Your Guide to Vegetarian Dining at Outback
For vegetarians, dining at a steakhouse can feel limiting, but Outback offers several options if you know how to order correctly. The key is to focus on the sides, salads, and desserts, and always communicate your dietary needs clearly to your server. By requesting simple modifications like removing bacon or cheese, and being mindful of cooking methods, you can construct a delicious and filling meal.
Appetizers and Bread: A Careful Start
When you first sit down, the complimentary bread is a welcome sight. It's important to understand the ingredients and cooking methods for appetizers.
The Famous Bushman Bread
The warm, honey wheat bread served at Outback is vegetarian-friendly, though it is not vegan as it contains honey and is served with dairy butter. For vegetarians, this is a safe and tasty start to the meal. You can always ask for olive oil instead of butter if you prefer.
Which Appetizers to Order (and Avoid)
Unfortunately, many of Outback's most famous appetizers are off-limits for vegetarians due to their cooking process. The iconic Bloomin' Onion and the Aussie Fries are both cooked in beef tallow, making them unsuitable for a vegetarian diet. Instead, you might consider asking about a side of steamed vegetables or a house salad to start.
Creating a Satisfying Main Dish with Salads and Soups
While a vegetarian main course is not explicitly listed, you can easily build one by combining salads and sides. Always remember to specify your vegetarian diet to the server to avoid any cross-contamination issues.
Crafting Your Perfect Salad
Outback offers a few salad bases that can be customized. The House Salad is a great option, but you must ask for it without cheese and croutons to make it suitable. For a more filling meal, you can combine a large house salad with some additional side items. The Caesar Side Salad is also a possibility if you request it without the anchovies in the dressing, but it's best to confirm with the restaurant. The Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Side Salad can be ordered without bacon and is generally vegetarian otherwise, but always verify.
Soups: Proceed with Caution
Soups can be a tricky area for vegetarians, as many broths are meat-based. While the Baked Potato Soup and French Onion Soup are tempting, they are often made with meat products like chicken broth or bacon. It is highly recommended to ask your server for clarification on the specific ingredients in the soups before ordering.
The Heart of the Meal: Choosing Hearty Side Dishes
This is where vegetarians can truly shine at Outback. The restaurant offers a variety of substantial sides that, when ordered correctly, can form a delicious and satisfying main course.
Customizable Potatoes
- Plain Baked Potato: A classic choice, but be sure to order it plain and ask for toppings like butter, sour cream, and chives on the side. This way, you can control what you add.
- Sweet Potato: A delicious alternative to the baked potato, the sweet potato is a fantastic option when ordered plain, with honey and brown sugar on the side.
- Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: These are typically vegetarian, but always confirm there are no meat-based ingredients in the preparation. Ask for butter on the side.
Flavorful Vegetable-Focused Sides
- Fresh Steamed Broccoli: One of the safest and healthiest options, just request it with no butter.
- Fresh Steamed Seasonal Veggies: A mixed vegetable blend that is a reliable vegetarian choice, again, without butter.
- Grilled Asparagus: While this is a great option, strict vegetarians should be aware of the potential for cross-contamination, as it's often cooked on the same grill as meat and seafood. If this is a concern, it is best to stick to steamed items.
- Seasoned Rice: This can be a great filler, but be sure to ask if it is prepared with a meat-based broth.
Comparison Table: Vegetarian Options at Outback
| Item | Vegetarian-Friendly | Key Modifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushman Bread | Yes | N/A | Served with dairy butter |
| House Salad | Yes | No cheese, no croutons | Request veggie-friendly dressing |
| Baked Potato | Yes | No bacon, butter/sour cream on side | Order plain to be safe |
| Sweet Potato | Yes | No honey butter/cinnamon sugar | Order plain, add own toppings |
| Steamed Broccoli | Yes | No butter | Safe, reliable option |
| Seasoned Rice | Potential | Check for meat-based broth | Confirm ingredients with server |
| Cheesecake | Yes | N/A | Classic dessert option |
| Aussie Fries | No | N/A | Fried in beef tallow |
Decadent Vegetarian Desserts
Finish your meal with a sweet treat! Outback's dessert menu offers several options for vegetarians, most of which are dairy-based but contain no meat.
- Classic Cheesecake: A rich and satisfying choice.
- Carrot Cake: Another popular dessert that is typically vegetarian.
- Chocolate Thunder from Down Under: For chocolate lovers, this pecan brownie dessert is a treat, though it is served with vanilla ice cream and cream.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Vegetarian Meal at Outback
As a vegetarian, you don't have to feel left out at Outback. By understanding the menu's limitations, especially regarding fried items, and focusing on the customizable salads, hearty side dishes, and delicious desserts, you can create a fulfilling and flavorful meal. Always double-check with your server, especially regarding broths and potential cross-contamination on the grill, to ensure your dining experience is completely meat-free. For the most up-to-date information, it's a good practice to review Outback's official nutrition and allergen information online before you go.
