The Fully Vegan Impossible Burger
For many years, vegan diners at The Cheesecake Factory faced the challenge of modifying menu items. The introduction of the Impossible Burger, however, provided a straightforward, complete vegan meal option. The restaurant's menu description confirms it is a "Delicious Plant-Based Burger with Vegan Melted Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Onion and Our Special Sauce on a Toasted Brioche Bun". Crucially, the brioche bun and sauce are certified vegan, a detail that has been confirmed by the restaurant and vegan resource sites. The Impossible Burger is a savory and satisfying choice that replicates the taste and texture of a traditional hamburger, making it a popular option for many diners.
What Makes the Impossible Burger Vegan-Friendly?
- Impossible Patty: The core of the burger is the plant-based patty from Impossible Foods, a product designed to mimic the flavor and texture of ground beef.
- Vegan Cheese: The burger comes with melted vegan cheese, ensuring the 'cheeseburger' experience is entirely plant-based.
- Vegan Brioche Bun: While many restaurant buns contain dairy or eggs, The Cheesecake Factory uses a vegan-friendly brioche bun for this specific burger.
- Vegan Sauce: A special, plant-based Thousand Island-style sauce is included, providing a tangy and creamy complement to the patty without animal products.
The Non-Vegan House-Made Veggie Burger: A Key Distinction
It is important for vegan customers to distinguish the Impossible Burger from the restaurant's house-made veggie burger. The traditional Veggie Burger Melt is made with brown rice, farro, mushrooms, and other vegetables, but is typically served on non-vegan bread with melted dairy cheese and garlic aioli. This burger is not vegan as-is and requires significant modification, unlike the Impossible Burger. For a safe vegan option, always specify the Impossible Burger and verify all components with your server, especially regarding potential cross-contamination.
A Comparison of the Burgers
| Feature | Impossible Burger | House-Made Veggie Burger (Modified) |
|---|---|---|
| Patty | Impossible™ plant-based patty | House-made with brown rice, farro, mushrooms, black beans |
| Vegan as-is? | Yes, including bun and sauce | No, requires multiple modifications |
| Cheese | Vegan melted cheese | Requires omitting melted dairy cheese |
| Bun | Vegan Brioche Bun | Requires substituting with sourdough bread or lettuce wrap |
| Sauce | Special vegan sauce | Requires omitting garlic aioli and mayo |
| Best for vegans | Most reliable, no modifications needed | Possible but riskier due to modifications needed |
Other Notable Vegan Options on the Menu
Beyond the burger, The Cheesecake Factory has expanded its menu to include a number of other dishes that are either naturally vegan or can be easily modified.
Entrées and Salads
- Vegan Cobb Salad: A popular and filling option that is vegan as-is. It includes crisp lettuce, asparagus, avocado, roasted beets, green beans, tomato, cucumber, quinoa, and other ingredients with a house vinaigrette.
- Thai Lettuce Wraps with Avocado: Request this appetizer without the chicken for a flavorful, plant-based meal. It includes charred grilled avocado, coconut curry noodles, and vegan-friendly sauces.
- Evelyn's Favorite Pasta: A rigatoni dish with broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, and other vegetables. Ask for no cheese and no butter to make it vegan.
- Pasta Pomodoro: A simple pasta dish with marinara sauce that can be made vegan by omitting the cheese.
Appetizers and Sides
- Edamame: Steamed soy beans served in their pods, naturally vegan.
- Avocado Toast: A simple and satisfying appetizer, often served on grilled bread with fresh toppings. Confirm the bread is vegan.
- French Fries: Confirmed by many vegan guides as being vegan, though you can always ask about shared fryers for peace of mind.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Another solid vegan side option.
- Grilled Asparagus, Steamed Broccoli, Green Beans: Simple vegetable sides that can be ordered without butter.
What About Dessert?
Despite the name, The Cheesecake Factory does not currently offer a vegan cheesecake. The only guaranteed vegan dessert option is a simple bowl of fresh strawberries, requested without whipped cream. If you're craving something sweet, you'll need to look elsewhere or enjoy the fruit bowl.
Cross-Contamination and Ordering Tips
While The Cheesecake Factory offers excellent vegan options, it is always wise to inform your server of your dietary restrictions. Mention that you have a vegan diet and want to avoid cross-contamination where possible. While they cook many items on shared grills, stating your preference can help the kitchen staff take extra precautions. For the Impossible Burger, confirm that vegan cheese is being used and that no mayo or dairy-based brioche is included. For modified items, be very specific about removing all non-vegan components.
Conclusion
In short, The Cheesecake Factory provides a dependable and delicious vegan burger option with its Impossible Burger, which comes with all the necessary vegan components. While their house-made veggie burger is not vegan, the extensive menu offers many other vegan-friendly dishes, including the popular Vegan Cobb Salad and several pasta and appetizer choices. By ordering carefully and communicating clearly with your server, vegan diners can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal at The Cheesecake Factory, even if they have to skip the traditional namesake dessert.
Find out more about ordering vegan options at The Cheesecake Factory from PETA's helpful guide.
