What Cheese Is Really Used For Outback Steakhouse's French Onion Soup, According To Reddit - Tasting Table

"While the ingredients aren't publicly available on Outback's website, several Redditors who identify as current and former employees claimed in one post that the answer is provolone. That said, there's a comment suggesting the restaurant at some point did use gruyere, the cheese traditionally used in French onion soup. When Tasting Table asked to verify these claims, however, Outback representatives didn't respond to our request for comment."

"Gruyere is a Swiss cheese known for its rich, nutty flavor and luscious consistency when melted, which is why you'll find it layered on top of the baguette, caramelized onions, and beef broth that make up French onion soup. Meanwhile, provolone is an Italian cheese with a milder, creamier taste. Granted, gruyere has a more complex and savory profile with a slight earthiness that complements the soup's sweet, caramelized onions well."

Several Reddit users who identify as current or former Outback employees say the chain uses provolone in its French onion soup, while at least one comment suggests the restaurant once used gruyere. Outback did not respond to a request for comment. Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a rich, nutty flavor and a luscious melting consistency that traditionally tops the baguette, caramelized onions, and beef broth in French onion soup. Provolone is an Italian cheese with a milder, creamier profile. Purists may reject provolone as nontraditional, while others may prefer its smoother, milkier character. Some copycat recipes mix provolone with mozzarella for an even milder, stretchier topping.

Read at Tasting Table