Navigating eating out with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or allergy can be difficult at the best of times.
There are so many ways in which allergens can be hidden in foods and meals that we might not even think about.
To make it worse, there are many employers that do not ensure that their employees are up to speed with their knowledge of allergens, especially if there have been menu changes.
All of this creates a stressful dining out experience that can really put some people off.
If you have been avoiding going out to eat because of a gluten allergy and are missing the atmosphere of a restaurant, we have just what you need.
The Cheesecake Factory is a firm favorite among many Americans, and thankfully, the range of gluten-free options that they offer is extensive (see also ‘11 Gluten Free Options To Order On Your Next Visit To Five Guys‘).
In this article, we have put together a list of the 20 best gluten-free options on The Cheesecake Factory menu (see also ‘17 Indulgent Cheesecake Factory Cheesecakes You Need To Try‘).
We have also included a helpful frequently asked question section to help answer some common questions that you may have.
1. Fire-Roasted Fresh Artichoke
The fire-roasted fresh artichoke dish from the appetizers menu at The Cheesecake Factory is a classic that is full of flavor.
The artichokes are prepared over a flame which gives them a beautiful char and really brings out their natural flavor.
The slight caramelization of the vegetable gives it a slightly sweet taste that is incredibly moreish.
The artichokes are served with a delicious garlic dip that really complements the charred vegetable well.
Although, if you are a lover of veggies, the flavor of the artichoke is delicious all by itself.
This dish is usually served as an appetizer, however, it works just as well ordered as a side to accompany your main course.
2. Cobb Salad
There is a common consensus that a cobb salad is one of the all-time tastiest salads you can get.
The combination of bacon, blue cheese, and crispy lettuce is a flavor profile that is hard to beat.
When you add in the butteriness of the avocado, you end up with a party of flavor and texture in every bite.
The second best thing about this salad from The Cheesecake Factory is that, no matter how slowly you eat your food, this salad doesn’t seem to lose its crispiness and crunch.
The first best thing about it is that it is gluten-free so you don’t have to miss out on this taste adventure.
This salad makes a great, high-protein, lower-calorie, light lunch option.
It can also be ordered as a side to create a larger meal, or it can be shared among the whole table.
3. Herb Crusted Filet Of Salmon
It isn’t often that people on a gluten-free diet get to order a dish with ‘crusted’ in the title.
However, the herb crusted filet of salmon from The Cheesecake Factory is one such occasion.
The crust is simply made from the herbs that cover the topside of the salmon.
Not only do the herbs provide an incredible flavor and slight crunch to the salmon, but they also help to keep the inside of the fish moist and tender.
The dish is served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with asparagus spears and a delicious white sauce.
Despite the decadent feel of this dish, is it actually incredibly nutritionally balanced and provides a healthy and delicious meal.
The fire-roasted artichokes mentioned above would make a brilliant accompaniment to this meal as a side dish.
4. Beets With Goat Cheese
Beets with goat cheese is a combination that is hard to beat.
Roasting the beets gives them a uniquely tart and savory flavor that will make you wonder why you don’t eat beets more often.
The roasting also gives the beets more of a melt-in-the-mouth consistency rather than a crunchy texture.
The goat cheese is creamy and slightly salty naturally which provides a richness to the dish while tasting slightly zesty too.
This is a great dish to order to clear your palate between bigger courses.
It is a great option to separate your entree and your dessert to get the most out of the flavors. It also works great as an appetizer.
5. Four Cheese Pasta
Pasta is one of the most difficult things for people to give up when they are diagnosed with gluten intolerance or allergy.
However, there are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available now and The Cheesecake Factory has them covered for you.
This means that you don’t have to pass up a chance to indulge in the four cheese pasta. This is an incredibly indulgent dish that is bursting with flavor.
The penne pasta is coated inside and out with a rich and delicious marinara sauce that is made in-house.
Mozzarella, parmesan, romano, and ricotta are added to the pasta.
The cheeses aren’t added just because the cheese is amazing, each of the cheeses adds an incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
Because there isn’t a separate gluten-free menu at The Cheesecake Factory, it is important to specify that you want the gluten-free pasta when you are ordering this dish.
6. Spinach, Mushroom, Bacon, And Cheese Omelette
If you want to go to The Cheesecake Factory for breakfast or brunch, they also have gluten-free customers covered.
The spinach, mushroom, bacon, and cheese omelette is a great option that is naturally gluten-free.
Not only is this a great gluten-free option for brunch, but it is also a really nutritious option.
The spinach and mushrooms provide a significant amount of iron and potassium.
The bacon and eggs are high in protein which can help you stay satiated. The cheese contains a high amount of calcium.
This is a great, filling option that is bursting with flavor and nutrients that will keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.
7. Americana Cheeseburger
All of the burgers that are available on The Cheesecake Factory menu are perfectly seasoned and juicy and tender.
The Americana cheeseburger is a delicious burger option that features both cheddar cheese and American cheese.
As with all of the burgers available at The Cheesecake Factory (see also ‘24 Best Cheesecake Factory Menu Items‘), the patty comes on a bed of fresh salad including lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, grilled onions, and secret sauce.
An important thing to note is that this burger comes as standard with crunchy potato crisps on the top which may be prepared in the same fryer as non-gluten-free items.
Always check with your server if you are unsure or ask to have the burger without them.
As with the pasta dishes at The Cheesecake Factory, it is important to specify that you want a gluten-free bun when you order the Americana burger.
8. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is one of the world’s ultimate comfort foods.
The combination of delicious, tender ground beef, mushroom gravy, and a mashed potato parmesan cheese crust can cure almost any ill.
Aside from this delicious combination of ingredients, the shepherd’s pie at The Cheesecake Factory also contains a plethora of veggies to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
This dish is naturally gluten-free at The Cheesecake Factory so there is no need to make special substitutions with this option.
9. Evelyn’s Favorite Pasta
Evelyn’s favorite pasta is one of the most popular dishes on The Cheesecake Factory menu.
Not only is it a comforting pasta dish that has a generous amount of parmesan cheese stirred through it to make it rich and creamy, but it is also bursting with delicious nutrients.
Evelyn’s favorite pasta is packed with fresh veggies that are cooked to perfection to keep their nutritional value intact.
The veggies included in this dish include broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, peppers, tomatoes, and onions. It is seasoned with garlic and herbs.
This fusion of Mediterranean and Italian flavors is a great gluten-free option. Just remember to specify that you would like gluten-free pasta when you order.
10. Miso Salmon
The miso salmon is another delicious entree that makes a perfect gluten-free option.
The salmon is served on a bed of fluffy white rice and accompanied by sweet snow peas.
The salmon filet itself is marinated in a miso-based marinade and grilled to perfection. The dish is served in a flavorful miso sauce.
This is an incredibly fresh and tasty dish that is light, but substantial enough to be a stand-alone entree.
Because this dish is naturally gluten-free, you don’t have to make special requests when placing your order.
11. Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes
The sweet corn tamale cakes at The Cheesecake Factory are made from cornmeal which is naturally gluten-free.
The toppings that are served on the tamale cakes are what really make this dish something special.
The salsa verde is slightly spiced but it doesn’t overwhelm the dish, it just adds to it.
The sour cream, cilantro, and avocado add a light freshness to the dish that makes it an incredible light lunch option.
The finishing touch of the southwestern sauce really makes this dish stand out.
The sauce adds a peppery and smokey flavor that really brings the whole dish together.
The slightly sweet bready cakes make this dish substantial enough to be enjoyed by itself as a light lunch option.
Alternatively, you can combine it with other options for the perfect sharing lunch.
12. Mexican Chicken And Vegetables Soup
Soups can often be one of the only gluten-free options available on a menu, this can become boring if you eat out often due to the monotonous types of soup that are often available.
The Cheesecake Factory is putting an end to boring gluten-free soup options with their Mexican chicken and vegetable soup.
Another incredibly nutritious option on The Cheesecake Factory menu, this soup is packed with delicious and healthy ingredients.
Bursting with corn, onions, carrots, shredded chicken, tomatoes, and cheese, this soup will definitely leave you feeling full and satisfied.
The best thing about this soup is the crispy tortilla chips on top of the soup.
These add a delicious crunch to the soup, just remember to eat them first if you don’t want them to become soggy.
Alternatively, set them aside to enjoy a crunch throughout your meal.
13. Greek Salad
Salads are often a safe choice for people with gluten intolerance provided that you can order without croutons or bread.
Thankfully there are some salads that are naturally gluten-free so you don’t have to ask for any special accommodations.
Greek salad is one such salad and what’s more, it is bursting with flavors that are layered perfectly.
The combination of feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, onion, and vinaigrette creates a delicious salad that has a beautiful bite and tanginess to it.
The cucumbers on the top of the salad provide a mellow, cooling effect that helps to cut through the sour ingredients so that it isn’t overpowering.
This salad is one of the healthiest options on The Cheesecake Factory menu (see also ‘The Cheesecake Factory: 19 Vegan Options‘). It is a perfect light lunch or a great accompaniment to an entree dish.
14. Factory Nachos
One of the best things that are gluten-free on The Cheesecake Factory menu is the factory nachos.
The tortillas that are used for the nachos, and for the crispy chips on the Mexican chicken and vegetable soup, are gluten-free as standard.
The toppings for these nachos are pretty standard. They include melted cheese, jalapenos, red chile sauce, guacamole, sour cream, green onions, and salsa.
This dish is great for sharing among the whole table as an appetizer, but it also works well as an entree for a single person.
15. Mushroom Burger
Including just one of The Cheesecake Factory’s burgers on this list wasn’t enough.
The combination of the classic, beefy patty, fried onions, and earthy mushrooms creates a taste experience that is a real treat.
The slice of fresh tomato and the lettuce provide a delicious crunch and help to ensure the flavor isn’t too heavy.
What’s more, is that The Cheesecake Factory is really generous with its mushroom portions so if you love mushrooms, this is the dish for you.
Don’t forget to specify a gluten-free bun when you order this meal.
16. Pasta With Chicken And Roasted Garlic
Another pasta option from The Cheesecake Factory that deserves a place on this list is the farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic.
It may not be the most exotic or exciting combination of flavors, but when done right, chicken and garlic create a classic and delicious meal that you can return to time and time again.
The addition of mushrooms, pancetta, peas, caramelized onion, and tomatoes help to elevate this dish above a simple pasta dish.
Remember to request the gluten-free pasta when you are ordering this dish to make it gluten-free.
17. Steak Diane
If you are a lover of meat, the steak diane from The Cheesecake Factory could be right up your street, and it’s gluten-free.
The steak medallions can be cooked to your liking, from rare to well done. The meat is served covered with a peppercorn and mushroom wine sauce.
The dish comes with creamy mashed potatoes and grilled onions as standard.
The combination of the meat, onions, and mushrooms is similar to the mushroom burger mentioned above.
However, this dish works great if you are having a grown-up or romantic meal.
18. Filet Mignon
Another great steak option that is gluten-free and couldn’t be overlooked is the filet mignon.
While this dish is very similar to the steak diane offered by The Cheesecake Factory, it is somewhat more decadent.
Filet mignon is the cut of steak that is most widely considered to be a treat and The Cheesecake Factory makes sure that it is treated as such.
The steak can be cooked to your preference and is served with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes and tender green beans to ensure that the meat is the star of the show.
Because this is a gluten-free option as standard, you can indulge in this tender, juicy treat whenever you want.
19. Bowl Of Fresh Strawberries
One of the best things about The Cheesecake Factory is that there are a range of desserts that are also suitable for gluten-free customers.
A bowl of fresh strawberries are not the most intricate or exciting of desserts, however, it can be the perfect way to round off a meal.
The strawberries and cream can offer a light way to finish your meal with a sweet treat without ending up feeling too full or having to miss out altogether because of intolerances.
20. Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake
If you want something more indulgent than fruit for dessert, The Cheesecake Factory has a gluten-free cheesecake offering that can round your night off perfectly.
The Godiva chocolate cheesecake is a rich and intense chocolate cheesecake that is made completely without gluten.
This can be great as a treat all to yourself, or you can share it with the rest of your table for a lighter treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cheesecake Factory Celiac Friendly?
Unfortunately, The Cheesecake Factory is not a certified celiac friendly company.
While they do offer many gluten-free options and can make some dishes gluten-free, there are no strict policies in place that can guarantee that there is absolutely no gluten that has come into contact with a dish.
This includes a lack of cross contamination policies. Despite this, the restaurant is suitable for people with a gluten intolerance.
However, it is not suitable for people who have been diagnosed with celiac disease.
Celiac charities are campaigning for companies such as The Cheesecake Factory to improve their handling of allergens, in particular gluten, to allow them to gain celiac safe certification.
However, these things take time and policies can be difficult to implement. With improvements, The Cheesecake Factory may one day become celiac certified.
Are Gluten-Free Swaps Available At All Cheesecake Factory Sites?
Because The Cheesecake Factory is a large, national corporation, the swaps that have been described in this article are available at each location.
Each location should be able to provide a swap for their pasta options and the buns for their burgers.
As with any restaurant, there is always a risk that when you make your visit, they will be out of stock of some ingredients.
If you are concerned, you can call ahead to check whether the location you are visiting currently has gluten-free swaps available.
Any server should be able to check.
If you are not concerned about making substitutions for a pasta dish or burger dish, there are many other options on the menu that are gluten-free as standard that would be suitable for you.
Do You Need To Explain Gluten-Free Swaps?
In general, no, you shouldn’t need to explain anything about your gluten-free swap other than the fact that you want one.
If you are especially concerned about the risk of receiving the gluten version rather than the gluten-free version, you are free to reiterate to your server why you are requesting gluten-free.
This can help to convey the importance of your server ensuring that you receive the correct meal.
On the whole however, companies are becoming better at providing adequate allergen training to their staff.
Also, gluten-free diets are becoming more mainstream and more people are learning about them on their own.
This means that your server is likely to immediately understand the need to handle your order with the appropriate amount of care.
Final Thoughts
There are many options on The Cheesecake Factory menu that are gluten-free as standard, and there are even more that can be modified to be gluten-free upon request.
The range of gluten-free options are far more extensive than the ones mentioned in this article, but these are some of the best options on the menu.
Although there isn’t a separate gluten-free menu available at The Cheesecake Factory all locations carry a full list of allergens that can be viewed upon request.
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