Updated May 8, 2023
If you’re pregnant and love Texas Roadhouse, you’re probably wondering Can I Eat Texas Roadhouse While Pregnant?
The good news is that most of the menu is safe for pregnant women to eat.
However, there are a few items that should be avoided.
We LOVE Texas Roadhouse and I did enjoy eating there during pregnancy.
In this article, we will share the safe menu options at Texas Roadhouse and give tips on how to order them.
We’ll also cover which items you should avoid or consider enjoying in smaller portion sizes.
So whether you’re a first-time mom or have been through this before, we’ve got you covered!
The menu can vary slightly in different states so if you have any questions about items on the menu in your location ask your server or manager.
As of March 2022, there were 632 Texas Roadhouse restaurants in 49 states.
Can I Eat Texas Roadhouse While Pregnant?
Yes, you can eat at Texas Roadhouse while pregnant.
When it comes to pregnancy, every woman is different.
Some women have no problems eating whatever they want, while others have to be more cautious.
I had a very hard time with deep-fried foods during pregnancy.
They would cause me nausea and abdominal pain after eating them.
Fun times.
Turns out it was my gallbladder, which isn’t an uncommon problem for pregnant women to have.
If you are like me and fall into the latter category, don’t worry – there are still plenty of safe and delicious options at Texas Roadhouse.
Here are a few of our favorite safe and healthy dinner options at Texas Roadhouse:
- The grilled salmon is a great option. It’s full of healthy omega-three fatty acids, which are important for both you and your baby. Plus, it’s a lean protein, so it won’t weigh you down or leave you feeling groggy. Salmon is a pregnancy super-food!
- If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, the Dallas Filet, Filet Medallions, or Steak Kabob are great choices. They are leaner cuts of meat, so it’s lower in fat and calories. Just be sure to order it medium or well-done.
- For a lighter option, the grilled chicken is a great choice. It’s high in protein and low in fat. It can be easily customized to your liking. Add some grilled vegetables or a side salad to make it a complete meal.
- Steakhouse Filet Salad or Grilled Chicken Salad are both great options to order during pregnancy. You will want to ask for the steak salad without bleu cheese and replace the bleu cheese dressing with another choice. If ordering the grilled chicken salad, skip the caesar dressing, as it may be made with raw eggs in some Texas Roadhouse Restaurants.
Menu items to avoid during pregnancy
There are also a few texas roadhouse menu items that you should avoid while pregnant or enjoy in small portions because they are high in fat and calories.
These include:
- The Cactus onion blossom appetizer is deep-fried a nd coated in batter. It’s high in fat and calories and should be enjoyed in a small portion or skipped altogether. If you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, you may find eating fried, greasy foods make your morning sickness feelings worse.
- The boneless buffalo wings are also deep-fried and coated in a spicy sauce. While they are delicious they are also fried, high in calories, and could cause you to suffer from heartburn, indigestion, and increased symptoms of morning sickness.
- The cheese Fries are made with steak fries, covered in melted cheese, and bacon bits. Once again going to advise that you avoid the fried fries covered in cheese or at least eat them in moderation.
If you do choose to eat one of Texas Roadhouse’s fried appetizers be sure to drink plenty of water as many of their appetizers are high in sodium too.
You should eat what you want during pregnancy as long as it is safe for both you and your baby.
If you are craving the Cactus Blossom as an appetizer, you can have it. Same with the snakebites or cheese fries.
Just keep in mind portion size and how fried foods impact you during pregnancy.
What appetizer can I eat at Texas Roadhouse during pregnancy?
The grilled shrimp is going to be your best option for an appetizer at Texas Roadhouse.
It’s low in calories and fat and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for you during pregnancy.
Plus, it’s cooked with a lemon-butter sauce that is delicious.
If you are looking for a guilt-free appetizer you can enjoy while pregnant the grilled shrimp appetizer is the one.
The grilled shrimp is light and won’t leave you too stuffed to enjoy your dinner.
You can always order a house salad and enjoy a few of Texas Roadhouse’s signature rolls as your appetizer too.
Another option is the fried pickles.
I know they are fried, but if you have no problem with fried foods, the batter is light and the appetizer isn’t that high in overall calories if shared and enjoyed in moderation.
The whole order of fried pickles at Texas Roadhouse is 550 Calories.
Share the order with your partner or other members of your dinner party.
Does Texas Roadhouse Have Salads?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse does have amazing salads!
In fact, they have a few different salad options that are perfect for you to enjoy during pregnancy.
The house salad is a great option and comes with your choice of dressing.
If you are looking for something with a little more protein the Grilled Chicken Salad with your choice of dressing is another excellent option to enjoy during pregnancy.
For a heartier meal, you can order the Grilled Steakhouse Salad.
This salad is served with bleu cheese crumbles and a side of bleu cheese dressing, so ask for no bleu cheese crumbles and switch out the bleu cheese dressing for another choice.
Unfortunately, bleu cheese is not safe to consume during pregnancy.
It isn’t worth the risk of ending up with a food-borne illness that could harm both you and your unborn baby.
Is Texas Roadhouse Caesar dressing made with raw eggs?
You will need to call the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant you will be dining at and ask them.
What I have found is that it can vary from State to State and location to location.
The safest way for you to know is to call the manager and ask them.
I know the grilled chicken caesar salad is a favorite at Texas Roadhouse and many pregnant women find it is one of their cravings.
But personally, we strongly recommend that pregnant women don’t eat Caesar salad unless using a commercially-made pasteurized caesar dressing.
What about the Croutons?
Yes. you can eat the croutons in the salads at Texas Roadhouse.
Their croutons are made from their rolls which are safe to eat during pregnancy.
Enjoy the croutons!
Can I Eat The Rolls at Texas Roadhouse?
Yes, you can eat the rolls at Texas Roadhouse!
They’re soft and fluffy and come with a delicious cinnamon honey-butter spread.
However, remember to eat them in moderation.
The rolls are not gluten-free, so if you have any issues with gluten tolerance, you’ll want to pass on the rolls.
Can you eat steak while pregnant?
The answer is yes, as long as the steak is cooked to a safe temperature.
Each Texas Roadhouse restaurant has their own butcher.
All of their steaks are handcut and never frozen.
They are kept refrigerated at 34 degrees.
If there is one thing Texas Roadhouse seems to take very seriously it is the quality and freshness of their meats.
If you are like most in my family that prefer their meat very rare to rare, you may be disappointed to find out you’ll need to eat your steak cooked medium to well-done during pregnancy.
Undercooked or raw meat can contain harmful bacteria that could make you and your baby sick.
Eating undercooked beef is not worth the risk while you are pregnant.
You are more susceptible to food-borne illness while you are pregnant.
Can I eat the prime rib at Texas Roadhouse?
Yes, you can eat the prime rib at Texas Roadhouse.
However, it is a fatty cut of meat, so you should watch your portion size.
It’s also a good idea to ask for it to be cooked medium to well-done to be sure it is cooked all the way through.
Photo: Maternity Comfort Solutions
Can I eat medium-rare steak while pregnant?
When it comes to steak, there are four basic levels of doneness: rare, medium-rare, medium, and well done.
Rare steak is cooked for a shorter period of time, resulting in a piece of meat that is red in the center and slightly pink around the edges.
Medium-rare steak is cooked for a bit longer, so the center of the steak is pink with a small red ring around the edge.
Well done steak is cooked all the way through, so it is brown or gray in the center with no hint of pink.
While many people prefer their steak on the rarer side, pregnant women are advised to avoid medium-rare and rare steak.
This is because there is a risk of bacteria growing on the meat, which can lead to food poisoning.
For pregnant women, it is safer to eat steak that is cooked to medium or above.
This will help to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed before consumption.
What sides can I order at Texas Roadhouse while pregnant?
All of the sides at Texas Roadhouse are made from scratch!
So you really can’t go wrong with any of the choices.
The steamed broccoli is a great side option at Texas Roadhouse.
Most locations offer steamed broccoli as a side dish.
It’s low in calories and fat and high in fiber.
Mashed potatoes are also a great choice.
They’re made with real butter and cream, add cheese and bacon for a yummy treat!
Two more excellent choices are baked potato and baked sweet potato.
The seasoned rice is a great side option if you decide on the steak-kabob or filet medallions.
Can I eat the grilled salmon at Texas Roadhouse?
Yes, you can eat the grilled salmon at Texas Roadhouse.
It’s a lean protein that’s full of healthy omega-three fatty acids, making it a perfect choice for pregnant women.
And, it’s cooked with a lemon-pepper sauce that adds a little kick to the taste of the salmon.
Can I eat the grilled chicken at Texas Roadhouse?
Yes, you can eat the grilled chicken at Texas Roadhouse.
It’s a lean protein that’s low in calories and fat, making it a perfect choice for pregnant women.
Plus, it’s cooked with a delicious BBQ sauce in many locations!
You can also have the herb-crusted chicken which is served in many Texas Roadhouse locations.
It is seared in a caramelized lemon sauce.
This is another healthy meal option to consider during your pregnancy.
Can I eat the steak at Texas Roadhouse?
Yes, you can eat the steak at Texas Roadhouse.
All of their mouth-watering beef is safe to eat during pregnancy.
As long as the meat is thoroughly cooked, you can happily enjoy it while pregnant.
It is fresh and never frozen, cut daily by their own in-house butcher.
Most Common Food-Borne Illnesses
- Listeria
- Salmonella
- E Coli
- Mold
- Campylobacter
- Botulism
These pathogenic bacteria can be found in foods that are not kept at the proper temperature, stored improperly, or that are undercooked.
To reduce your risk of foodborne illness during pregnancy you want to pay close attention to how you prepare, cook and store the foods you eat
Common symptoms of foodborne illness from undercooked meats are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
List of foods to not eat when pregnant:
- Foods that are not pasteurized– certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
- Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs including egg nog, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade eggnog, and runny eggs.
- Undercooked meats– lunch meats. Deli meats.
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If no ice or refrigeration source is keeping the food cold, take a pass.
- Caffeine– soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to avoid them simply. Green tea is OK.)
List of Foods you should eat during pregnancy:
- Avocado
- Oatmeal
- Pinto Beans
- Black beans
- Arugula
- Bananas
- Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
- Brussel sprouts
- Carrots
- Green Beans
- Eggs
- Lean Meats
- Apples
- Oranges
- Salmon
- Shrimp
What should a pregnant woman eat daily?
A pregnant woman needs to consume various nutrients every day to support her health and the development of her baby.
Protein is essential for building new tissue and can be found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and eggs.
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth and is especially important during the third trimester when the baby’s skeleton is rapidly developing.
Pregnant women should aim to get 1000 mg of calcium per day from low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Iron is also important for the formation of new blood cells, and pregnant women need about 27 mg of iron per day.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that as long as you aren’t eating excessive amounts of anything, and you’re sticking to foods that are generally considered healthy and safe for pregnant women, then you should be okay.
And as you can see, there are plenty of safe and delicious options at Texas Roadhouse.
So if you’re pregnant and craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, head on down to your nearest location.
Just be sure to avoid the items on our list, and you’ll be sure to have a safe and enjoyable meal.
If there are any specific questions about the food items on the Texas Roadhouse menu ask your server!
