Texas Roadhouse is a popular steakhouse chain known for its fresh-baked rolls. The rolls are a fan favorite and are served warm to each table before a meal. While the rolls are delicious on their own, many guests enjoy them even more slathered with soft honey butter. However, for those watching their calorie intake, the butter adds significant calories. So how many calories are in a Texas Roadhouse roll without the butter? Keep reading to find out.
Nutrition Information for Texas Roadhouse Rolls
The nutrition information for Texas Roadhouse rolls is not published on the restaurant’s website. chain restaurants are not required to provide nutrition facts for items served complimentary before a meal, like bread baskets. However, we can estimate the nutrition breakdown using information from MyFitnessPal and CalorieKing.
Based on user-submitted data to these sites, a plain Texas Roadhouse roll contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 2g
- Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 3g
So a single roll without butter has around 120 calories. This is a moderate calorie bread item. For comparison, a slice of white bread typically contains 70-80 calories. And a large croissant may have up to 200 calories.
Calories in Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Butter
When the rolls are served at Texas Roadhouse, soft honey butter comes alongside. The butter significantly increases the calorie count.
According to Texas Roadhouse, each butter packet contains:
- Calories: 100
- Total fat: 12g
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 0g
So a single butter packet adds 100 calories and 12 grams of fat.
Most guests use 1-2 butter packets per roll. So the total calories when enjoying a roll with butter is:
- 1 packet: 220 calories
- 2 packets: 320 calories
As you can see, the butter more than doubles the calories! The bread alone is a sensible light snack, but slathering on the butter turns it into more of a high-calorie treat.
Tips for Enjoying Rolls While Managing Calories
Here are some tips for enjoying Texas Roadhouse rolls while limiting calorie intake:
- Ask for rolls without butter. Enjoy the flavor of the freshly baked bread on its own.
- Use just half a butter packet, or ask for light butter.
- Share a few rolls family-style instead of eating multiple on your own.
- Fill up on lower calorie menu items like salads and lean proteins.
- Take leftovers rolls home instead of overindulging.
- Substitute a veggie side for the bread basket.
With some simple modifications, you can still enjoy these tasty rolls as part of a healthy diet.
Nutrition Information for Texas Roadhouse Honey Butter
Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts for Texas Roadhouse honey butter:
Per 1 packet (1 Tbsp):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 135mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
The honey butter is almost pure fat. Each packet provides 12 grams of fat, which is almost a fifth of the recommended daily value. The saturated fat content is also very high.
There are no carbs, fiber, sugar or protein – just fat and cholesterol.
This makes the honey butter packs extremely high in calories and fat for their small serving size. Slathering just one packet on a roll nearly doubles the calories.
Healthiest Options at Texas Roadhouse
If you are looking for lighter options when dining at Texas Roadhouse, consider these menu items:
Salads
Texas Roadhouse has a range of salad options, including:
- House Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Wedge Salad
- Chopped Steak Salad
Order them dressing on the side to control calories and fat.
Grilled and Roasted Entrees
Select a lean protein prepared in a healthy style:
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Sirloin Steak
- Pork Chop
- Grilled Shrimp
- Roast Turkey Breast
Pair it with a baked potato or side vegetables.
Lighter Sides
Complement your meal with lower calorie sides like:
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Fresh Steamed Veggies
- Fruit Cup
- House Salad
Watch out for high calorie sides like mac and cheese, creamed spinach, and fried foods.
Health Benefits of Bread
Despite the high calorie count when paired with butter, Texas Roadhouse rolls and other breads can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits of bread:
- Fiber – Provides satiety and supports digestive health.
- Vitamins and minerals – Essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron and selenium.
- Carbohydrates – Main energy source for the brain and muscles.
- Disease prevention – Linked to lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers when eaten in moderation.
Stick to whole grain and sprouted grain varieties to maximize nutrition and fiber content. Popular options include whole wheat bread, rye bread, Ezekiel bread and sourdough bread.
Bread that is freshly baked also tends to be lower in calories and higher in nutrients. So Texas Roadhouse rolls are a better choice than many highly processed bread products.
Are Texas Roadhouse Rolls Vegan?
Texas Roadhouse rolls are not vegan friendly. According to their website, the dinner rolls contain milk and egg ingredients.
Specifically, the Texas Roadhouse roll ingredients include:
- Enriched bleached wheat flour
- Water
- Yeast
- High fructose corn syrup
- Wheat gluten
- Soybean oil
- Contains 2% or less of each of the following: butter solids, salt, dough conditioners, yeast nutrients (calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate), egg yolk, natural flavor, soy lecithin, yeast extract, maltodextrin, corn starch, potassium iodate
The egg yolk and butter solids make the rolls non-vegan. There are no vegan bread options currently offered at Texas Roadhouse.
Those following a vegan diet should avoid the rolls and opt for sides like steamed veggies, baked potatoes, or salads without cheese or creamy dressings.
Gluten Free Roll Options at Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse also does not currently offer gluten-free rolls. The rolls are made with enriched bleached wheat flour.
However, those avoiding gluten may be able to enjoy a burger on a gluten-free bun. Texas Roadhouse has confirmed on their website that burger buns at select locations can be substituted for a gluten-free option.
Some of the side dishes are also naturally gluten-free at Texas Roadhouse, including:
- Baked Potato
- Sweet Potato
- Rice Pilaf
- Steamed Broccoli
- Green Beans
So while the famous fresh rolls are off limits, you can still enjoy a satisfying gluten-free meal. Just check ahead that your location offers gluten-free buns and watch out for cross-contamination with items cooked on shared equipment.
Low Carb Options at Texas Roadhouse
Here are some low carb dishes you can order at Texas Roadhouse if limiting bread, starch and sugar intake:
Protein Entrees
- Meat and Veggie Platter
- Steak and Chicken Combo
- Smokehouse Steak
- Ribeye or Sirloin Steak
- Wood Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Critters
Low Carb Sides
- House Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Steamed Broccoli
- Green Beans
- Asparagus
Say no to starches, croutons, sugary dressings and honey butter for your rolls.
Condiments
- Oil & Vinegar
- Mustard
- Salsa
- Butter
Avoid sugary BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, and ketchup.
Follow these guidelines to cut carbs and eat low carb at Texas Roadhouse.
Keto Options at Texas Roadhouse
Here are some keto diet friendly options at Texas Roadhouse:
Protein Options
- Steak
- Ribs
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish
Stick with grilled, roasted and smoked preparations.
Low Carb Sides
- Green Veggies
- Side Salad
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Steamed Asparagus
- Steamed Broccoli
Condiments
- Oil & Vinegar
- Mustard
- Salsa
- Butter
Say no to rolls, baked potatoes, rice, beans, corn, honey butter and high carb sauces.
Follow these tips to stay keto at Texas Roadhouse. Monitor carb counts if also limiting portions.
Paleo Options at Texas Roadhouse
The Paleo diet eliminates grains, legumes, dairy and processed foods. Here are some Paleo friendly choices at Texas Roadhouse:
Proteins
- Steak
- Chicken
- Pork Chop
- Baby Back Ribs
- Sirloin
Choose grilled, roasted or smoked cooking methods.
Sides
- Steamed Veggies
- Side Salad
- Roasted Veggies
- Fresh Fruit
Condiments
- Oil & Vinegar Dressing
- Mustard
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Say no to rolls, rice, beans, potatoes, cheese, butter, salad dressings with dairy and sugary sauces.
Whole30 Options at Texas Roadhouse
The Whole30 program eliminates added sugar, grains, legumes, dairy and certain vegetable oils. Here are compliant options at Texas Roadhouse:
Proteins
- Grilled Steak
- Baked Chicken
- Smoked Ribs
- Grilled Pork Chop
- Grilled Shrimp
Sides
- Steamed Broccoli
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Roasted Veggies
- Side Salad with Oil & Vinegar
Condiments
- Oil & Vinegar Dressing
- Mustard
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Avoid bread, tortillas, rice, beans, potatoes, French fries, cheese, butter, creamy dressings, ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey butter and sugary drinks. Read ingredients carefully.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse rolls are a tasty indulgence, especially when paired with sweet honey butter. Without the butter, a single roll contains around 120 calories. With butter, the total jumps to 220-320 calories per roll.
To lighten them up, skip the butter, use just a small amount, or share a few rolls family-style. Opt for lighter main dishes and sides to balance your meal.
While they are high in calories, fresh breads like the Texas Roadhouse rolls can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Select whole grain varieties to maximize nutrition.
At Texas Roadhouse, there are also many lower calorie, gluten-free, low carb, keto, paleo and Whole30 friendly options available. Focus on lean proteins, fresh vegetable sides and watch your condiments. With the right choices, you can still enjoy a great steakhouse meal while meeting your dietary needs.
