Most people walk into Outback Steakhouse and order the same old things from the regular menu. But smart diners know there’s a whole world of off-menu combinations that can turn your ordinary dinner into something special. These secret menu items aren’t listed anywhere, but they’re made from ingredients the kitchen already has. The best part? Most servers know exactly what you’re talking about when you order them, and the kitchen staff actually enjoys making something different for a change.
Aussie chili cheese fries combine two menu favorites
This creation takes the regular Aussie cheese fries and tops them with a full order of Tasmanian chili. The result is a loaded appetizer that can easily feed six people or work as a main course if you’re in the mood for something casual. The warm, spicy chili pairs perfectly with the crispy fries and melted cheese, creating layers of different temperatures and textures that make every bite interesting.
To order this, ask for the Aussie cheese fries ($12.49) and a side of Tasmanian chili ($5.99). The chili comes with cheese and scallions already mixed in, so all you need to do is pour it over the fries. At $18.48 total, it might seem pricey, but the portion size is massive. Secret menu items like this work because both components are already prepared, so the kitchen just has to combine them on your plate.
Chili cheese baked potato makes a perfect main dish
The dressed baked potato at Outback comes loaded with sour cream, bacon bits, cheese, and scallions for just $3.99. Add a cup of their Tasmanian chili on top, and you’ve got a hearty meal that costs under ten dollars. The warm, fluffy potato absorbs some of the chili while still maintaining its structure, and all those toppings create a complex mix of creamy, smoky, and spicy elements.
This combination works so well because the potato acts like a sponge for all the rich chili. The total cost comes to $9.98, and the serving size is definitely large enough to satisfy most appetites. You can actually make similar versions at other chains too, but Outback’s version stands out because their dressed potato already comes with so many toppings that complement the chili perfectly.
Chili cheese hamburger elevates the basic burger
Take the standard Outback Burger and add some of that Tasmanian chili between the meat and the top bun. The burger itself is solid – nothing fancy, but a good foundation for the upgrade. The chili adds richness and spice that transforms this into something much more interesting than a regular hamburger. Plus, the cheese that comes with the chili melts into the burger, creating an extra layer of creaminess.
One order of chili is actually enough to top both a burger and a baked potato, so you can split it if you’re ordering both items. The Outback Burger costs $14.49, and the chili adds $5.99, bringing your total to about $20. Keep plenty of napkins handy because this gets messy fast. The combination of the buttery bun with the rich chili creates something that’s indulgent without being overwhelming, assuming you don’t mind getting a little sauce on your hands.
Bloomin’ shrimp rice bowl offers a lighter option
Order the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie and choose seasoned rice and broccoli as your two sides. Then ask for an extra container of Bloomin’ sauce on the side. Mix everything together in a bowl, and you’ve created a rice bowl that’s actually one of the healthier options you can get at Outback. The shrimp stays tender, the rice soaks up the sauce, and the broccoli adds some freshness to balance everything out.
This costs $21.99 for the shrimp dish, and most locations don’t charge extra for the Bloomin’ sauce, though that might vary by restaurant. The key is asking for an extra bowl when you’re dining in so you can mix everything properly. The Bloomin’ sauce is what makes this work – it’s creamy enough to coat the rice but not so heavy that it overwhelms the shrimp. This is perfect for people who want something filling but not as heavy as a steak dinner.
Loaded cheesesteak mac combines two comfort foods
The Three Cheese Steak Dip comes with tender steak pieces, melted cheese, and peppers all mixed together. Take about half of that and stir it into an order of their Steakhouse Mac & Cheese. The result is like a grown-up version of mac and cheese with actual steak pieces and a much more complex cheese situation going on. The peppers add just a tiny bit of freshness to cut through all that richness.
You’ll pay $15.49 for the steak dip and $5.99 for the mac and cheese, but you’ll still have half the dip left over to eat as a regular appetizer. The trick is stirring gradually – add a little, mix it in, then add more. This prevents the mac and cheese from getting overwhelmed by the steak mixture. Kids especially seem to love this combination, probably because it’s familiar comfort food with an upgrade that makes it feel special.
Alice Springs chicken gets a spicy upgrade
The Alice Springs chicken is already loaded with honey mustard, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese. But you can ask them to add some of their spicy seasoning or even request a side of their hottest sauce to drizzle on top. This transforms what’s normally a pretty mild dish into something with actual heat. The sweetness of the honey mustard plays really well against spicy seasonings, creating a sweet-and-heat combination that works surprisingly well.
Most servers are happy to accommodate requests for extra seasoning or sauce on the side. The chicken itself is usually cooked perfectly, and all those toppings mean you’re getting a lot of different elements in each bite. Just be aware that this dish is already pretty rich, so the extra spice might be all the excitement it needs. Some locations will even let you substitute different types of cheese if you ask nicely, though the standard combination usually works best with the other ingredients.
Bloomin’ fried chicken beats the regular grilled version
Instead of getting regular fried chicken, ask if they can bread chicken tenders in the same coating they use for the Bloomin’ Onion. Many locations can do this, and the result is chicken with that distinctive Bloomin’ Onion taste and crunch. They’ll usually serve it with the same dipping sauce too, which makes the whole thing feel like a natural extension of their most famous appetizer.
This isn’t technically on any menu, but the kitchen staff often knows how to make it because they use the same batter and seasoning for multiple items. The chicken stays juicy inside while getting that signature crunchy coating on the outside. It’s definitely more interesting than their regular grilled chicken options, which can sometimes be on the dry side. Ask your server if this is possible at your location – worst case scenario, they say no, and you order something else.
Steak and shrimp combo with upgraded sides
Most people order surf and turf combinations without thinking about the sides, but you can upgrade your whole meal by making smart substitutions. Instead of regular sides, ask for the loaded mashed potatoes and substitute regular vegetables for the grilled asparagus if it’s available. Then request extra herb butter on the side for both the steak and the shrimp. These small changes turn a standard surf and turf into something more restaurant-quality.
The herb butter makes a huge difference on both proteins, and the loaded mashed potatoes are much more interesting than plain ones. Asparagus tends to be cooked better than some of their other vegetable options and pairs well with both steak and shrimp. Some servers might charge a small fee for certain substitutions, but it’s usually worth it. The key is asking nicely and being flexible if they can’t accommodate every request. Most of the time, kitchen staff appreciate customers who care about getting their meal customized properly.
French onion soup with extra cheese and bread
The French onion soup at Outback is actually pretty good on its own, but you can make it even better by asking for extra cheese and additional bread on the side. Some locations will add more cheese on top if you ask, and extra bread means you can keep dipping even after you’ve eaten all the bread that comes with the soup. This turns a simple soup into something much more filling and satisfying.
The soup itself has good rich onion broth and comes with melted cheese and bread already, but more is always better when it comes to French onion soup. The extra bread also helps you get every last bit of broth and cheese from the bottom of the bowl. Most servers are happy to bring additional bread since it’s not expensive for the restaurant. This is one of those underrated options that people often overlook because they’re focused on the steaks, but it can be a great way to start a meal or even work as a light dinner on its own.
These secret menu combinations work because they use ingredients the kitchen already has on hand, so there’s no special preparation required. Most servers have heard these requests before, and the kitchen staff often enjoys making something a little different from the usual orders. Next time you’re at Outback, try asking for one of these combinations – you might be surprised at how much better your meal becomes with just a few simple modifications.
