Most people walk into Outback Steakhouse knowing exactly what they want – maybe that famous Bloomin’ Onion or a perfectly grilled steak. But what if the best items aren’t even printed on the menu? Secret menu items exist at almost every chain restaurant, and Outback has some seriously amazing combinations hiding in plain sight. These off-menu creations use ingredients already in the kitchen, mixed together in ways that create entirely new dishes.
Aussie chili cheese fries bring loaded comfort
Regular cheese fries are good, but they’re missing that extra punch that makes them memorable. Outback’s version takes their signature Aussie Fries with cheese and transforms them into something completely different with one simple addition. The key ingredient is their Tasmanian Chili – a spicy, all-meat chili that comes topped with cheese and green onions. This isn’t your typical ground beef chili either; it’s made with actual pieces of steak.
To get this secret creation, order both the Aussie Fries with cheese and a cup of Tasmanian Chili. Ask the server to bring them at the same time, then simply pour the chili over the fries. The result is a massive portion that can easily feed multiple people, with the rich, spicy chili mixing perfectly with the melted cheese and crispy fries underneath.
Chili cheese baked potato creates the ultimate comfort food
A dressed baked potato at Outback comes loaded with sour cream, bacon bits, cheese, and scallions for just $3.99. While that’s already a solid side dish, adding Tasmanian Chili transforms it into a hearty meal that’s filling enough to be an entree. The warm, fluffy potato provides the perfect base for the spicy chili, while all those toppings create different textures and temperatures in every bite.
This hidden combination costs around $10 total and delivers serious value. The serving size is generous enough that most people walk away completely satisfied. For the best results, ask for the toppings on the side so the chili goes directly onto the potato, then add the sour cream, bacon, and other extras on top for maximum flavor impact.
Chili cheeseburger adds extra meat to meat
The Outback Burger is already a solid choice, but why stop at just one type of meat when you’re at a steakhouse? Adding Tasmanian Chili to any burger creates a messy, delicious upgrade that beef lovers dream about. The chili’s chunks of steak pair perfectly with the ground beef patty, while the melted cheese and spicy kick make every bite more interesting than a regular burger.
Order any burger from the menu along with a cup of Tasmanian Chili, then spoon the chili between the top bun and the meat patty. Keep plenty of napkins handy because this secret burger gets messy fast. The rich, spicy combination creates a burger that’s completely different from anything on the regular menu, and one order of chili is usually enough to top both a burger and share with someone else’s dish.
Bloomin’ shrimp rice bowl brings seafood together
Rice bowls are trendy everywhere except steakhouses, but that doesn’t mean Outback can’t make a great one. The Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie comes with two sides, and choosing seasoned rice and steamed broccoli sets up the perfect foundation. Add a side of Bloomin’ Sauce – that creamy, tangy sauce that comes with the famous onion appetizer – and suddenly there’s a completely new dish that never appeared on any menu.
This rice bowl creation works especially well for people who want something lighter but still satisfying. Mix the rice, broccoli, and shrimp in a bowl, then stir in the Bloomin’ Sauce until everything is coated. The sauce adds a rich, creamy element that ties all the ingredients together, creating something that feels more like a specialty dish than a random combination of sides.
Loaded cheesesteak mac combines two comfort foods
Mac and cheese is already comfort food, but what happens when it meets a cheesesteak? Outback’s Three Cheese Steak Dip contains tender steak pieces, melted cheese, and vegetables in a creamy base that’s meant for dipping. Their Steakhouse Mac & Cheese provides the perfect creamy pasta foundation. When combined, these two menu items create something that tastes like an expensive restaurant specialty.
Order both items and use about half the steak dip, mixing it thoroughly into the mac and cheese. The result is a loaded pasta dish with chunks of steak, multiple types of cheese, and vegetables throughout. The remaining steak dip can still work as an appetizer, making this hack both economical and delicious. The combination creates a rich, hearty dish that feels completely different from either original item.
Shrimp po’ boy uses free bread perfectly
That free bread basket at every table isn’t just for waiting – it can become part of the meal. The Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp appetizer comes with spicy Bloom Sauce and perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp that work amazingly well as sandwich filling. The bread is fresh and sturdy enough to hold up to a loaded sandwich, making this hack both practical and delicious.
Slice the bread lengthwise, spread Bloom Sauce on both sides, then pile on the fried shrimp. This creates a po’ boy style sandwich that rivals anything from a dedicated seafood restaurant. The spicy sauce and crispy shrimp combination works perfectly with the soft bread, creating a sandwich that feels like a completely separate menu item rather than a creative combination.
BBQ chicken sandwich transforms an appetizer
Aussie Chook Ribs might sound weird, but they’re actually tender chicken ribs that come with barbecue sauce and spicy aioli. These aren’t regular chicken wings – they’re an unusual cut that most people never see anywhere else. The meat pulls apart easily and has a great barbecue flavor that works perfectly as sandwich filling when combined with that free bread every table receives.
Build this chicken sandwich by pulling the meat from the ribs and piling it onto sliced bread with all the included sauces. The combination of barbecue sauce and spicy aioli creates a sandwich that’s messy in the best possible way. This hack turns a shared appetizer into a personal sandwich that feels completely different from the original dish, proving that creative combinations can work better than menu items.
Raspberry butter bread creates instant dessert
Sometimes the best dessert hack is the simplest one. Outback’s cheesecake comes with raspberry sauce on the side, and that same sauce can transform the complimentary bread into something sweet and satisfying. The butter that comes with every bread basket becomes the base for a fruity spread that turns ordinary bread into dessert without ordering anything extra from the dessert menu.
Order a side of raspberry sauce and mix it thoroughly with the butter to create raspberry butter. This sweet spread works great on bread while waiting for the main course, or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. The fruity, creamy combination satisfies sweet cravings without the commitment of ordering a full dessert, and it’s especially perfect for sharing at the table.
Homemade cocktail sauce fixes shrimp dishes
Outback’s shrimp dishes come with Bloom Sauce or Creole Marmalade, but sometimes classic cocktail sauce is what hits the spot. The good news is that all the ingredients for cocktail sauce are already available – they just need to be combined. The prime rib sandwich comes with horseradish, ketchup is available at every table, and lemon slices come with most dishes or can be requested.
Mix ketchup with horseradish and a squeeze of lemon to create fresh cocktail sauce that tastes better than most bottled versions. This simple combination works with any shrimp dish on the menu and takes just seconds to put together. The homemade version has a fresh, tangy bite that complements the shrimp perfectly, proving that sometimes the best solutions are the most obvious ones.
These secret menu hacks prove that the best dining experiences often come from thinking beyond what’s printed on the page. Most servers are happy to help with these combinations since they’re just mixing items the kitchen already makes. Next time the regular menu feels too familiar, try one of these hidden gems that transform ordinary ingredients into something completely new and exciting.
