15 Best Texas Roadhouse Secret Menu Items To Try in 2025

Did you know about the Texas Roadhouse secret menu? Nor did we initially, but we’re glad that we took the time to learn about it.

While it might not seem possible, the list of Texas Roadhouse hacks we discovered turns an already expansive menu into one that’s all but guaranteed to please palates of all persuasions. And, with the company experiencing significant growth — as outlined by sources like TSI Network — it’s not surprising that its loyal and growing fan base has come up with ways to make their favorite dishes even more unique and delicious. 

If you’re new to these secret menu items, we’re here to help. Covering completely unique Texas Roadhouse off-menu items, unusual pairings of common orders, plus a few saucy swaps to boot (honey caramel cheesecake, anyone?), there’s a lot to uncover in this article!

So, if you’re ready to discover the Texas Roadhouse secret menu, let’s dive into the 15 best menu hacks to take advantage of. 

 Jump to Section

• Does Texas Roadhouse Have a Secret Menu?
• How We Created This Texas Roadhouse Secret Menu Guide
• The 15 Best Texas Roadhouse Hacks To Try
• How To Order From the Secret Menu at Texas Roadhouse

Does Texas Roadhouse Have a Secret Menu?

While Texas Roadhouse doesn’t have an official secret menu, there are a number of hacks that many patrons simply don’t realize are possible. These range from little-known Texas Roadhouse dessert options and customizations to Texas Roadhouse steak hacks that can completely transform the flavor of your go-to Roadhouse order.

There are even complete meals that don’t appear on the menu, but which, at most chains, your servers will be more than happy to ring through. 

How We Created This Texas Roadhouse Secret Menu Guide

Like many other chains with secret menus, the Texas Roadhouse secret menu is unofficial. It’s made up of hacks and clever order customizations, most of which are designed to elevate the chain’s core menu items.

In order to discover which hacks and customizations are most worth trying, we scoured the internet for reviews by like-minded foodies — those who have taken the time to try for themselves the long list of possible orders at their local Texas Roadhouse. 

We then vetted these orders against reviews on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, learning not only which ones are most worth trying, but also which are the most likely to be honored by your nearest location. To ensure we’ve covered everything, we consulted with our team to see which Texas Roadhouse customizations they enjoy when dining at the chain. 

The 15 Best Texas Roadhouse Hacks To Try

1. A Small Protein-Packed Salad 

The salads at Texas Roadhouse are something to behold. They’re big. Like, really big. So big, most people end up with leftovers! With that in mind, if you’re looking for lunch food ideas that’ll still allow you to move after eating, then consider ordering a side salad and pairing it with your choice of protein from the kids’ menu.

This is more of a “hack” than a Texas Roadhouse secret menu item, but it’s one that’s well worth knowing about. As for which protein you should go for, you can choose from marinated and grilled slices of chicken breast, hand-battered Jr. chicken tenders, grilled shrimp or (and if it were our choice) Lil’ Dillo bites — tender pieces of sirloin steak brushed with melted butter. 

You could also double up on these (such as a surf n’ turf style salad with grilled shrimp and steak bites) if you’re looking to hit your protein goals with minimal carbs involved. 

How To Order

This Texas Roadhouse secret menu hack is easy to lay your hands on. All you need to order is a side salad plus your choice of protein from the kids’ menu or grilled shrimp from the sides menu.  

Components 

• Side House or Caesar Salad
• Kids’ Menu Chicken Breast
• Kids’ Menu Hand-Battered Jr. Chicken Tenders
• Kids’ Menu Lil’ Dillo Bites
• and/or Grilled Shrimp 

2. Pulled Pork Cactus Blossom

Comprising a large, whole onion that’s cut to resemble a cactus blossom, this appetizer has to be one of the chain’s most iconic official menu items. While it’s great as is, it becomes one of our favorite Texas Roadhouse off-menu items when smothered in barbecue sauce and pulled pork.

We could argue that the addition of pulled pork makes it more of a full dinner food idea than an appetizer.

But whether you eat this before a main dish or have it as your whole meal, we know you’ll love the blend of sweet barbecue pork and fried onion.

While the standard Texas Roadhouse secret menu dish comes with the pulled pork on top, you may want to get it on the side and add the pulled pork a little at a time to avoid the Cactus Blossom batter losing crispiness. 

How To Order

Order a regular Cactus Blossom appetizer and ask your server to add pulled pork and barbecue sauce on top or on the side. If they’re unable to make this Texas Roadhouse secret menu item, then you can always order a pulled pork sandwich. Just remove the pork from the sandwich and add it to the top of your Cactus Blossom.

Components 

• Cactus Blossom
• Pulled Pork 

3. Parmesan Garlic Rolls

A simple switch of butter turns a classic appetizer into a Texas Roadhouse secret menu show-stopper. Usually served with a mouth-watering portion of sweet honey cinnamon butter, we can’t deny that this dish is great “as it comes.” But did you know that you can also request a portion of garlic butter to go with your bread?

You’ll find this Texas Roadhouse secret menu hack takes one of the chain’s staples and elevates it to heights of deliciousness you simply didn’t know were possible, especially if your cravings sit on the savory side. Want to make it even better? Then we suggest you request some Parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the top. 

How To Order

Ask your server if they are willing to switch out the usual honey-cinnamon butter for garlic butter, and see if you can purchase an additional portion of Parmesan. Both are usually available, since they’re used in a number of other dishes. 

Components 

• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• Garlic Butter 
• Parmesan (optional)

4. Texas Poutine

At first glance, it’s difficult to know exactly why you’d want to swap out the bacon bits that make the chain’s cheese fries such a savory sensation. But when you realize that you can swap them out for the same gravy that tops the chain’s mashed potatoes, you’ll almost certainly start to understand.

Offering a distinct Texan take on Canada’s favorite comfort food dish, this Texas Roadhouse secret menu order can be further customized by switching up the type of cheese. You can also leave the bacon in if you want a salty hit; however, this may make it too rich for some. You can also ask for some extra cheese.

While the cheeses on offer at Texas Roadhouse don’t resemble the classic cheese curds used in poutine, adding a little extra cheese can make the dish more closely resemble the original. 

How To Order

To enjoy this Texas Roadhouse secret menu order, ask your server for the cheese fries minus the bacon (unless you want it kept on). Then ask for some gravy to be added on top or served on the side. 

Components 

• Cheese Fries
• Remove Bacon (optional)
• Side of Gravy
• Extra Cheese (optional)

5. Southwest Smothered Hot Dog

If the kids’ hot dog won’t cut it for your little ones’ (or your own) Texas-sized appetites, then consider this next Texas Roadhouse secret menu order. It takes a classic beef hot dog from the kids’ menu and piles Jack cheese and green chiles on top.

You can also add sautéed onions and mushrooms or go for a classic chili-cheese dog by adding an order of Texas Red Chili from the appetizer or sides menu, depending on how much you want.  

How To Order

To order this Texas Roadhouse secret menu item, ask for an all-beef hot dog from the kids’ menu, then ask for it to be “smothered.” This will add green chiles and Jack cheese, after which you can also request sautéed onions and mushrooms or Texas Red Chili (with or without beans). 

Components 

• Kids Menu Hotdog
• Jack cheese
• Green Chilies
• Texas Red Chili (optional, and specify if you want no beans)
• Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms (optional)

6. Steak Sliders

If you’re hungry — but not Texas hungry — then some of the adult entrées are likely to feel like overkill. Instead, consider making for yourself some mini steak sliders with this Texas Roadhouse secret menu hack.

Made up of fresh rolls (for which the chain is known and loved) and tender steak bites from the kids’ menu, this Texas Roadhouse secret menu order is also a great idea for an appetizer — one that’ll feed a few. We also recommend adding some garlic butter if you really want to amp up the flavor. 

How To Order

All you need to order to enjoy this Texas Roadhouse secret menu idea is a fresh batch of rolls, plus a portion of Lil’ Dillo steak bites from the kids’ menu. When they arrive, simply cut the rolls in half, fill them with steak, and away you go. 

Components 

• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• Kids’ Menu Lil’ Dillo Bites
• Garlic Butter (optional)

7. Smothered Blossom With Jack Cheese

The Cactus Blossom features several times on the Texas Roadhouse secret menu. And it’s no wonder. When you bread onions and fry them to crispy, golden deliciousness, they’re an unbelievable vessel for just about any topping you can think of.

In this case, they get treated with buttery Jack cheese. Fancy a kick of heat? Then simply throw in some green chiles or jalapeños on top as well. You can also add bacon if desired. 

How To Order

If you want this Texas Roadhouse secret menu item, just ask your server to “smother” your Cactus Blossom with cheese. It’s as simple as that. 

Components 

• Cactus Blossom
• Jack Cheese
• Green Chilies or Jalapeños (optional) 
• Bacon Bits (optional)

8. Chili Cheese Cactus Blossom

When we tell you about this Texas Roadhouse secret menu idea, you’ll probably ask the same question as us: why is it not on the core menu? While we don’t know the answer to that, what we do know is that with a few simple additions, you can take Texas Roadhouse’s signature Cactus Blossom to unbelievable new heights of flavor.

Especially given that the chili is made in-house, it’s hard to deny this dish’s distinctly decadent appeal. If you’re feeling especially hungry, order one for yourself. Or, if you’re hoping to save room for other items from the Texas Roadhouse secret menu, grab one to share with the table. As with the chili dog covered earlier in this guide to the Texas Roadhouse secret menu, you can opt for chili with or without beans; just remember to specify when ordering. 

How To Order

This Texas Roadhouse secret menu hack comes together with a regular Cactus Blossom plus a side of Texas Red Chili. Both are readily available on the menu, so you won’t need to sweet-talk your server for this one!

Components 

• Cactus Blossom
• Texas Red Chili

9. Honey Cinnamon Caramel Cheesecake

If you’re struggling to choose between the chain’s most popular desserts, then allow the Texas Roadhouse secret menu to provide a solution. Despite not being officially available, those in the know have found that it is, in fact, possible to have their cake and eat it.

How? By ordering a strawberry cheesecake and swapping out the regular topping for some of the chain’s indulgent honey cinnamon caramel. 

While this is our favorite combo, you could also ask for the chocolate sauce from the Big Ol’ Brownie. Alone, it’s delicious, but combined with the regular menu strawberry sauce, you end up with a chocolate strawberry-flavored dessert. 

How To Order

Start by ordering a slice of strawberry cheesecake. You’ll then need to ask your server if it’s possible to swap the sauces. Provided the answer’s “yes,” request the honey cinnamon caramel — the same that’s used on the chain’s apple pie.  

Components

• Strawberry Cheesecake (with sauce removed)
• Honey Cinnamon Caramel Sauce

10. Kids’ Grilled Cheese

If your little ones are going through something of a fussy eating phase, then allow this Texas Roadhouse secret menu order to ease your worries. Anybody with, or who has had, kids is likely to know how tricky they can be to feed. This means that, while the grilled cheese is not officially on the menu, most servers are usually happy to put one through to the kitchen for you. 

While it can vary, it will generally be made with the chain’s rolls and slices of American cheese. But, you may be able to have it made with a different type of cheese, such as Jack or cheddar cheese. 

How To Order

There’s only really one way to order this Texas Roadhouse secret menu item, and that’s to ask nicely! Since it’s not on the official menu, its availability may depend on how busy the staff are when you order. But if it’s the difference between your kid eating and the whole family leaving for cheesier pastures, there’s a good chance they’ll be happy to honor it.  

Components

• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• American Cheese Slices

11. Custom Steak Seasonings

Seasonings are a key part of what makes eating at Texas Roadhouse so delicious. And while Herb-Crusted Chicken seasoning is usually reserved for (unsurprisingly) chicken, it can also be used as part of a delicious Texas Roadhouse steak hack. 

Featuring dried dill, basil, oregano, garlic powder and paprika, along with classic salt and black pepper, this seasoning is jam-packed with flavors — the kind that only enhance the natural flavor of the chain’s USDA Choice steak. 

How To Order

To request a change to your steak’s seasoning, simply ask your server when you order. 

Components 

• Steak of Your Choice
• Herb-Crusted Chicken Seasoning 

12. Chili Grilled Cheese

While there isn’t technically a grilled cheese sandwich on the adults’ menu (it’s a firm kids’ secret menu favorite), this next item from the Texas Roadhouse secret menu is sure to curb even the most adult-sized cravings. By upgrading the kids’ grilled cheese with chili for a spicy, Sloppy Joe-style grilled cheese, you can take your taste buds back to childhood with a delicious, Texan twist. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, which we would recommend!  

How To Order

Ordering this item from the Texas Roadhouse secret menu is easy. Just order a grilled cheese from the kids’ secret menu, then ask for a side of Texas Red Chili. Pair the two together, and voila! 

Components

• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• American Cheese Slices
• Texas Red Chili
• Sautéed Mushrooms (optional) 

13. Ice Cream

You screamed for it, and the Texas Roadhouse secret menu delivered. In fact, ice cream has been there all along — accompanying various signature desserts, like the Big Ol’ Brownie and apple pie. It’s just that it’s not officially available by itself. 

That’s not usually a problem, though. If you just need something light to sweeten the deal after a Texan-sized steak dinner, most locations will gladly ring through a few simple scoops. You can also request the official menu dessert toppings with your ice cream, which include chocolate sauce, honey cinnamon caramel, strawberry sauce and whipped cream.

How To Order

While not officially available on the menu, you can easily order ice cream for dessert. Just ask your server, along with any toppings you’d like, and, in most cases, they’ll happily ring it through for you. 

Components

• Ice Cream
• Toppings of Your Choice
  • Chocolate Sauce
  • Strawberry Sauce
  • Honey Cinnamon Caramel
  • Whipped Cream

14. Swap a Side for an Appetizer

The first thing to say here is that this Texas Roadhouse secret menu hack is available by request only. Even then, it’s not guaranteed. 

Some locations may be unable to accommodate the request. At those that can, you may find that your chosen appetizer comes in a half-sized portion, which is fair given the smaller size of the side you’d be replacing. 

However, if you want the side on your meal kept and/or the full-sized appetizer, you can simply order an appetizer alongside it; just remember to ask for the appetizers to come with the mains instead of before. Also, note that this won’t save you any money (although you may not get the side switch for free either), it will simply allow you to enjoy an appetizer with your main. 

How To Order

This Texas Roadhouse secret menu hack will be at the discretion of your server and the specific location at which you’re dining. Based on comments across Reddit, this hack has been ordered with varying levels of success. In other words, while it’s not guaranteed, it can’t hurt to ask your server.  

Components

• Dish of Your Choice with a Side
• Replace Side with Appetizer of Your Choice

15. A Cup of Bacon

That’s right! Those same bacon bits that make the chain’s cheesy fries so dang savory and delicious can be ordered by themselves from the Texas Roadhouse secret menu. Add them to a salad for some extra texture and flavor, sprinkle them inside your burger, layer them into your mash or simply grab a spoon.  

How To Order

Since it’s not available on the official menu, you’ll need to ask your server. Given the ingredients’ inclusion in other dishes, it should be readily available, but it’ll likely come down to your specific location’s house rules as to whether this Texas Roadhouse secret menu order is allowed.

Components

• Dish of Your Choice
• Side of Bacon Bits 

How To Order From the Secret Menu at Texas Roadhouse

Most of Texas Roadhouse’s off-menu items can be ordered in the restaurant as well as online or via the app. Online, you’ll be presented with customization options, as well as a list of available sides that you can mix and match. However, note that you likely won’t be able to order all Texas Roadhouse secret menu items online. If you want to make the most of the menu, dining in is recommended. 

When dining in the restaurant, simply use this guide to explain the order you’d like. It’s important to note that, in some circumstances, your request for certain Texas Roadhouse secret menu items may be denied. 

While the items featured in this guide have been successfully ordered by patrons in the past, their availability is likely to depend on the availability of ingredients, particularly for items that don’t form part of the official menu, like the kids’ grilled cheese.

Visit Texas Roadhouse at Off-Peak Times

A successful Texas Roadhouse secret menu order may also depend on how busy your local chain is. Since some of the items below don’t form part of the core menu, they’re likely to take the staff longer to prepare, meaning they may be less likely to serve them during busy periods.

For the best chance of successfully ordering Texas Roadhouse secret menu items, consider visiting your local chain at off-peak times. 

Be Polite, Patient and Aware of Price Increases 

Lastly, when ordering from the secret menu at Texas Roadhouse, always be patient and polite with staff and accept if an order can’t be made.

As it’s challenging to accurately create a Texas Roadhouse secret menu with prices, be aware that custom orders may cost more than regular menu items. If this is of concern, ask for a price estimate before the order goes through. 

You should now have an idea of what’s possible when you order from the Texas Roadhouse secret menu. While it’s not official (and while, in many cases, a successful order will require a smile, some charm and a dash of good fortune), there are plenty of ways to elevate the chain’s already-expansive menu. 

All that’s left for you to decide is which Texas Roadhouse secret menu item you’ll attempt to order first. You can even get creative yourself during your visit, and possibly create the next viral Texas Roadhouse secret menu dish!

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.