When dining at Texas Roadhouse, the spotlight often shines on their hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and buttery rolls. But any seasoned diner knows that the unsung heroes of the menu are the sides. These accompaniments elevate your meal, turning a great dinner into a legendary dining experience.
At Texas Roadhouse, sides aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re a crucial part of the meal. With a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, you can customize your plate to perfectly complement your main course. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Texas Roadhouse sides, exploring the options, flavors, and tips for creating the ultimate plate.
Why Sides Matter at Texas Roadhouse
Sides are more than just a supporting act; they enhance the flavors of your main dish and add variety to your meal. Here’s why Texas Roadhouse sides are worth the attention:
- Customization: Sides let you tailor your meal to your preferences, whether you’re craving something hearty, fresh, or indulgent.
- Variety: With over a dozen side options, there’s something for every palate, from comfort food classics to lighter fare.
- Quality: Just like their steaks, Texas Roadhouse sides are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Exploring the Texas Roadhouse Side Menu
Texas Roadhouse offers an impressive selection of sides that cater to a wide range of tastes. Here’s a closer look at the menu:
1. Mashed Potatoes (With or Without Gravy)
Creamy, fluffy, and made from scratch, the mashed potatoes are a comfort food staple. You can choose to have them plain or smothered in rich brown or cream gravy.
Best Pairing: Mashed potatoes are a classic choice for steaks, chicken, or ribs.
2. Baked Potato
The baked potato is a versatile option that can be customized with butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.
Pro Tip: Load it up for a hearty, satisfying side, or keep it simple for a lighter option.
3. Sweet Potato
For a touch of sweetness, the baked sweet potato is a standout. It’s served with cinnamon butter and brown sugar, making it almost dessert-like.
Best For: Pairing with savory main dishes like grilled chicken or steak for a sweet-and-savory combo.
4. Seasoned Rice
This flavorful rice side is seasoned with a blend of spices, making it a great accompaniment to grilled or barbecued dishes.
Why It’s Popular: It adds a slightly spicy kick and pairs well with a variety of entrees.
5. Fresh Vegetables
A healthier option, the fresh vegetables (usually a mix of steamed broccoli and carrots) are lightly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Best Choice For: Balancing heavier dishes like ribs or fried chicken.
6. Green Beans
These aren’t your average green beans. Texas Roadhouse’s version is cooked with bacon and onions, giving them a rich, smoky flavor.
Perfect Pairing: Green beans are a great match for hearty meats like steak or pork chops.
7. Buttered Corn
Sweet, tender corn kernels are cooked in butter and lightly seasoned, making this side a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Why It’s a Hit: Its mild flavor complements bold entrees without overpowering them.
8. Steak Fries
Thick-cut and crispy, the steak fries are a satisfying side for anyone craving something fried and indulgent.
Pro Tip: Dip them in ranch dressing or barbecue sauce for an extra flavor boost.
9. House Salad
The house salad is a fresh, crisp mix of lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, cheese, and croutons, served with your choice of dressing.
Best For: Adding a refreshing, light touch to your meal.
10. Caesar Salad
For a more flavorful salad option, the Caesar salad features romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, tossed in creamy Caesar dressing.
Perfect Match: Pair it with grilled dishes for a balanced meal.
11. Chili
Texas Roadhouse’s chili is hearty and flavorful, topped with shredded cheese and diced onions.
Why It Stands Out: It’s a unique side option that adds a warm, comforting element to your plate.
12. Applesauce
This sweet and simple side is a great option for kids or anyone looking for a lighter, fruity addition to their meal.
How to Customize Your Plate Like a Pro
With so many options, customizing your plate at Texas Roadhouse can feel like an art form. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect combination:
1. Balance Flavors
- Pair rich, savory mains like steak or ribs with lighter sides like fresh vegetables or a house salad.
- Complement spicy dishes like grilled shrimp with sweeter sides like a baked sweet potato.
2. Mix Textures
- Add variety by combining creamy sides (mashed potatoes) with crunchy ones (steak fries).
- Balance soft, tender dishes like grilled chicken with crisp salads or vegetables.
3. Consider Portions
- If you’re ordering a large entrée, opt for lighter sides to avoid feeling too full.
- For smaller mains, choose heartier sides to round out your meal.
4. Go All-In on Indulgence
- If you’re treating yourself, don’t hold back—load up that baked potato, add gravy to your mashed potatoes, and enjoy every bite!
5. Share and Experiment
- Dining with a group? Order a variety of sides to share and sample.
- Use this opportunity to try something new, like the seasoned rice or chili.
Texas Roadhouse Sides for Special Diets
Whether you’re following a specific diet or have dietary restrictions, Texas Roadhouse sides offer plenty of flexibility.
Low-Carb Options
- Fresh Vegetables
- Caesar Salad (without croutons)
- Green Beans
Vegetarian-Friendly Choices
- Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Applesauce
Gluten-Free Sides
Many sides, like the baked potato, sweet potato, and fresh vegetables, are naturally gluten-free. Always confirm with your server for specific dietary needs.
The Role of Sides in the Texas Roadhouse Experience
At Texas Roadhouse, sides are more than just an accompaniment—they’re an integral part of the dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and variety ensures that every diner can find something they love.
1. Made-from-Scratch Philosophy
Just like their entrees, Texas Roadhouse sides are made from scratch daily. This ensures freshness and flavor in every bite.
2. Generous Portions
True to their Texan roots, the portions are hearty, making the sides a satisfying part of the meal.
3. Signature Flavors
From the smoky bacon in the green beans to the cinnamon butter on the sweet potato, every side is packed with bold, memorable flavors.
Pairing Sides with Texas Roadhouse Favorites
To help you customize your meal, here are some pairing suggestions for popular Texas Roadhouse entrees:
Hand-Cut Steaks
- Best Sides: Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Caesar Salad
- Why: The creamy potatoes complement the steak’s rich flavors, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs
- Best Sides: Green Beans, Sweet Potato
- Why: The smoky green beans enhance the barbecue flavors, and the sweet potato adds a touch of sweetness.
Grilled Chicken
- Best Sides: Seasoned Rice, House Salad
- Why: The rice adds a flavorful base, while the salad keeps the meal light and fresh.
Grilled Shrimp
- Best Sides: Buttered Corn, Baked Potato
- Why: The corn’s sweetness pairs well with the shrimp, and the baked potato rounds out the meal.
How to Recreate Texas Roadhouse Sides at Home
If you’re craving Texas Roadhouse sides but can’t make it to the restaurant, try these simple recipes to recreate the magic at home:
Mashed Potatoes
- Boil peeled potatoes until tender.
- Mash with butter, cream, and salt until smooth.
- Add gravy for the full experience.
Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter
- Bake a sweet potato until tender.
- Top with a mixture of softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Seasoned Rice
- Cook rice with chicken broth, garlic, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for that signature flavor.
Green Beans with Bacon
- Sauté green beans with diced bacon and onions for a smoky, savory side.
If you’re curious about the full menu, including sides, entrees, and desserts, don’t miss the Texas Roadhouse Menus guide.
If you’re dining early, the Texas Roadhouse Early Dine menu offers great deals that pair perfectly with your favorite sides—be sure to check it out.
Planning an event? The Texas Roadhouse Catering Menu offers customizable side options to complement any meal.
For those with dietary restrictions, the Texas Roadhouse Allergen Menu helps you choose sides that meet your needs.
Watching your calorie intake? The Texas Roadhouse Calories guide provides detailed nutritional information on all sides and menu items.
Looking for kid-friendly options? The Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu offers smaller portions of sides perfect for younger diners.
Feeding a group? The Texas Roadhouse Family Meals include sides that everyone will love.
Start your meal with a delicious appetizer—check out Texas Roadhouse Appetizers for the perfect pairing with your sides.
Enhance your dining experience by pairing your sides with the perfect drink—explore Pairing Drinks with Your Texas Roadhouse Meal.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Meal with Texas Roadhouse Sides
Texas Roadhouse sides aren’t just add-ons—they’re an essential part of the dining experience. With a variety of options that cater to every taste and dietary preference, they allow you to customize your plate like a pro. Whether you’re indulging in a loaded baked potato, savoring the smoky flavors of green beans, or keeping it light with a house salad, the sides at Texas Roadhouse ensure that every meal is a memorable one.
So, the next time you visit Texas Roadhouse, don’t overlook the sides. Take the time to mix and match, experiment with flavors, and create a plate that’s uniquely yours.