Does Outback have a gluten-free menu? Your Guide to Navigating the Options

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Outback Steakhouse was one of the early adopters in the casual dining space to offer a dedicated gluten-friendly menu, with some sources indicating they've accommodated gluten-free guests for over two decades. For those needing a specialized diet, answering the question, does Outback have a gluten-free menu? is a crucial first step toward a safe and enjoyable meal.

Quick Summary

Outback Steakhouse provides a gluten-friendly menu for customers with dietary restrictions, featuring steaks, chicken, ribs, seafood, and a decadent brownie dessert, but diners should be aware of potential cross-contact risks from shared kitchens.

Key Points

Dedicated Gluten-Friendly Menu: Outback offers a specific menu featuring numerous options for those with gluten sensitivities.
Cross-Contamination Is a Risk: The kitchens are not certified gluten-free, so cross-contact can occur, especially for fried items using shared fryers.
Staff Are Trained: Employees receive specific training on handling gluten-friendly orders, including hand washing and using clean utensils.
Specify Your Needs Clearly: Always communicate your dietary restriction to your server to ensure proper handling and preparation of your meal.
Safe Dessert Option: A decadent flourless pecan brownie, the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, is available as a gluten-friendly dessert.
Naturally GF Options: Many of Outback's core items, like steaks and fresh vegetables, are naturally gluten-free when prepared without gluten-containing marinades or seasonings.

Navigating Outback’s Gluten-Friendly Menu

Outback Steakhouse offers a dedicated menu for patrons seeking gluten-friendly meal options, and they have implemented specific protocols to help prevent cross-contact. While they do not operate in a certified gluten-free kitchen, their commitment to providing choices for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance is a significant step in the right direction. Understanding the distinction between a 'gluten-friendly' and 'certified gluten-free' environment is critical, and communication with the staff is key to a positive dining experience.

Gluten-Friendly Appetizers and Salads

Starting a gluten-friendly meal at Outback requires careful selection. The most reliable appetizer option is the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, which must be ordered without the accompanying garlic toast. For salads, several dressings are gluten-free, including ranch, Caesar, and honey mustard. Both the Aussie Cobb Salad and the Brisbane Caesar Salad can be made gluten-friendly by requesting them without croutons.

Main Courses and Protein Choices

As a steakhouse, Outback has a robust selection of naturally gluten-free proteins. Their signature steaks are a popular choice, and they use gluten-friendly seasonings.

Steaks: A variety of cuts, such as the Victoria's Filet Mignon, Outback Center-Cut Sirloin, and Ribeye, are available. To ensure gluten-friendly preparation, specify the dietary need to your server.
Chicken: The Grilled Chicken on the Barbie and the Alice Springs Chicken are available in a gluten-friendly format.
Ribs: Their Outback Ribs are smoked and grilled, with a tangy BBQ sauce that is listed as gluten-friendly.
Seafood: The Perfectly Grilled Salmon and Lobster Tails are excellent gluten-friendly choices.

Sides and Dessert

Outback's menu offers a generous selection of gluten-friendly side dishes to accompany your entrée.

Baked Potato: A classic side that can be ordered loaded with gluten-friendly toppings like butter, bacon, cheese, and chives.
Sweet Potato: Served with honey butter and brown sugar.
Fresh Seasonal or Mixed Veggies: A simple and reliable option.
Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: A savory choice for a side.
Chocolate Thunder From Down Under: For a sweet finish, this famous dessert features a flourless pecan brownie served with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.

Cross-Contamination and Dining Precautions

Despite having a gluten-friendly menu, Outback Steakhouse does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. This means that, during normal operations, there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing foods. For individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, this risk must be carefully considered. Outback does take precautions, such as staff training, handwashing, and using clean equipment, but absolute guarantees cannot be made.

To minimize risk, always inform your server of your gluten allergy or intolerance. It is crucial to be specific and ask about preparation methods, as some items may be safe but require special handling, such as using clean utensils for salads to avoid crouton contamination. It is also important to note that menu details can vary by location, so checking the restaurant's website or speaking with a manager is recommended.

Gluten-Friendly vs. Gluten-Containing: A Comparison


Item Category	Gluten-Friendly Options	Avoid These Gluten-Containing Items
Appetizers	Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie (no toast)	Bloomin' Onion, Coconut Shrimp (unless specified GF)
Main Courses	Steaks (ordered carefully), Grilled Chicken, Alice Springs Chicken, Ribs	Sauces and marinades that may contain gluten (e.g., some prime rib au jus)
Sides	Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, Fresh Vegetables	Aussie Chips (fries) due to shared fryers, seasoned rice
Dressings	Ranch, Caesar, Honey Mustard, Balsamic Vinaigrette	Some vinaigrettes or other specialty dressings; always confirm
Dessert	Chocolate Thunder From Down Under	Any other desserts that are not explicitly listed on the gluten-friendly menu

Conclusion

Yes, Outback does have a gluten-friendly menu, providing a wide array of options for those on a gluten-free diet. With careful ordering and clear communication with the staff, a safe and satisfying meal is very possible. However, the risk of cross-contact is always present in a shared kitchen environment, so individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity must proceed with an understanding of this potential risk. Outback's commitment to staff training and menu transparency empowers diners to make informed choices that fit their dietary needs. Always check the most current information and confirm with your server before ordering, particularly regarding items prepared in shared areas like fryers.

For more detailed information, you can view Outback's official nutrition page directly on their website: Outback Steakhouse Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Outback's kitchens are not certified gluten-free, so cross-contact with gluten is a risk. While they follow strict procedures to prevent this, individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity should be aware of this risk and communicate clearly with their server.

No, Outback's fries are not a safe option for those with gluten intolerance. They are prepared in shared fryers where gluten-containing items like the Bloomin' Onion are cooked, posing a high risk of cross-contamination.

Most of Outback's steaks, such as the Victoria's Filet Mignon, Sirloin, and Ribeye, are naturally gluten-free. It is crucial to inform your server of your dietary needs to ensure proper preparation and avoid gluten-containing seasonings or sauces.

Yes, Outback's Chocolate Thunder from Down Under is listed as a gluten-friendly dessert. It features a flourless pecan brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Outback lists several gluten-free salad dressings, including ranch, Caesar, honey mustard, and balsamic vinaigrette. Always confirm with your server to ensure a specific dressing is safe.

Yes, you can. You can order the Aussie Cobb Salad or Brisbane Caesar Salad, making sure to ask for no croutons. Both salads can be topped with grilled chicken, which is prepared in a gluten-friendly manner.

Outback uses the term 'gluten-friendly' to indicate that menu items are made with gluten-free ingredients, but prepared in a shared kitchen environment. 'Gluten-free' implies a certified, completely free-from-gluten preparation, which Outback does not guarantee due to the risk of cross-contact.