Name: Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Yellow Sweet Onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted or softened; 1 can (15-ounce) Chicken Broth; 1/4 teaspoon Salt

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Creamy, savory, and oh-so-comforting — this Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is the kind of bowl that hugs you from the inside out. With sweet, slowly caramelized onions and a rich, warming broth, this soup is perfect on chilly evenings or anytime you crave a simple, satisfying meal. Fun fact: French onion soup inspired many American versions, but this Walkabout twist keeps things lighter and ready in under an hour, making it weeknight-friendly.

This recipe is special because it’s incredibly simple, quick to prepare, and family-friendly. You’ll love how just a few pantry staples transform into something restaurant-worthy at home. If you’ve enjoyed other favorites like the Bloomin’ Fried Chicken on the blog, you’ll find the same approachable flavors and crowd-pleasing charm here — try pairing them for a fun dinner night. Ready to make a bowl that everyone will ask for seconds of? Let’s get cooking and bring a little Outback magic to your table.

What is Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup?

What’s in a name? Walkabout Onion Soup sounds like it wandered in from an Aussie adventure, right? Imagine a cozy soup with bold flavors “walking about” your kitchen — that’s the playful idea behind the name. Could it be named because it’s easy enough to whip up between errands or while the kids run about? Maybe. And who could argue with the classic wisdom that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try and see where your own Walkabout takes you!

Why You’ll Love This

This onion soup is irresistible for three big reasons:

Deep, caramelized onion flavor: Long-simmered sweet onions create a natural, slightly sweet base that melts on the tongue and tastes like a comfort-food dream.
Budget-friendly and homemade: Pantry staples like onions, butter, and chicken broth make this a wallet-friendly alternative to ordering out — plus you control the sodium and texture.
Toppings that sing: Finish with crusty bread, melty cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate every bite and add contrast — crunchy, gooey, and aromatic in one spoonful.

If you loved our chicken-focused dishes like the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken, this soup shows another side of restaurant-style comfort you can recreate at home. It’s delicious, simple, and begging to be shared with family. Make a pot tonight and enjoy the compliments.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying without being fussy. The secret is patient caramelization of the onions for rich sweetness, then a short simmer with broth for a cozy, balanced finish. Prep and cooking together take about 30–35 minutes, and you’ll get a bowl that’s silky in texture with a slightly sweet, savory flavor.

Approximate time: Prep 10 minutes, Cook 25 minutes, Total about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

2 cups yellow sweet onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted (melted or softened)
1 (15-ounce) can chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Prepare the onions: Peel and thinly slice enough yellow sweet onions to measure 2 cups. Aim for even slices so they caramelize at the same rate.
Melt the butter: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. Let the butter melt and warm until it foams slightly but does not brown.
Cook the onions: Add the sliced onions to the pot and stir to coat with butter. Spread them into an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweetly caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. If the onions start to stick, lower the heat and stir more frequently.
Add broth and salt: Pour in 1 (15-ounce) can chicken broth and add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls. For a classic finish, top with toasted bread and melted cheese if you like, or enjoy as-is for a lighter bowl.

Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

What to Serve With:

Crusty baguette or toasted sourdough, for dunking and absorbing the broth.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Melted Swiss or Gruyère on top for a classic French-style finish.
Light roasted vegetables or a baked potato for a heartier meal.
A crisp white wine or an amber ale complements the sweet and savory flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use yellow sweet onions: They caramelize beautifully and add natural sweetness. Vidalias are a great alternative.
Low and slow for caramelization: Keep the heat at medium-low if onions brown too fast. Patience yields deep flavor.
Deglaze for extra depth: When you add the broth, scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in those browned bits.
Cheese options: Swiss, Gruyère, or a mild cheddar will melt nicely if you want a cheesy top.
Avoid overcrowding the pan: If making a larger batch, caramelize onions in batches to ensure even browning.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well without dairy. Cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick after chilling.
Cheese topping: If you’ve added melted cheese, store it separately and add just before serving when reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

What onions work best for this soup?
Yellow sweet onions or Vidalia onions are ideal because they caramelize well and bring natural sweetness. White or red onions can be used, but flavor and sweetness will differ.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and follow the same method for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I get deeply caramelized onions without burning them?
Cook over medium-low heat and stir occasionally. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat. Patience is key — even, slow cooking gives the best sweetness.

Can I add wine or sherry to the soup?
Absolutely. Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine or sherry after the onions are caramelized, then simmer briefly before adding broth to deepen the flavor.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days and freezes nicely. Store toppings separately and add them right before serving for the freshest texture.

Conclusion

This Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup proves that a few simple ingredients and a little time can yield a deeply satisfying, restaurant-style bowl at home. It’s easy enough for weeknights, comforting enough for special dinners, and budget-friendly to boot. If you want inspiration from other home-cooked versions, you might enjoy the detailed recipe on Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup Recipe – Food.com or a home-cook’s take at Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup – Melissa Jo Real Recipes. Try this recipe tonight, share it with friends, and enjoy the warm smiles that come with each spoonful.