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The Cheesecake Factory is a nationwide restaurant chain that’s beloved by many. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a polite waitstaff and a huge menu. There are countless items to choose from. You could go to The Cheesecake Factory every weekend and always have something different. However, not all dishes on that menu are created equal. There are many tasty dishes, but there are many other Cheesecake Factory menu items to avoid.
Many of the avoidable dishes on this list are here because they’re packed with fat, sugar, and calories. We’re talking about dishes like the barbecue ranch chicken salad, the bacon-bacon cheeseburger, and the macaroni and cheese. With that said, there are also many tasty meals and desserts to try, like the spicy chicken sandwich and fresh strawberry cheesecake. Use this list next time you go to The Cheesecake Factory and order with caution.
Steer clear of the Barbeque Ranch Chicken Salad.
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One menu item from the Cheesecake Factory that you should steer clear of is the Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad. Don't be fooled by the inclusion of "salad" in its name; it doesn’t necessarily mean it's a healthy choice. In reality, it leans more towards the unhealthy side. Although it contains some nutritious ingredients like cucumber, lettuce, and avocado, the negatives outweigh the positives. With the ranch dressing and chicken, you’ll end up consuming a staggering 124 grams of fat, 1,980 calories, and 2,710 milligrams of sodium. If you do decide to order it, consider sharing it with others to lighten the load.
Steer clear of the Fried Shrimp Platter.
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A person with good intentions might choose the fried shrimp platter, believing it's a nutritious option. They could be partially correct. Fresh shrimp are indeed low in calories and packed with antioxidants. However, as soon as the shrimp are coated in batter and fried, everything changes. This specific fried shrimp platter packs a staggering 104 grams of fat, 1,920 calories, and 3,140 milligrams of sodium. That's quite excessive for a dish of its size, so it's best to steer clear of it.
Steer clear of the Bacon-Bacon Cheeseburger.
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One more item to steer clear of on the Cheesecake Factory menu is the bacon-bacon cheeseburger. Unlike some of the misleading options listed here, this burger is straightforward about what it offers, and it's clear that it's not a healthy choice. It's important to be cautious with bacon, and this sandwich features it prominently. With the addition of bacon, cheese, and all the toppings, you're facing a whopping 1,680 calories and 116 grams of saturated fat—significantly more than a Big Mac from McDonald's.
Steer clear of the Ultimate Red Velvet Cake.
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Indeed, it can be tough to visit the Cheesecake Factory and not indulge in a slice of cheesecake. However, it's wise to be cautious about your choices. Pay particular attention to desserts that include the word "Ultimate" in their name. This specific cheesecake is a blend of traditional cheesecake and red velvet cake, resulting in a staggering 1,580 calories, 122 grams of sugar, and 350 milligrams of cholesterol in just one slice. While it may appear delicious, don't let its looks deceive you.
Steer clear of the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.
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This is yet another dish where the name is a bit deceiving. Yes, it contains the word “broccoli,” but that doesn’t make it healthy. That part may be okay, but you have to be careful with pasta dishes. In this case, the dish has 22 grams of saturated fat, 1,360 calories, and an incredible 5,890 mg of sodium. That’s way more sodium than you should have in a single day. Doctors recommend 2,300 mg of sodium daily.
Steer clear of Sheila's Chicken and Avocado Salad.
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At first sight, Sheila's Chicken and Avocado Salad appears to be a nutritious choice. Nonetheless, it's advisable to steer clear of this item on the Cheesecake Factory menu. While the grilled chicken, avocado, and a generous serving of mixed greens are indeed healthy components, the real concern lies in the honey-peanut vinaigrette that drizzles over the salad. This dressing packs a staggering 56 grams of sugar, an alarming quantity to consume in a single meal. Additionally, it contributes to a staggering total of 1,840 calories and 129 grams of fat.
Steer clear of the Macaroni and Cheese.
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Technically, this macaroni and cheese is on the kid’s menu, but avoid ordering it for them or yourself. Mac and cheese has always seemed harmless, but it can be very unhealthy, especially in large servings. This offering from the Cheesecake Factory is covered with Alfredo sauce. When all is said and done, you’ll be eating 1,810 calories, which is the equivalent of eating close to 40 chicken McNuggets. Just think, you’re giving your kids that meal, so you may want to reconsider.
Steer Clear of the Chicken and Biscuits
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Chicken and biscuits might appear to be a comforting and tasty home-cooked dish, but it’s advisable to steer clear of it at the Cheesecake Factory. This meal is quite substantial, packed with chicken, dense biscuits, and rich gravy. By the time you finish, you’ll have taken in a staggering 89 grams of fat, 1,610 calories, and 3,170 mg of sodium. The portion size is overwhelming. While it may be enjoyable in the moment, you’ll likely have second thoughts afterwards.
Steer clear of the Orange Chicken.
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Ultimately, one dish from the Cheesecake Factory menu that you should steer clear of is the orange chicken. The standout feature of this recipe is the deep-fried chicken, which contributes significantly to potential health problems. Besides the high fat content, the dish is also loaded with sugar—an astonishing 77 grams, exceeding the recommended amount for a single serving. Additionally, it packs in 59 grams of fat. By the time you reach the end of your meal, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by this dish.
Give the Strawberry Cheesecake a try!
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A visit to the Cheesecake Factory wouldn’t be complete without trying a slice of their famous cheesecake. While it may not be the healthiest option, indulging every now and then is perfectly fine. The strawberry cheesecake stands out with its fresh flavor. The crust boasts a delightful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the cheesecake is decadently rich and smooth. To top it all off, it’s garnished with glazed strawberries that bring a refreshing brightness to each bite.
Give the Steak Diane a try!
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Steak Diane is famous for its sauce. The sauce is made from over 10 different ingredients, including molasses, mushrooms, and anchovies. The steak Diane at Cheesecake Factory is incredible. It has that awesome sauce, plus the steak itself is seasoned perfectly. The dish comes with a side of mashed potatoes that are also unbelievable. They are incredibly creamy, and they melt in your mouth.
Give the Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich a try!
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You can find a spicy chicken sandwich at numerous eateries, but few can rival the delicious version served at the Cheesecake Factory. When placing your order, you can select between chipotle mayo or spicy buffalo sauce, and for a true indulgence, consider ordering both to experience each flavor. The chicken is exceptionally tender and juicy, delivering an amazing crunch with every bite. Topping it all off is a layer of melted jack cheese, making it the ideal finishing touch for this mouthwatering meal.
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