A Guide to What Sides at Outback are Gluten-Free

According to Outback Steakhouse's own allergen information, their kitchens are not gluten-free, which makes knowing what sides are safe to order crucial for customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This guide will detail what sides at Outback are gluten-free and how to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

A detailed list of the confirmed gluten-free sides available at Outback Steakhouse, along with essential information on ordering procedures and how to manage the risks associated with shared kitchen spaces.

Key Points

• Naturally Gluten-Free Sides: A variety of sides like the Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, Fresh Seasonal Veggie, Asparagus, and Homestyle Mashed Potatoes are naturally gluten-free at Outback.

• Salad Precautions: Always order the House or Caesar salad without croutons and request it be mixed in a separate bowl to minimize cross-contact.

• Cross-Contact Risk: Outback uses shared kitchens and fryers, so fried items like Aussie Fries are not safe for those with celiac disease.

• Communicate Your Needs: It is essential to inform your server that you have a gluten allergy to trigger the restaurant's safety protocols, including glove and utensil changes.

• Safe Seasonings: All of Outback's seasonings are considered gluten-friendly, but specifying 'no seasoning' for plain vegetables can provide an extra layer of safety.

• Dessert Options: The Chocolate Thunder From Down Under, made with a pecan brownie, is a designated gluten-free dessert.

Your Gluten-Free Sides Guide at Outback Steakhouse

Dining out with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can be challenging, but many restaurants, including Outback Steakhouse, are making it easier by providing clear allergen information and dedicated menus. While the risk of cross-contact is always present in a shared kitchen environment, Outback takes measures to educate staff on handling gluten-friendly orders. By knowing which sides are naturally gluten-free and how to order them correctly, you can enjoy a safe and delicious meal.

List of Confirmed Gluten-Free Sides

Outback offers a number of side dishes that are suitable for a gluten-free diet when ordered correctly. Here is a comprehensive list based on their gluten-friendly menu and allergen information:

• Baked Potato: Served plain, but you can request gluten-free toppings such as butter, sour cream, bacon, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar cheese, and chives. Always confirm that toppings are applied with clean utensils.
• Sweet Potato: This is a safe option when ordered plain or with the standard honey butter and brown sugar.
• Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: A classic side dish that is gluten-free.
• Fresh Seasonal Veggie: This can include items like steamed broccoli or a medley of mixed vegetables. To be safe, request it without any butter or seasoning, or confirm that any added seasoning is gluten-free.
• Fresh Mixed Veggies: A simple and healthy choice. Similar to the seasonal veggies, it's best to specify no seasoning or butter to avoid any potential gluten contact.
• Asparagus: Another excellent vegetable option that can be ordered steamed or grilled without seasoning or butter.
• Tasmanian Chili: This is listed as a gluten-free option on their dedicated menu.
• House Salad (without croutons): A simple house salad can be made gluten-free by requesting no croutons. Be sure to specify a safe dressing from their list of gluten-free options and ask for it to be mixed in a separate, clean bowl.
• Caesar Salad (without croutons): Similar to the house salad, request no croutons and verify the Caesar dressing is gluten-free. A separate bowl for preparation is a good practice.

Sides to Avoid for Gluten-Free Diets

Several sides, despite possibly being made from gluten-free ingredients, carry a high risk of cross-contamination due to how they are prepared. It is best to avoid these entirely:

• Aussie Fries: These are cooked in a shared fryer, which means they are not safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Bloomin' Onion® Petals: These are heavily breaded and fried, and should be avoided.

The Importance of Communicating with Your Server

For a truly safe gluten-free dining experience, communication with your server is paramount. When placing your order, always inform them that you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity. Outback's policy states that they have a protocol for handling such orders, which includes special instructions for the chefs. This helps ensure the kitchen staff takes extra precautions, such as changing gloves and using clean utensils. It is also wise to specify "no croutons" for salads and to request that salads be mixed in a separate bowl to prevent cross-contact. Ordering plain vegetables without any seasoning or butter is a safe bet, as seasonings can sometimes be a source of hidden gluten.

Comparing Outback's Gluten-Free Side Options

Side Dish	Preparation	Toppings/Additions	Best For...
Baked Potato	Baked, not fried.	Butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, chives.	A hearty, classic steakhouse experience.
Sweet Potato	Baked.	Honey butter, brown sugar.	A sweeter alternative to a classic potato side.
Homestyle Mashed Potatoes	Prepared in-house.	Typically served with a bit of butter.	Creamy, comforting complement to any entree.
Fresh Seasonal Veggie	Steamed.	Plain, or ask about gluten-free seasoning/butter.	A light, healthy, and customizable option.
House/Caesar Salad	Freshly prepared.	No croutons, gluten-free dressing.	A crisp, refreshing start or complement to the meal.

How to Ensure a Safe Gluten-Free Order at Outback

1. Review the Official Menu: Before you go, look at Outback's official gluten-friendly menu on their website. It's a great tool to see which options are designated as lower-risk.
2. State Your Needs Clearly: As soon as your server takes your order, clearly state that you have a gluten allergy. This triggers their special preparation protocols.
3. Specify Preparation: For items like salads and vegetables, give explicit instructions like "no croutons" and "no seasoning or butter," if desired. Requesting that salads be mixed in a separate bowl is also a wise precaution.
4. Avoid High-Risk Items: Steer clear of any fried items, as Outback uses a shared fryer for its Aussie Fries and other breaded items.
5. Confirm the Order: When your food arrives, quickly confirm with the person delivering the food that the order is prepared as requested for a gluten-free meal.
6. Outbound Link for Reference: For the most up-to-date allergen information, it is always best to consult the official source. Outback's corporate website provides detailed information about their gluten-friendly practices: Outback Steakhouse Gluten-Friendly Info

Conclusion

Enjoying a satisfying and safe meal at Outback Steakhouse is entirely possible for those on a gluten-free diet. The key lies in being an informed and proactive diner. By familiarizing yourself with the list of confirmed gluten-free sides and the necessary ordering precautions, you can confidently choose delicious and safe options. Remember to always communicate your dietary needs clearly with your server to ensure that Outback's established safety protocols are followed. While no shared kitchen can guarantee a complete absence of cross-contact, your vigilance, combined with Outback's procedures, significantly reduces the risk, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Outback's French fries gluten-free?

No, Outback's French fries (Aussie Fries) are not safe for a gluten-free diet. They are cooked in a shared fryer, which poses a significant risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing items.

Are the mashed potatoes at Outback gluten-free?

Yes, the Homestyle Mashed Potatoes are listed as a gluten-free side option on Outback's menu.

Can I have a loaded baked potato at Outback?

Yes, you can order a loaded baked potato. The standard toppings—butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives—are generally gluten-free, but you should still confirm with your server to ensure clean utensils are used.

What dressings are gluten-free at Outback?

Outback offers several gluten-free dressings, including Ranch, Honey Mustard, Caesar, and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. Always confirm with your server and request no croutons on salads.

What precautions does Outback take for gluten-free orders?

Outback trains its employees on gluten-friendly preparation, which includes hand washing, changing gloves, and using clean cooking equipment and utensils when preparing gluten-sensitive meals.

Is the Tasmanian Chili at Outback gluten-free?

Yes, the Tasmanian Chili is listed as a gluten-free side option on Outback's dedicated menu.

Do I need to inform the server about my gluten allergy?

Yes, it is crucial to inform your server about your gluten allergy or sensitivity every time you order to ensure the kitchen staff follows the necessary safety protocols to minimize cross-contact.