Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people eliminating gluten for medical or lifestyle reasons. For those avoiding gluten, dining out can present challenges as many menu items contain gluten. Outback Steakhouse is a popular casual dining chain, but are their famous cheese fries gluten free? Let’s take a closer look.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms and health issues. That’s why following a strict gluten free diet is essential for managing these conditions.
Are Outback’s cheese fries gluten free?
The good news is that Outback Steakhouse does offer gluten free cheese fries. Here are some key points about Outback’s gluten free cheese fries:
- Outback uses a dedicated fryer to prepare their gluten free fries. This helps avoid cross-contamination with menu items containing gluten.
- The potato fries themselves are made from potatoes, a naturally gluten free food.
- Outback uses a gluten free cheese sauce on top made without wheat flour.
- The cheese fries are cooked in a separate fryer from Outback’s onion rings, which do contain gluten.
So in summary, the basic cheese fries from Outback Steakhouse are gluten free. However, some important caveats exist.
Are add-ons and speciality cheese fries gluten free?
While the standard cheese fries are gluten free, some toppings and speciality cheese fry dishes may contain gluten. Here are some things to look out for:
- Fries with loaded toppings like chili, bacon pieces or sauteed mushrooms may contain gluten depending on the exact ingredients used in preparing those items.
- Speciality cheese fries with different cheeses or added ingredients may not be safe depending on the specifics. For example, beer cheese fries are not gluten free.
- Fries cooked in the same oil as onion rings or other gluten containing foods could be cross contaminated. Make sure gluten free fries are only prepared in the designated fryer.
If you want to customize your fries or order a speciality version, be sure to ask your server about the ingredients and preparation to confirm the dish is gluten free.
What about other sides at Outback?
In addition to fries, Outback Steakhouse offers various side dishes. Many of these sides are naturally gluten free or can be prepared in a gluten free way. Here is an overview of the gluten free status of Outback’s most popular sides:
| Side Dish | Gluten Free? |
|---|---|
| Baked potato | Yes |
| Fresh steamed broccoli | Yes |
| Sweet potato | Yes |
| House salad | Yes, with gluten free dressing |
| Caesar salad | No, contains croutons with gluten |
| Rice pilaf | Yes |
| Garlic mashed potatoes | Yes |
Overall Outback Steakhouse offers a variety of gluten free side choices to accompany your entree. Just stick to naturally gluten free foods or confirm with your server that sides are prepared without gluten containing ingredients.
Tips for ordering gluten free at Outback
By being an informed diner, you can enjoy safe gluten free meals at Outback Steakhouse. Here are some tips:
- Tell your server you need a gluten free meal right away. Make sure they understand it is an allergy/medical issue, not just a preference.
- Confirm that your order of cheese fries is prepared in the designated gluten free fryer and only seasoned with salt.
- Ask about ingredients and preparation methods for sides and other menu items before ordering.
- Request that your food come out first before any gluten containing dishes to avoid cross-contact.
- Check that your burger is served on a gluten free bun.
- Ask for sauces and dressings to be served on the side.
- If an item is breaded or thickened with flour, request plain grilled preparation.
- Only order baked potatoes and sweet potatoes plain. Sour cream, butter, bacon, cheese, and other toppings could add hidden gluten.
Taking the time to customize your order and ask questions helps ensure your meal is safely gluten free at Outback Steakhouse.
Is Outback Steakhouse celiac friendly?
For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is always a major concern when dining out. Overall, Outback Steakhouse is reasonably celiac-friendly and takes steps to avoid cross-contamination, including:
- Having separate prep areas and fryers for gluten free foods.
- Using dedicated gluten free cooking equipment and tools.
- Employing strict procedures for handwashing and cleaning surfaces when prepping gluten free orders.
- Offering gluten free buns, pastas, and other menu substitutions.
- Listing gluten free menu options and ingredients.
- Training kitchen staff on safe gluten free preparation.
However, the possibility of cross-contamination still exists in their shared kitchens. Extremely sensitive individuals may want to exercise extra caution when dining at Outback Steakhouse.
Gluten free menu options at Outback
In addition to fries and sides, Outback Steakhouse offers these gluten free entree choices:
- Grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, and steak.
- Burgers with a gluten free bun.
- Salads with gluten free dressing.
- Gluten free pasta.
Just keep in mind gluten free entrees are often prepared in shared fryers and on shared grills. Be sure to make your gluten free needs clear to avoid cross-contact.
Gluten free steak options
All Outback steaks can be prepared gluten free by omitting the seasoning mix and gluten containing sauces. Order your steak plain or with a safe sauce like chimichurri on the side. Some popular gluten free Outback steak choices include:
- 6 oz sirloin
- 8 oz filet mignon
- 12 oz New York strip
- 12 oz ribeye
- Bone-in ribeye
Gluten free burger choices
Outback offers both beef and chicken burgers. Order them without the bun, then substitute for a gluten free bun or lettuce wrap. Safe toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Cheese and bacon are fine too. Watch out for sauces and spreads containing gluten. Popular gluten free burger picks are:
- Traditional burger
- Aussie burger
- Chicken burger
- Guacamole bacon burger
Gluten free salad and sides
Fill up on these gluten free Outback salad and side options:
- House salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Caesar salad no croutons, gluten free dressing
- Fresh steamed broccoli
- Seasonal veggies
- Baked potato plain
- Sweet potato plain
- Rice pilaf
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Kid’s menu gluten free choices
Outback Steakhouse offers a few gluten free picks for kids including:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Cheeseburger with gluten free bun
- Grilled shrimp
- Gluten free pasta with marinara or butter
Sides like fries, mashed potatoes, rice, steamed broccoli and applesauce are also safe gluten free bets for kids.
Gluten free drinks at Outback
Outback Steakhouse has an extensive drink menu, many of which are gluten free by ingredients including:
- Sodas, teas, and other non-alcoholic beverages
- Wine and champagne
- Classic cocktails without gluten containing mixes
- Lemonades and juices
- Most martinis, on the rocks drinks, and shots
A few drinks to avoid are wheat beer, flavored margaritas or daiquiris with gluten based mixes, and any drinks thickened with barley malt.
Desserts
Outback Steakhouse offers a gluten free dessert option – their three layer chocolate fudge cake. The cake is prepared without gluten containing ingredients, however cross-contamination is possible in their shared kitchen. Check to make sure your server understands it needs to be gluten free.
Those highly sensitive should exercise caution with the cake. Or consider eating your own gluten free dessert once you get home if you want to be extra careful!
Outback gluten free menu
Outback Steakhouse provides a helpful gluten free menu online listing their dietitian approved options. This makes it easy to get an overview ahead of your visit. The menu identifies dishes that are:
- Gluten free as prepared – Uses gluten free ingredients
- Gluten friendly – Can be modified to be gluten free
The menu lists gluten free choices in every category from appetizers, soups and salads, to entrees, sides and desserts. They also call out items that contain gluten so you can clearly avoid them.
Dining out gluten free at Outback
At Outback Steakhouse, enjoying safe and tasty gluten free meals is definitely doable by following these guidelines:
- Ask plenty of questions about menu items and preparation.
- Order plain grilled proteins, simple sides, and salads with approved dressings.
- Customize menu choices by omitting croutons, sauces, and other gluteny add-ons.
- Request gluten free substitutions like fries instead of chips, or a lettuce wrap rather than a bun.
- Confirm your meal is cooked on a dedicated surface and served with clean tools.
- Avoid breaded and fried menu options due to shared fryer cross-contamination.
- Carefully review the gluten free menu in advance for safest choices.
- Make sure the kitchen takes steps to prevent cross-contamination.
- Thank your server for accommodating your gluten free needs.
By being a well-informed diner, communicating with staff, and customizing your choices at Outback Steakhouse, you can enjoy delicious gluten free cheese fries and meals safely.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse serves up tasty gluten free cheese fries along with other gluten friendly menu options. By using a dedicated fryer and making their standard cheese fries without gluten-containing ingredients, Outback provides a safe cheese fry option to accommodate gluten free diners. Just be mindful of potential cross-contamination with speciality loaded fries or items prepared in shared cooking areas. Overall, with planning and customized ordering, those avoiding gluten can find plenty of delicious and satisfying menu picks at Outback Steakhouse. Their gluten free menu and fryer procedures make it one of the more accommodating chain restaurants for gluten free diets.
