Psst: There’s a Cheesecake Factory Secret Menu (and Here Are 7 Must-Try Items)

I’m well acquainted with The Cheesecake Factory’s famously long menu. I’m no stranger to the happy hour fried macaroni and cheese, and I’ve also tasted and ranked every flavor of cheesecake, for science. Despite there being roughly 250 dishes to order (yes, you read that right), fans continue to dream up additional customizations that gain popularity through social media and word of mouth.

While there isn’t an official Cheesecake Factory secret menu, here are seven of the most popular recs out there that make the unofficial cut. Favorites range from brown bread sandwiches to cheesecake sundaes (and I’m personally most psyched about hot chicken-topped Caesar salad).

• Modifications: ask for brown bread in place of whatever bread comes with your sandwich

It’s 2025—of course Cheesecake Factory sells its cult-beloved brown bread at the supermarket. If you’re dining in though, you can substitute whatever bread your sandwich comes on with the famous starter. According to Tasting Table, restos keeps sandwich loaves of the stuff on hand because of how common this request is, so don’t be shy.

• Modifications: ask to substitute the included pasta sauce with another on (or off) the menu

The menu has nearly 20 pasta dishes, and those in the know are hip to mixing and matching noodle types, proteins and mix-ins to their liking. But most intriguing to me is the array of pasta sauces that you can request, according to Jolene. If you like it hot, opt for the spicy arrabiata blend. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, roasted garlic cream is the way to go. To keep things light, try the Mediterranean herb fusion on for size.

• Modifications: ask to add Buffalo chicken strips or Chicken Littles with a side of Buffalo sauce to your nachos

The Cheesecake Factory offers two varieties of nachos, one with ahi tuna over crispy wonton chips and another over tortilla chips with traditional fixings. If you order the classic kind, you can ask for them to be crowned with Buffalo chicken strips or Chicken Littles—aka breaded, fried chicken tenderloins—and a side of Buffalo sauce. This was originally a menu hack discovered by a TikTok creator who used them to spice up his mac and cheese.

• Modifications: order a Caesar salad with Louisiana-style chicken and caramelized onions

Isn’t it the best when a secret menu darling makes it to the big leagues as an official menu item? This TikTok-famous Cheesecake Factory hack was briefly onboarded at peak virality, with the chain making it available exclusively for pickup from the restaurant or through DoorDash. While this promotion has ended, you can still ask for Louisiana chicken (which is Parmesan-crusted and typically served with pasta) and caramelized onions on your Caesar salad.

• Modifications: ask your server for a side or drizzle of truffle oil

If you’re someone who loves all things truffle, this premium add-on should be on your radar. Granted it may not be in stock 24/7, but it’s worth asking your server if they have some on hand. It’ll enhance everything from pasta to salad to soup. (I also encourage you to ask for a side of truffle-infused honey, which the resto should have on deck for its crispy truffle honey chicken.)

• Modifications: ask your server for alternative toppings, buns or proteins of your choice

Also according to Jolene, the Cheesecake Factory offers a range of custom patties, toppings, cheeses and buns for its handhelds. For instance, the official menu already includes turkey, house veggie and Impossible burgers in addition to beef. But you can allegedly ask for the patties to be infused with fresh jalapeños, mushrooms or truffle oil, for instance, or substitute a lettuce wrap for a regular bun. The possibilities are endless—simply ask your server for a full rundown of options. (Speaking of, did you know the menu features more than 100 varieties of house-made sauces and dips, in case you feel like customizing further?)