Texas Roadhouse Gluten-Free Menu

Dining out when you’re following a gluten‐free lifestyle can be challenging—but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Texas Roadhouse, a beloved steakhouse chain known for its hand‐cut steaks and signature rolls with cinnamon butter, also offers a range of gluten‐friendly options for those who need to avoid gluten. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Texas Roadhouse gluten‐free menu, from what items you can order to tips on avoiding cross‐contamination to FAQs and insider advice.

Disclaimer: Although Texas Roadhouse provides gluten‐friendly suggestions on its menu, please note that the restaurant is not a dedicated gluten‐free facility. Cross-contact is always a risk in a busy kitchen where gluten-containing foods are also prepared. If you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, exercise caution and always communicate your dietary needs clearly with your server.

About Texas Roadhouse

Founded in 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana, the chain has grown to over 600 locations worldwide, all serving up hearty, made-from-scratch meals in a lively, Western-themed atmosphere. Known for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and, of course, its famous warm rolls with cinnamon butter, Texas Roadhouse has become a favorite for families and steak lovers alike.

For those with dietary restrictions—especially those who need to avoid gluten—the restaurant has taken steps to offer gluten-friendly options. While the chain’s primary focus isn’t on being a gluten-free restaurant, many locations provide a separate “gluten-friendly” menu, which lists items prepared to minimize gluten contamination. However, because Texas Roadhouse is a busy chain kitchen, complete isolation from gluten isn’t always possible.

Understanding Gluten and Its Impact

Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten is harmless, but for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), consuming gluten can cause significant health issues—from digestive discomfort to severe intestinal damage.

What Is Gluten?

• Definition: Gluten is a complex protein that helps foods maintain their shape. It is commonly found in bread, pasta, baked goods, and many processed foods.
• Why Avoid It? For individuals with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to nutrient malabsorption and other health complications. Those with NCGS may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue after consuming gluten.

Understanding gluten is the first step in managing your diet. Whether you’re gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, knowing what foods to avoid and how to ask for modifications when dining out is crucial to maintaining your health.

Overview of the Texas Roadhouse Gluten-Free Menu

While Texas Roadhouse is best known for its signature dishes laden with gluten-containing ingredients, the restaurant also offers a range of gluten-friendly options. It’s important to remember that the “gluten-free menu” at Texas Roadhouse isn’t a fully separate, dedicated menu but rather a list of modifications and suggestions aimed at reducing gluten exposure.

Key Points of the Texas Roadhouse Gluten-Free Menu

• Gluten-Friendly Options: Many items on the menu can be made gluten-friendly by removing or modifying ingredients that contain gluten.
• Modification Examples:
  • Steaks: Order your steak with only salt and pepper—avoid any seasonings or marinades that may contain gluten.
  • Salads: Request your salad without croutons and with a simple oil and vinegar dressing.
  • Sides: Baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and steamed vegetables are generally safe choices. However, avoid sides like seasoned rice if the seasoning isn’t verified as gluten-free.
• Risk of Cross-Contamination: Even if the food itself does not contain gluten, the possibility of cross-contact in the kitchen remains. Always discuss your dietary needs with the staff.

This overview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of each menu section and how you can enjoy a safe, gluten-free meal at Texas Roadhouse.

How Texas Roadhouse Prepares Gluten-Friendly Options

Texas Roadhouse is proud of its “made-from-scratch” concept. Many items are prepared in-house daily, which means that the ingredients are fresh and customizable. For guests with gluten sensitivities, the restaurant offers a separate list of gluten-friendly suggestions. According to the Texas Roadhouse gluten-friendly guidelines:

“The items listed below are made gluten-friendly to the best of our ability. Please note that we are a scratch-based concept and cross-contact with allergens could occur in the preparation process.”

The Process Behind Gluten-Friendly Options

1. Modification of Dishes: When you order a gluten-friendly dish, certain ingredients (such as sauces, marinades, or seasonings) are modified or omitted to reduce the risk of gluten exposure.
2. Staff Training: Many locations train their staff to be aware of dietary restrictions. However, reviews show that consistency can vary from one location to another.
3. Shared Cooking Surfaces: Despite efforts to minimize gluten exposure, many items are cooked on the same surfaces as gluten-containing foods, which raises the potential for cross-contact.
4. Customer Communication: The most important step is communication. Always inform your server that you require a gluten-friendly meal and ask detailed questions about how the food is prepared.

By understanding these steps, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the Texas Roadhouse gluten-free menu and make safe choices for your dining experience.

Texas Roadhouse Gluten-Free Menu Items

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a detailed look at what you can actually order from the Texas Roadhouse gluten-free menu. We’ll break down the options by category so you can plan your meal with confidence.

Entrees

Texas Roadhouse is famous for its meat-centric menu, and many of their entrées can be modified to be gluten-friendly. Here are some top picks:

Hand-Cut Steaks

• Options: Choose from sirloin, ribeye, or filet.
• Modification: Ask for your steak to be seasoned only with salt and pepper. The prime rib is excluded from gluten-friendly options because its marinade contains gluten.
• Why It’s a Good Choice: Steaks are naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid added seasonings or sauces that contain gluten.

Steak Kabob (No Rice)

• Description: Tender pieces of marinated steak skewered with fresh vegetables.
• Modification: Request the kabob without rice to reduce gluten exposure.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Confirm that any marinade used does not include gluten-containing ingredients.

Grilled Chicken and Grilled BBQ Chicken

• Description: Juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection.
• Modification: Ask for plain grilled chicken without any breading or sauce. For BBQ chicken, request no BBQ sauce if you are unsure of its gluten content.
• Gluten-Free Tip: The simple act of grilling usually makes it easier to control ingredients.

Herb Crusted Chicken

• Description: A flavorful chicken breast coated with a mix of fresh herbs and spices.
• Modification: Request that the herb crust is applied without any gluten-containing binders.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Verify with your server about the ingredients in the crust if you have a severe gluten sensitivity.

Pork Chops (No Peppercorn Sauce)

• Description: Tender pork chops grilled to perfection.
• Modification: Order without the peppercorn sauce, as it may contain gluten.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Opt for a side of gluten-free vegetables or a baked potato to round out your meal.

Grilled Salmon and Grilled Shrimp (No Rice)

• Description: Fresh seafood options that are grilled and served simply.
• Modification: Ensure that the seasoning is minimal and avoid any marinades unless confirmed gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Seafood is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to ask if any butter or sauce is added during preparation.

Pulled Pork Dinner (No Bread)

• Description: Slow-cooked, smoky pulled pork.
• Modification: Request that the pork is served without bread.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Confirm that any BBQ sauce used is gluten-free, as some sauces may contain additives with gluten.

Vegetable Plate (No Fries or Rice)

• Description: A selection of fresh, steamed vegetables.
• Modification: Order the vegetable plate without fries or rice.
• Gluten-Free Tip: This is one of the safest options if you want a lighter meal or side dish.

Ribs

• Description: Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered in BBQ sauce.
• Modification: Confirm that the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Since the seasoning on the ribs might be an issue, ask for them plain or with a minimal gluten-free rub.

Salads

A fresh salad can be a satisfying gluten-free option if you modify it appropriately.

House Salad

• Description: Mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fresh vegetables.
• Modification: Request no croutons and opt for a simple oil and vinegar dressing or another gluten-free dressing such as gluten-free ranch.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Always confirm which dressings are available and ask if any additives might contain gluten.

Caesar Salad

• Description: A classic Caesar salad, typically served with croutons.
• Modification: Order your Caesar salad without croutons. Some locations may offer a gluten-free dressing option, so ask.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Verify that the Parmesan cheese and dressing do not have additives that could trigger a reaction.

Grilled Chicken Salad, Grilled Salmon Salad, and Steakhouse Filet Salad

• Description: Protein-packed salads featuring grilled meats or seafood atop fresh greens.
• Modification: Ensure that the protein is prepared without gluten-containing marinades, and request that no croutons are included.
• Gluten-Free Tip: These salads provide a hearty, low-carb option that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Sides

Sides are a key part of a satisfying meal. Texas Roadhouse offers several gluten-free sides that can complement your entrée.

Baked Potato

• Description: A classic baked potato, fluffy on the inside.
• Modification: Order plain or with gluten-free toppings. Avoid gravy if it isn’t confirmed gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Toppings such as butter, sour cream, or chives are typically safe—but always ask!

Sweet Potato

• Description: A baked sweet potato that’s naturally sweet and nutritious.
• Modification: Enjoy it plain or with a dusting of cinnamon butter (if confirmed gluten-free).
• Gluten-Free Tip: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and are naturally gluten-free.

Fresh Vegetables and Green Beans

• Description: A variety of seasonal vegetables, often steamed or sautéed.
• Modification: Request that the vegetables be prepared without sauces that might contain gluten.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Steamed or grilled vegetables are a safe and healthy choice.

Corn and Applesauce

• Description: Simple, naturally gluten-free sides.
• Modification: These items typically require no modifications.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Check with your server about any seasoning or additives in the corn dish.

Mashed Potatoes (No Gravy)

• Description: Creamy mashed potatoes that are a comfort food favorite.
• Modification: Order without gravy if you are uncertain about its ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Most mashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free as long as no flour or wheat-based thickener is added.

Burgers & Sandwiches

While Texas Roadhouse is not primarily known for its burgers, some locations do offer them. However, the buns are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten.

• Modification: If you’re craving a burger or sandwich, ask for it “bunless” or opt for a lettuce wrap instead.
• Gluten-Free Tip: Burgers and sandwiches can be made gluten-friendly by simply ordering the protein and skipping the bread.

Kids’ Options and Ranger Meals

Texas Roadhouse caters to younger diners as well, and many of these items can be safely modified:

• Kids’ Meals: Options like grilled chicken and Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites can be ordered gluten-free by removing any breading or sauces.
• Ranger Meals: Items such as Andy’s Steak and the Ranger Rib Basket offer smaller portions that can be modified to avoid gluten-containing ingredients.

Tips for a Gluten-Free Dining Experience at Texas Roadhouse

If you’re planning to visit Texas Roadhouse and need to follow a gluten-free diet, consider these practical tips to maximize your safety and enjoyment:

1. Do Your Homework:
   Before you go, review the restaurant’s gluten-friendly menu online. Websites such as Find Me Gluten Free, Seasonal Cravings, or even the official Texas Roadhouse website (which may have a PDF of gluten-friendly suggestions) are excellent resources.
2. Call Ahead:
   Contact the specific location you plan to visit. Ask them about their gluten-free protocols, whether they have a dedicated gluten-friendly menu, and if they’re experienced in handling gluten-sensitive orders.
3. Inform Your Server Immediately:
   As soon as you’re seated, clearly inform your server that you require a gluten-free meal. Specify if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance so they understand the importance of avoiding cross-contact.
4. Ask Detailed Questions:
   Don’t assume that an item listed as “gluten-friendly” is completely safe. Ask how the food is prepared, if separate utensils are used, and whether any sauces or marinades contain hidden gluten.
5. Stick to Simpler Dishes:
   The simpler the dish, the lower the risk. Grilled meats (with only salt and pepper) and plain steamed vegetables or baked potatoes are typically the safest bets.
6. Avoid the Bread Basket:
   Texas Roadhouse is famous for its warm rolls with cinnamon butter, but these are not gluten-free. Politely decline the bread basket and ask if there are any alternatives available.
7. Double-Check Your Order:
   Before your food is served, confirm with your server that your order has been prepared according to your gluten-free specifications.
8. Be Prepared:
   Carry any medication you might need, such as an epinephrine auto-injector if you have a severe allergy, and consider having a gluten-sensitivity protocol (like gluten-digesting enzymes) on hand if recommended by your healthcare provider.
9. Share Your Experience:
   After your visit, consider leaving a review on platforms like Yelp or Find Me Gluten Free. Sharing your experience can help other gluten-sensitive diners make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Dining gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the Texas Roadhouse experience. While the chain is best known for its hearty, gluten-rich dishes like warm rolls and bread baskets, there is a surprisingly robust selection of gluten-friendly options available. By understanding the menu, knowing which items can be safely modified, and communicating clearly with your server, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising your health.