In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with the milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
4. Prepare the Cheesy Topping
Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a generous mound of shredded cheese, and place them under the broiler just until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
5. Serve
Remove carefully from the oven, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve piping hot with crusty bread.
🧀 Best Cheese for Walkabout Onion Soup
While many French onion soups use Gruyère, the Outback-style version is typically topped with a milder cheese. You can use:
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Swiss
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Provolone
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Mozzarella
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Monterey Jack
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A blend of all the above!
The key is melting quality — choose something that melts beautifully and browns well.
🍽 Tips for the Best Onion Soup
✔ Slice the onions thinly
This helps them cook down evenly and develop sweetness.
✔ Low and slow
Rushing the onion-cooking step will affect flavor. Allow them time.
✔ Use sweet onions
Yellow Vidalia-style onions give the soup its signature flavor.
✔ Don’t skip the bouillon
This adds richness and depth that water alone cannot create.
✔ Use oven-safe bowls
The melted cheese topping is essential!
🥖 What to Serve With Walkabout Onion Soup
This soup pairs wonderfully with:
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Crusty French bread
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Garlic toast
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
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Caesar salad
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Steak or chicken entrées
It’s hearty enough for lunch but elegant enough for a dinner appetizer.
❄️ Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
You can freeze the soup (without cheese topping), but the texture may slightly change due to the milk. If freezing, cool completely first.
Reheat
Warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup without dairy?
Yes — use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Skip the cheese topping or use dairy-free cheese.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, celery, or carrots can be added, though this will make it less like the original Outback version.
Can I thicken the soup more?
Add an extra ½ tablespoon of flour to your milk mixture.
What if I want it extra cheesy?
Add shredded cheese directly into the hot soup before broiling.
⭐ Conclusion
This Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, savory, and topped with a golden blanket of melted cheese. You can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a cozy solo meal or served to impress guests, this soup always delivers rich flavor and irresistible comfort.
