If you’re craving a bowl of warmth and flavor that captures the essence of comfort food, the Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is exactly what you need. This rich and hearty soup brings together caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted cheese in a way that is both satisfying and unforgettable. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or impressing friends at dinner, this classic recipe offers a wonderful balance of taste, texture, and that special cozy vibe that only a great onion soup can deliver.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, rich flavor: Slow-cooked caramelized onions give this soup its signature sweet and savory depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Creamy, melty goodness: The broiled cheese topping adds a luscious, gooey finish that perfectly complements the broth.
Comfort food at its best: This soup is both hearty and light, ideal for cozy nights or when you want to feel nurtured from the inside out.
Simple ingredients, big impact: It uses easily accessible components that come together to create something truly special.
Restaurant-quality at home: You can replicate the iconic Outback Steakhouse taste right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture you love. From the caramelized onions to the hearty broth, here’s what you’ll need to make this classic soup your own.

Yellow onions: These bring sweetness and body after long, slow caramelization for a golden, flavorful base.
Beef broth: Rich and savory, it forms the backbone of the soup’s deep umami character.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to enhance the broth’s complexity.
Fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that brightens and balances the richness.
French bread slices: Perfect for layering on top and soaking up the soup’s delicious juices.
Swiss or Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible golden crust.
Butter: Essential for caramelizing onions and adding richness.
White wine (optional): Adds acidity and helps deglaze the pan for flavor concentration.

Variations for Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

This soup is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to customize according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delicious twists you might want to try.

Vegetarian version: Replace beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and add mushrooms for extra umami depth.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños during the onion caramelizing step.
Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or provolone for a milder cheese melt with the same gooey effect.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread or skip the bread entirely and toast some nuts on top for crunch.
Herb infusion: Mix in rosemary or bay leaves with the thyme for a more complex herbal flavor.

Why Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup Is a Must-Try

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by thinly slicing the yellow onions. Slowly cook them in butter over medium-low heat while stirring frequently. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize gently, turning them golden brown and developing that rich, sweet flavor essential to the soup.

Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer

Once the onions are caramelized, add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the beef broth, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 20-30 minutes, which helps meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese

While the soup simmers, slice the French bread and toast it until crisp. Grate your choice of Swiss or Gruyere cheese generously to use as the topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted bread on top, and pile on the layered cheese. Pop the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, forming that irresistible crust.

Pro Tips for Making Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Low and slow caramelization: Patience is key to avoid burnt onions and achieve perfect golden caramelization.
Use quality broth: A good beef broth will drastically improve flavor depth—homemade or store-bought works fine.
Toast the bread well: Crisp bread prevents sogginess when submerged in hot soup.
Broil just right: Keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese—golden and bubbly is the goal.
Fresh thyme counts: Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference over dried in aroma and brightness.

How to Serve Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper adds a pop of color and fresh flavor on top of the melted cheese.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad or a light vinaigrette-dressed slaw for balance. It also pairs beautifully with grilled steak or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an elevated, cozy presentation that impresses guests and enhances the dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but keep the toasted bread separate to maintain its crunch.

Freezing

The soup base (without bread or cheese) freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh bread and cheese when serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor to keep it rich and satisfying.

What type of cheese works best for this soup?

Swiss and Gruyere are traditional favorites due to their excellent melting properties and flavor, but mozzarella or provolone also make tasty alternatives.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions?

For perfect caramelization, plan for about 40 to 50 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning and ensure even browning.

Can the soup be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day in advance and reheat it before adding the bread and cheese to broil.

Is white wine necessary in the recipe?

White wine adds brightness and helps deglaze the pan, but it’s optional. You can substitute with a bit of vinegar or simply skip it if preferred.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. This recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity and rich flavor that you can easily recreate at home, impressing yourself and your loved ones alike. So go ahead, dive into this savory, cheesy classic—your appetite will thank you for it!

Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Print Recipe

The Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is a rich and hearty comfort food classic that combines slow-caramelized yellow onions, savory beef broth, and melted Swiss or Gruyere cheese for a perfect balance of deep flavor and creamy texture. Ideal for cozy nights, this recipe delivers a warm, satisfying experience with simple ingredients you can easily prepare at home to replicate the iconic steakhouse taste.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
6 slices French bread, toasted
2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 40 to 50 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor without burning.
Deglaze and Simmer: Add a splash of white wine to the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the beef broth, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the soup simmers, slice the French bread and toast it until crisp. Grate the Swiss or Gruyere cheese to use as a topping.
Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl, then generously pile the grated cheese over the bread. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, forming a delicious crust.

Notes

Cook onions low and slow to prevent burning and ensure perfect caramelization.
Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor depth—homemade or store-bought both work well.
Toast bread thoroughly to keep it from becoming soggy when added to the soup.
Watch the broiler carefully to achieve a golden bubbly cheese topping without burning.
Fresh thyme enhances aroma and flavor better than dried herbs.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups soup with bread and cheese)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Onion soup, Outback Steakhouse, Walkabout Onion Soup, caramelized onions, beef broth soup, comfort food, French onion soup, melted cheese soup