The Cheesecake Factory has one of the most extensive gluten-free menus of any casual dining chain in the country. It spans breakfast, lunch, dinner, burgers, pasta, steaks, and even dessert. But it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and cross-contamination is a real risk for anyone with celiac disease.
We put together this complete guide so you can walk in knowing exactly what to order, what to skip, and how to communicate with your server to keep your meal as safe as possible.
Is the Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free?
Cheesecake Factory restaurants are not allergen-free or gluten-free environments. The company is transparent about this and states that items may be prepared using shared equipment and fryers. That means cross-contamination is possible on every order.
When you tell your server about a gluten allergy, staff follow an allergen protocol. This includes changing gloves, using clean equipment, and wiping down surfaces. These steps reduce risk, but the company cannot guarantee that any item will be 100% gluten-free.
So is the Cheesecake Factory gluten-free? No. It is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. But it does offer a dedicated gluten-free menu with options in nearly every category. You will need to request items specifically from that menu, because many dishes also appear on the regular menu in a non-GF version.
Is the Cheesecake Factory Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
This is the question that matters most, and we want to give you a straight answer. Because of the shared kitchen environment, the Cheesecake Factory carries a real risk for people with celiac disease. Airborne flour, shared cooking surfaces, and shared fryers all create potential exposure points, no matter how carefully staff follow the protocol.
That said, many people with celiac disease do eat here. The risk varies by location, by the dish you choose, and by how well you communicate your needs. Lower-risk choices include simple grilled proteins and fresh vegetable sides. Higher-risk choices include pasta dishes and anything fried, even if those items appear on the gluten-free menu.
If you are highly sensitive, the safest approach is to call your local Cheesecake Factory before your visit, ask about their current allergen protocols, and speak directly with a manager when you arrive. Only you can decide what level of risk is acceptable for your situation.
How to Order Gluten-Free at Cheesecake Factory
Knowing what to say to your server makes a real difference. Here are some practical tips:
- Use the word "allergy," not "preference." Telling your server you have a gluten allergy (or celiac disease specifically) triggers the restaurant's formal allergen protocol. Saying you are "trying to avoid gluten" may not.
- Ask for a glove change. The protocol includes this step, but asking directly makes sure it happens.
- Request items from the dedicated gluten-free menu. Do not just order a regular dish and ask for it to be made without gluten. Order from the actual gluten-free menu so staff know to follow the correct preparation steps.
- Skip the shared fryer items. French fries and sweet potato fries appear on the gluten-free menu, but they are cooked in the same oil as breaded, gluten-containing items. Substitute a vegetable side instead.
- Be cautious with pasta. Multiple diners have reported finding regular pasta mixed into their gluten-free pasta dishes. This is one of the higher-risk items on the menu, especially for people with celiac disease.
- Confirm gluten-free buns and bread. Both are available on request but are not automatic. Ask your server to confirm availability at your location before ordering a burger. The Cheesecake Factory uses Udi's gluten-free buns at most locations, which makes it easier to visually verify you received the right bun.
- Use the online allergen guide before you go. The Cheesecake Factory Online Allergen Guide lets you filter the full menu by allergen. Select "Gluten" to see every item that does not contain gluten. This is a good way to plan your order before you arrive.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Menu 2026: Handy Tools
We list every gluten-free option at Cheesecake Factory below. But keep these tools in your back pocket too:
- Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Menu PDF. This document lists the nutritional information for every menu item. Scroll through to find the gluten-free section.
- Cheesecake Factory Online Allergen Guide. Select the allergen and the guide shows you every menu item that does not contain it. Filter by "Gluten" for the most complete and current list.
- Cheesecake Factory Menu. For a basic look at the main ingredients in each dish.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Menu at a Glance
Best Safe Bets
If you want the lowest-risk choices, stick to grilled proteins (salmon, steak, chicken), fresh vegetable sides, salads with gluten-free dressings, and eggs at breakfast. Avoid the pasta, the shared fryer items, and anything listed as crispy, fried, or coated.
- Grilled salmon or steak with a vegetable side
- Cobb Salad or Factory Chopped Salad
- Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes (the only gluten-free appetizer)
- Burgers on a gluten-free bun (skip the fries, substitute a vegetable side)
- Eggs and omelettes at breakfast
- Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake or Low-Licious Cheesecake for dessert
Risk Level by Category
This table gives you a quick read on the relative risk of each menu category. Lower risk means simpler preparation with fewer chances for cross-contamination. Higher risk means shared equipment, complex prep, or reported issues from diners.
| Menu Category | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled proteins (salmon, steak, chicken) | Lower | Simple preparation, less contact with gluten ingredients |
| Vegetable sides | Lower | Steamed or sauteed, no shared fryer |
| Salads | Lower | Confirm no croutons; use GF dressings |
| Eggs and omelettes | Lower | Simple ingredients, cooked to order |
| Burgers (with GF bun) | Medium | Confirm GF bun availability; skip the fries |
| Cheesecake desserts | Medium | Stored in shared display case with GF cakes |
| French fries / sweet potato fries | Higher | Cooked in shared fryer with breaded items |
| Gluten-free pasta dishes | Higher | Multiple diners report regular pasta mixed in |
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Breakfast
Looking for a gluten-free breakfast at Cheesecake Factory? These items are on the gluten-free menu:
- Farm Fresh Eggs
- Farm Fresh Eggs with Old Smokehouse Bacon
- Farm Fresh Eggs with Grilled Ham
- California Omelette
- Spinach, Mushroom, Bacon, and Cheese Omelette
- Loaded Mashed Potato Omelette
- Plain Omelette
- Loco Moco
- Grilled Chilaquiles with Chicken and Eggs
You can also get your eggs with a side of sliced tomatoes, bacon, or grilled ham. Breakfast Potatoes are on the gluten-free menu as well, though we assume these are cooked in a shared fryer.
Heading to Cheesecake Factory for weekend brunch? The Jambalaya Hash and Eggs is also a gluten-free brunch item.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Appetizers
This is a short list. The only gluten-free appetizer at Cheesecake Factory is the Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes. They come with sour cream, salsa, cilantro, avocado, and salsa verde.
The Bowl of Mexican Chicken and Vegetable Soup is also gluten-free. You can order it as an appetizer, a main, or in a cup alongside one of the lunch specials listed below.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Salads
These salads (including Appetizer Salads) are on the gluten-free menu:
- Beet and Avocado Salad. Part of the Small Plates and Snacks menu.
- Tossed Green Salad. Available with several gluten-free dressing options (see below).
- Caesar Salad and Caesar Salad with Chicken.
- Factory Chopped Salad. Lettuce, chicken, tomato, avocado, corn, bacon, blue cheese, and apple with vinaigrette.
- Mexicali Salad.
- Cobb Salad. Chicken, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, tomato, egg, and greens with vinaigrette. Do not confuse this with the Vegan Cobb Salad, which includes farro (not gluten-free).
Some of these salads include croutons in their standard preparation. Double-check with your server to make sure the croutons are left off when you order from the gluten-free menu.
You can add several gluten-free toppings to your salads: avocado, chargrilled steak, grilled chicken, grilled salmon, or grilled shrimp.
Pair your salad with one of these gluten-free salad dressings:
- Barbecue Ranch Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Caesar Dressing
- Citrus Honey Dressing
- French Mustard Vinaigrette
- Ketchup
- Ranch Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Glamburgers
Gluten-free buns are available on request at most Cheesecake Factory locations. The restaurant uses Udi's gluten-free buns, which makes it easier for you to visually confirm you received the right one. Make sure to ask your server before ordering.
Cheesecake Factory Glamburgers come with french fries, sweet potato fries, or green salad. The fries are listed as gluten-free, but they are made in a shared fryer. We recommend choosing the green salad or asking for a vegetable side instead.
- Old Fashioned Burger. Certified Angus beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayonnaise.
- Mushroom Burger. Beef patty with sauteed mushrooms, Swiss and Fontina cheese, onions, and mayonnaise.
- American Cheeseburger. American and cheddar cheese, potato crisps, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Secret Sauce.
- Bacon-Bacon Cheeseburger. Beef patty with melted American and cheddar cheese, crispy thick-cut smoked bacon, and Secret Sauce.
- Bistro Burger.
- Impossible Burger. Plant-based patty with vegan melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and Special Sauce.
- Factory Turkey Burger. Turkey patty with cheese, avocado, tomato, arugula, onion, and aioli.
There is also a range of gluten-free burgers only available in Hawaii, including the B.B.Q. Kalua Pork and the Hawaiian Fish Sandwich made with mahi, ahi, salmon, or ono.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Pasta
The pasta options on the Cheesecake Factory gluten-free menu come with gluten-free pasta. You must specify that you want the gluten-free version when ordering, or you may receive the standard dish. We still list these options here, but consider this a category to approach carefully:
- Four Cheese Pasta (alone and with chicken)
- Pasta with Chicken and Roasted Garlic
- Pasta Carbonara (alone and with chicken)
- Evelyn's Favorite Pasta
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
- Shrimp with Rotini
- Italian Sausage with Fresh Mushroom Rigatoni
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Fish and Seafood
If you are looking for the lowest-risk options on the Cheesecake Factory gluten-free menu, the fish and seafood dishes are a strong choice. These are simple grilled or baked preparations with fewer touchpoints for cross-contamination:
- Fresh Grilled Salmon (served with fresh corn, green beans, or sauteed spinach)
- Miso Salmon
- Cajun Salmon
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Steaks and Chops
Steaks are another lower-risk category. These are on the gluten-free menu:
- Steak Diane
- Grilled Rib-Eye Steak
- Filet Mignon
- Petite Filet Mignon
- Carne Asada Steak
Pair your steak with one of these gluten-free sides:
- Green beans
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Fresh corn
- Mashed potatoes
- Sauteed spinach
- Grilled asparagus
- Broccoli
- Black beans
- Rice and beans
French fries and sweet potato fries are also on the gluten-free side dish menu, but we recommend choosing one of the vegetable options instead since the fries are cooked in a shared fryer.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Specialties
The Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Specialties menu includes two items:
- Shepherd's Pie. Ground beef and vegetables cooked in a mushroom gravy with a mashed potato and parmesan cheese crust.
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free SkinnyLicious Specialties
Three gluten-free options appear on the SkinnyLicious Specialties menu:
- SkinnyLicious Chicken Soft Tacos. Three soft corn tortillas with avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, crema, and chicken. Served with the Escabeche Vegetable Salad.
- SkinnyLicious Shrimp Soft Tacos. Same preparation with shrimp instead of chicken.
- SkinnyLicious Spicy Shrimp Pasta. Gluten-free pasta with sauteed shrimp, fresh tomato, basil, garlic, and spicy tomato sauce.
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Kids' Menu
If you have a gluten-free kid on your hands, here are the options:
- Kids' Pasta with Butter and Parmesan
- Kids' Pasta with Marinara Sauce
- Kids' Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
- Kids' Grilled Chicken
- Kids' Grilled Salmon
- Kids' Scoop of Ice Cream
- Kids' Mini Hot Fudge Sundae
- Kids' Strawberries
- "Happy Hour" Burger
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Lunch Specials
Most of these lunch specials also appear in other categories above:
- Cobb Salad
- Four Cheese Pasta (alone and with chicken)
- Pasta with Chicken and Roasted Garlic
- Pasta Carbonara (alone and with chicken)
- Evelyn's Favorite Pasta
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
- Shrimp with Rotini
- Italian Sausage with Fresh Mushroom Rigatoni
- Shepherd's Pie
- Fresh Grilled Salmon with Corn Succotash, Green Beans, or Sauteed Spinach
- Miso Salmon
- Cajun Salmon
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Dessert
Yes, there is gluten-free cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. Your options include:
- Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. If you have not tried this, you are in for a treat. The Flourless Godiva Chocolate Cake comes with Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake and chocolate mousse. It is rich, decadent, and one of the most popular gluten-free items on the entire menu.
- Low-Licious Cheesecake (on its own or with strawberries). These are also low-carb and contain no added sugar.
Keep in mind that the cakes are stored in a display case alongside gluten-containing cakes. Staff use different utensils, but there is still some risk of cross-contamination.
Other gluten-free dessert options:
- Bowl of Fresh Strawberries
- Hot Fudge Sundae
- Bowl of Vanilla Ice Cream
Cheesecake Factory Gluten-Free Drinks
Most drinks on the Cheesecake Factory menu are gluten-free. This includes their To-Go Beverages, Frozen Drinks, Hot Drinks, Specialty Beverages, and several milkshakes and smoothies. The Chocolate Milkshake, Vanilla Milkshake, and Strawberry Milkshake are all listed as gluten-free, as are the Frozen Iced Mango, Peach Smoothie, Strawberry Fruit Smoothie, and Tropical Smoothie.
The drinks to avoid are the Factory Hot Chocolate and the Oreo Milkshake.
For alcohol, wine and most distilled spirits are generally considered gluten-free. Beer, however, is not. Most standard beers are made from barley or wheat and should be avoided. Some restaurants carry gluten-free beer options, so ask your server. You can also check our guide to gluten-free beer and gluten-free alcohol options.
Non-Gluten-Free Food to Avoid at Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory menu has over 250 dishes on 12+ pages, so we will not list every item that contains gluten. But here are the major categories to avoid:
Anything fried, crispy, coated, or breaded. The coating contains wheat and these items are fried in a shared fryer. This includes Korean Fried Cauliflower, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Fish and Chips, Fried Macaroni and Cheese, and many more.
Flatbread Pizza. The pizza base contains wheat and there is no gluten-free alternative available.
Sandwiches. These come on wheat bread with no gluten-free bread substitute for sandwiches (the gluten-free buns are only for burgers).
Most cakes and desserts. Except for the three cheesecake options and the ice cream/strawberry options listed above, every other cake and brownie dessert is off the table. The Godiva Chocolate Brownie Sundae is a common trap since it sounds similar to the gluten-free Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, but it is made with gluten-containing brownies.
The Vegan Cobb Salad. This includes farro, which is not gluten-free. Do not confuse it with the regular Cobb Salad, which is on the gluten-free menu.
A Note on Takeout and Delivery
Ordering gluten-free for takeout or delivery carries a slightly different set of risks than dining in. When you eat at the restaurant, you can speak directly with your server and remind the kitchen about your allergy. With takeout or delivery, that direct communication is harder to guarantee.
If you order through a third-party app, the allergy notes may or may not reach the kitchen reliably. If gluten-free eating is a medical necessity for you, calling the restaurant directly to place your order is a safer approach than relying on app-based notes.
Is It Safe to Eat Gluten-Free at Cheesecake Factory?
The Cheesecake Factory is not a gluten-free environment, and there will always be some risk of cross-contamination. If you are gluten-sensitive rather than celiac, the risk is lower and the menu gives you plenty of solid options. If you have celiac disease, the safest approach is to stick to the lowest-risk dishes (grilled proteins, fresh vegetable sides, simple salads), communicate clearly with your server, and accept that some risk remains.
One thing worth noting: experiences vary by location. Some Cheesecake Factory restaurants reportedly use a separate fryer for fries earlier in the day but switch to a shared fryer as the day gets busier. A manager at your location can confirm what their current setup looks like.
If you do not want to take the gamble, we understand. Here are our recommendations for the best gluten-free fast food options.
More Gluten-Free Restaurant Guides
We cover gluten-free menus at all the major chains. Here are a few more guides you might find helpful:
- Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Menu
- McDonald's Gluten-Free Menu
- Jersey Mike's Gluten-Free Menu
- Starbucks Gluten-Free Menu
- Full Guide: Gluten-Free Fast Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cheesecake Factory safe for people with celiac disease?
The Cheesecake Factory is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, which means cross-contamination is possible. The restaurant follows an allergen protocol that includes changing gloves, using clean equipment, and wiping down surfaces. But it cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment. People with celiac disease should weigh this risk carefully and always inform their server before ordering.
Does the Cheesecake Factory have a gluten-free menu?
Yes. The Cheesecake Factory has a dedicated gluten-free menu that spans breakfast, salads, burgers (with gluten-free buns available on request), pasta, fish, steaks, and select desserts. When ordering, specifically request items from the gluten-free menu and remind your server of your allergy.
Does the Cheesecake Factory have gluten-free cheesecake?
Yes. The Cheesecake Factory has three gluten-free cheesecake options: the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, the Low-Licious Cheesecake, and the Low-Licious Cheesecake with Strawberries. These are stored in a display case alongside gluten-containing cakes, so there is a small risk of cross-contamination even with separate utensils.
Does the Cheesecake Factory have gluten-free buns or bread?
Yes. The Cheesecake Factory offers both gluten-free buns and gluten-free bread, available on request. They are not provided automatically, so ask your server and confirm availability at your location before ordering. Most locations use Udi's gluten-free buns.
Are the fries at the Cheesecake Factory gluten-free?
French fries and sweet potato fries appear on the gluten-free menu, but they are cooked in a shared fryer alongside gluten-containing items. For safer gluten-free dining, substitute a vegetable side like broccoli, green beans, or sauteed spinach.
Is the pasta at the Cheesecake Factory safe for gluten-free diners?
The Cheesecake Factory offers gluten-free pasta and states it uses clean pasta water to reduce cross-contamination. However, multiple diners have reported finding regular gluten pasta mixed into their gluten-free pasta dishes. This is one of the higher-risk options on the menu, especially for people with celiac disease.
Does the Cheesecake Factory have gluten-free pizza?
No. The Flatbread Pizzas contain wheat and there is no gluten-free pizza crust alternative available. Choose a gluten-free burger, pasta, salad, or main instead.
Are Cheesecake Factory drinks gluten-free?
Most Cheesecake Factory beverages are gluten-free, including specialty beverages, frozen drinks, hot drinks, milkshakes, smoothies, and to-go options. The two to avoid are the Factory Hot Chocolate and the Oreo Milkshake. For alcohol, wine and most distilled spirits are generally considered gluten-free, but beer is not.
What should I tell my server when ordering gluten-free at the Cheesecake Factory?
Tell your server you have a gluten allergy. If you have celiac disease, say so specifically. This triggers the restaurant's allergen protocol, which includes glove changes and use of clean equipment. Do not assume the kitchen will take precautions automatically without being told.
Can I order gluten-free at the Cheesecake Factory through delivery or takeout?
You can order gluten-free for takeout or delivery, but it carries more risk than dining in. Allergy notes submitted through third-party delivery apps may not reliably reach the kitchen. If gluten-free eating is a medical necessity, calling the restaurant directly to place your order is a safer approach.
Does the Cheesecake Factory have a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items?
This varies by location. Some Cheesecake Factory restaurants reportedly use a separate fryer for fries earlier in the day but switch to a shared fryer as the restaurant gets busier. Ask your server or a manager about the current setup at your specific location before ordering any fried items.
What gluten-free sides does the Cheesecake Factory offer?
Gluten-free sides at the Cheesecake Factory include green beans, broccoli, fresh corn, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed spinach, grilled asparagus, black beans, and rice and beans. French fries and sweet potato fries are also listed as gluten-free but are cooked in a shared fryer.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @glutenfreepalate on Instagram and hashtag it #glutenfreepalatebaker so we can see all the deliciousness!
Leave a Question or Comment