topped with more cheddar cheese and optional croutons or a toasted bread slice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Brief History of the Walkabout Onion Soup
The Walkabout Onion Soup was made popular by the iconic Outback Steakhouse chain, known for its hearty, Australian-inspired cuisine. While the menu item has seen changes over the years—and is sometimes discontinued—it remains a cult favorite among fans. Its name, “Walkabout,” is a nod to the Australian practice of taking a spiritual journey through the wilderness. Much like that tradition, this soup offers a soulful experience in every spoonful. Originally designed as a rich, comforting starter, it quickly gained attention for its creamy texture, flavorful onions, and signature cheesy finish.
Unlike traditional French onion soup, which leans heavily on beef broth and Gruyère cheese, the Walkabout Onion Soup puts a slightly American-Aussie spin on things with cheddar cheese, cream, and sometimes even a splash of beer for extra depth.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Outback-style onion soup recipe isn’t just a copycat—it’s an improvement. It’s carefully balanced to deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. The onions are caramelized slowly to draw out their natural sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheese. The blend of both chicken and beef broth provides a complex base that’s far more layered than your average onion soup.
Additionally, the addition of whole milk and heavy cream makes it luxuriously smooth without becoming overly thick. And of course, cheddar cheese brings a comforting sharpness that ties it all together. The optional splash of beer adds an adult twist, enhancing the umami tones and giving the soup a pub-food essence.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Onions: A nutritional powerhouse, onions are high in antioxidants and support heart health. Caramelizing them enhances their natural sweetness and depth.
- Butter and Olive Oil: This duo provides richness and balance, with olive oil offering heart-healthy fats and butter adding that familiar comforting flavor.
- Broths: Chicken and beef broths together create a deep, layered flavor base full of nutrients like collagen and amino acids.
- Cheddar Cheese: A great source of calcium and protein, cheddar adds not just creaminess but also a sharp, savory bite.
- Milk and Cream: These dairy components lend the soup a velvety finish while also adding healthy fats for satiety.
- Garlic Powder and Paprika: These spices enhance the overall profile with a hint of warmth and spice without overwhelming the delicate sweetness of the onions.
Perfect for All Seasons
Though often associated with colder weather, this soup is light enough to enjoy year-round. It pairs well with a fresh salad in summer or a thick slice of toasted bread in the winter. Its versatility makes it ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a more elaborate meal.
Hosting a dinner party? Impress guests with this elegant yet unfussy dish. Need a cozy meal for a quiet night in? This soup wraps you in warmth with every bite. It’s a dish that adapts to your mood and occasion.
Customizations and Substitutions
What makes this Walkabout Onion Soup recipe even more appealing is its flexibility. You can easily adjust ingredients to match your dietary needs or pantry stock:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute both broths with vegetable broth and skip the optional beer.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy cream (like coconut or oat), vegan cheddar, and vegetable broth. Caramelize the onions the same way for that rich flavor.
- Extra Richness: Add a splash of white wine or brandy during the caramelization stage to deepen the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal experience with creative pairings:
- Top with croutons or a slice of toasted baguette smothered in melted cheddar.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Enjoy it in a bread bowl for a rustic presentation.
- Pair with grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
If you’re hosting a party, consider serving this soup in mini ramekins or espresso cups as a warm appetizer to get guests excited for the meal ahead.
Why This Is the Best Walkabout Onion Soup Recipe Online
There are many recipes that try to mimic the iconic Outback version, but few deliver on both flavor and texture. This version stands out for its precision and thoughtful ingredient choices. It doesn’t rely on artificial flavor enhancers or overly processed ingredients. Instead, it builds flavor naturally—through careful caramelization, quality dairy, and balanced seasoning.
The step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-level results. And unlike many copycat recipes that end up too salty, too watery, or too bland, this soup strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and sweet.
Plus, with easily sourced ingredients and customizable options, this recipe fits right into any home kitchen.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of this soup provides approximately 320 kcal, making it a hearty but reasonable option for lunch or dinner. It contains valuable nutrients like calcium, protein, and healthy fats, especially when made with high-quality dairy. The onions also provide fiber and essential antioxidants, helping to support immune function and digestion.
If you’re counting macros or trying to reduce calories, you can easily lighten the recipe by substituting whole milk for low-fat milk and reducing the amount of cheese.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid separation.
It even tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or entertaining guests.
Reader Reviews and Popularity
Across online platforms and food blogs, the Walkabout Onion Soup recipe consistently receives high praise. Fans of the original Outback version often say this is the closest—and even better—than what they remember. Home cooks rave about the richness of the broth, the sweetness of the onions, and the comforting texture of the finished product.
Some comments include:
- “Tastes just like I remember from Outback, but even better because it’s homemade!”
- “My husband requests this every week during winter.”
- “So simple yet so satisfying—my kids love it too!”
Conclusion
This Outback-style Walkabout Onion Soup is more than just a copycat—it’s a love letter to comfort food. Whether you’re seeking to recreate a nostalgic favorite or simply want to serve something delicious and hearty, this recipe checks every box. Rich in flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-have in your soup rotation. Add it to your weekly meal plan, your holiday menus, or your cozy night-in collection—you won’t regret it.
