Scratch Kitchen · 2026 Guide
Complete guide to every gluten-sensitive item at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen — all items listed with exact prices, calories, and safe ordering tips. Updated for 2026.
Understanding Cheddar's gluten-sensitive approach before you order
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen offers a dedicated Gluten-Sensitive menu featuring 27+ carefully prepared items that are modified to exclude gluten-containing ingredients. These dishes span salads, chicken entrées, steaks, ribs, seafood, burgers (without bun), and a wide range of homestyle sides — making it one of the more comprehensive gluten-sensitive offerings among American casual dining chains.
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen uses shared cooking areas, grills, and fryers throughout its kitchens. As a result, Cheddar's cannot guarantee that any menu item is completely free from gluten cross-contamination. Items are labeled gluten-sensitive — not certified gluten-free. Guests with celiac disease should always inform their server, ask for extra precautions, and consult the official allergen guide at cheddars.com/nutritional-info or call 888-642-7336.
Across all menu categories including salads, entrées, steaks, seafood & sides
6 oz. Top Sirloin — zero carbs, zero sugar, minimal sodium
Including broccoli, carrots, rice, mashed potatoes & more
Lemon Pepper Chicken — highest protein at just 520 calories
Lemon Pepper Chicken — great value for a full gluten-sensitive meal
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen — scratch-made comfort food since 1979
Step-by-step guide for guests with celiac disease or gluten intolerance
When seated, ask your server specifically for the Gluten-Sensitive menu. This is a separate menu card that lists only items modified to exclude gluten-containing ingredients — don't rely on the regular menu alone.
Always let your server know whether you have a celiac diagnosis, wheat allergy, or general gluten intolerance. The more specific you are, the more precautions the kitchen team can take. Celiac requires the highest level of care.
Cheddar's uses shared fryers for both gluten-containing and gluten-sensitive items. Even a naturally GF item cooked in a shared fryer can pick up gluten. Request grilled, baked, or steamed preparations whenever possible.
Some sauces, gravies, and dressings may contain gluten as a thickener or flavor agent. Always ask your server to confirm each sauce individually, especially for items like the BBQ ribs sauce or gravy-based dishes.
Several Cheddar's burgers appear on the gluten-sensitive menu when ordered without the bun. Make sure to clearly specify "no bun" when ordering and confirm the kitchen received the modification.
Before visiting, review Cheddar's full allergen PDF at cheddars.com/nutritional-info. It lists every allergen — wheat, dairy, eggs, shellfish, soy, nuts — for every menu item, giving you the most complete picture before you order.
Fresh, protein-packed salads — some of the best GF options on the menu
Always request dressing on the side and confirm it is gluten-sensitive. Croutons are NOT gluten-free — ask your server to omit them from any salad. The Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad and both Caesar variations are available gluten-sensitive with the right preparation.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad Best GF Salad Grilled chicken, candied pecans, mixed greens, tomatoes & honey mustard dressing — request dressing on the side. 55g protein. | $12.99 | 620 Cal |
| ✓ GF Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Grilled chicken, romaine, Caesar dressing & parmesan — verify dressing is GF-safe with your server. 43g protein. | $12.49 | 640 Cal |
| ✓ GF Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad Fresh salmon over Caesar pasta salad — a lighter, omega-3-rich gluten-sensitive option. 36g protein. | $14.98 | 720 Cal |
Three outstanding GF chicken options — grilled, not fried
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF Lemon Pepper Chicken #1 GF Pick Top Value Grilled chicken breast with zesty lemon pepper seasoning, served with 2 gluten-sensitive sides. Only 12g fat with an exceptional 68g protein — the best protein-to-calorie ratio on the entire Cheddar's gluten free menu. | $13.29 | 520 Cal |
| ✓ GF Key West Chicken & Shrimp Popular Grilled chicken with shrimp, topped with fresh pineapple pico de gallo over seasoned rice. 49g protein, only 10g fat — a tropical, satisfying gluten-sensitive entrée. | $14.99 | 550 Cal |
| ✓ GF Dijon Chicken & Mushrooms Grilled chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce — confirm sauce is prepared gluten-free with your server. 71g protein. | $15.29 | 1,060 Cal |
At just 520 calories with 68g of protein, the Lemon Pepper Chicken offers the best nutritional value on Cheddar's gluten free menu. It's grilled (not fried), naturally low in fat, and pairs perfectly with gluten-sensitive sides like Sweet Baby Carrots and Fresh Steamed Broccoli for a complete meal under 700 calories.
Premium proteins — all gluten-sensitive friendly
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF Top Sirloin Steak (6 oz.) Lightest Steak Fire-grilled USDA top sirloin — 0g carbs, 0g sugar, just 480mg sodium. Best low-carb and keto-friendly GF choice at Cheddar's. 22g protein. | $13.99 | 250 Cal |
| ✓ GF Top Sirloin Steak (8 oz.) Larger cut of the fire-grilled sirloin. Still zero carbs and sugar. 30g protein. | $15.99 | 330 Cal |
| ✓ GF 14 oz. Ribeye Steak Best Steak Thick, premium ribeye — 78g protein, only 6g carbs. An outstanding gluten-sensitive option for steak lovers. | $21.99 | 890 Cal |
| ✓ GF Baby Back Ribs (Half Rack) Signature House-smoked baby back ribs — slow-smoked in-house with Cheddar's BBQ sauce. Confirm sauce ingredients with your server. 61g protein. | $16.49 | 810 Cal |
| ✓ GF Baby Back Ribs (Full Rack) Full rack of slow-smoked house ribs. An impressive 121g protein — highest protein item on the entire Cheddar's menu. Share-worthy portion. | $16.49+ | 1,630 Cal |
| ✓ GF 7 oz. Filet Limited Time Premium center-cut beef filet — the most elegant GF steak option on Cheddar's gluten-sensitive menu when available. | $21.99 | 480 Cal |
Grilled fish & shrimp — among the lightest GF options available
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF Grilled Salmon Top Pick Fresh Atlantic salmon fillet, seasoned and grilled. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 44g protein, only 33g carbs. Available lemon pepper or blackened — confirm preparation is GF-safe. | $15.29 | 590 Cal |
| ✓ GF Grilled White Fish — Lemon Pepper Lightest GF Seafood Two grilled tilapia or cod fillets with lemon pepper — light, healthy, and packed with 52g protein at just 490 calories. One of the best low-calorie GF options at Cheddar's. | $14.29 | 490 Cal |
| ✓ GF Grilled White Fish — Blackened Blackened-seasoned white fish — 53g protein, 510 calories. Always confirm blackening seasoning is gluten-free with your server. | $14.29 | 510 Cal |
Two favorites on one plate — all gluten-sensitive friendly
| Menu Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF Top Sirloin Steak & Shrimp Lightest Combo Fire-grilled sirloin with seasoned grilled shrimp — surf 'n' turf, gluten-sensitive style. 37g protein at just 450 calories. | $19.29 | 450 Cal |
| ✓ GF Top Sirloin Steak & Ribs Popular The classic double protein — fire-grilled sirloin plus house-smoked half rack of ribs. 83g protein. | $21.49 | 1,070 Cal |
| ✓ GF Ribs & Shrimp Half rack of house-smoked ribs paired with seasoned grilled shrimp. 75g protein. | $20.49 | 1,010 Cal |
Cheddar's half-pound burgers — available gluten-sensitive when ordered without the bun
These burgers are only gluten-sensitive when the bun is removed. Clearly tell your server "no bun, gluten-sensitive" when ordering. The patties, toppings, and sauces listed are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients — but always confirm the BBQ sauce or any added sauces are GF-safe.
| Menu Item (No Bun) | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF no bun Classic Burger Lightest GF Burger Half-pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato & onion — without bun. At 350 calories it's the lightest burger option on the Cheddar's gluten-sensitive menu. 33g protein. | $10.49 | 350 Cal |
| ✓ GF no bun Classic Burger with Cheddar Cheese Same as above with a slice of melted cheddar cheese added. 38g protein. | $10.49+ | 440 Cal |
| ✓ GF no bun Bacon Cheeseburger Popular Half-pound patty with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese — no bun. 54g protein. Confirm bacon preparation is GF-safe. | $11.99 | 710 Cal |
| ✓ GF no bun Smokehouse Burger Half-pound burger with smoked bacon and toppings — without bun. Ask server to confirm BBQ sauce is gluten-sensitive. 43g protein. | $11.49 | 650 Cal |
10 homestyle sides — all gluten-sensitive friendly and perfectly portioned
All Cheddar's entrées come with your choice of 2 homestyle sides. For the healthiest gluten-sensitive meal, pair any GF entrée with Sweet Baby Carrots (35 Cal) and Southern Green Beans (60 Cal) — adding just 95 calories to your plate with only 17g carbs combined.
| Side Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ GF Sweet Baby Carrots Lowest Cal Tender glazed baby carrots — just 35 calories and 9g carbs. The absolute lightest side on Cheddar's menu. | $2.99 | 35 Cal |
| ✓ GF Southern Green Beans Slow-cooked Southern-style green beans — only 60 calories and 190mg sodium. A classic healthy GF side. | $2.99 | 60 Cal |
| ✓ GF Fresh Steamed Broccoli Lightly seasoned fresh broccoli — just 100 calories, 3g fiber, and only 105mg sodium. | $2.99 | 100 Cal |
| ✓ GF Buttered Off-the-Cob Corn Sweet corn cut fresh off the cob with butter — 110 calories and notably just 80mg sodium. | $2.99 | 110 Cal |
| ✓ GF Seasoned Rice Fluffy herb-seasoned rice — 150 calories and a light 600mg sodium. A filling GF grain option. | $2.99 | 150 Cal |
| ✓ GF Idaho Mashed Potatoes Creamy scratch-made mashed potatoes — 160 calories, 3g protein, and 360mg sodium. | $2.99 | 160 Cal |
| ✓ GF Freshly Made Coleslaw Scratch-made coleslaw with creamy dressing — 170 calories and low 200mg sodium. | $2.99 | 170 Cal |
| ✓ GF Red Beans & Rice Classic Southern red beans over seasoned rice — 230 calories with 9g protein and 5g fiber. | $2.99 | 230 Cal |
| ✓ GF Loaded Baked Potato Fluffy baked potato with butter, sour cream & cheese — 430 calories with 10g protein. | $2.99 | 430 Cal |
| ✓ GF Cheese & Bacon Mashed Potatoes Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon — 350 calories, 16g protein. | $4.48 | 350 Cal |
Items that contain gluten or carry high cross-contamination risk
| Category | Contains Gluten / High Risk | Safe GF Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 🍞 Burgers | Any burger WITH bun — contains wheat | Any burger ordered "no bun, gluten-sensitive" |
| 🍗 Fried Chicken | Country Fried Chicken, Chicken Tenders — breaded with wheat flour | Lemon Pepper Chicken (grilled) or Key West Chicken & Shrimp |
| 🦐 Fried Seafood | Beer-Battered Fish & Shrimp, Cornmeal White Fish, Beer-Battered Shrimp Platter | Grilled Salmon or Grilled White Fish (lemon pepper or blackened) |
| 🥩 Country Fried Steak | Hand-breaded with wheat flour — not GF | 6 oz. or 8 oz. Top Sirloin (fire-grilled) |
| 🍔 Monte Cristo | Battered and fried in wheat — not GF | Bacon Cheeseburger (no bun) |
| 🌯 Buffalo Chicken Wrapper | Flour tortilla wrap — contains wheat | Lemon Pepper Chicken or Key West Chicken & Shrimp |
| 🍝 Pasta Dishes | Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Grilled Shrimp Alfredo, New Orleans Pasta — contain regular pasta | Steak, grilled chicken, or grilled seafood with GF sides |
| 🍟 French Fries | Cooked in shared fryer — cross-contamination risk | Loaded Baked Potato, Mashed Potatoes, or Steamed Broccoli |
| 🍞 Honey Butter Croissants | Made with wheat flour — not GF | Enjoy the gluten-free entrée and skip the croissants |
| 🥣 Soups | Baked Potato Soup may use flour thickener — verify with server | Side House Salad (no croutons) as a starter |
| 🥧 Desserts | Legendary Monster Cookie, Fried Apple Pie, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake — contain wheat/gluten | No certified GF dessert currently — share a dessert as a special treat |
Mix & match entrées and sides for a balanced GF dining experience
Perfect for calorie-conscious dining:
Total ≈ 655 Cal · 71g Protein · $19.27
Zero-carb protein-focused plate:
Total ≈ 410 Cal · 25g Protein · $19.97
Best of land and sea:
Total ≈ 635 Cal · 39g Protein · $25.27
Max protein for active lifestyles:
Total ≈ 970 Cal · 64g Protein · $22.47
Complete guides for every aspect of the Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen menu
Complete Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen menu — all 17 categories with exact prices, calories, family bundles, drinks, cocktails & more.
Official calorie counts, protein, fat, sodium, carbs & sugar for every item. Full macro breakdown with best & worst picks from a dietitian perspective.
Full allergen information covering wheat, dairy, eggs, shellfish, soy, peanuts & tree nuts. Download the official allergen PDF link included.
Weekday lunch specials available Monday–Friday until 3PM — starting from $8.59. Some options include gluten-sensitive choices.
Your most common questions about gluten-free dining at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen