Cactus Blossom Price, Calories & Nutrition 2025 | Texas Roadhouse Menu

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Cactus Blossom

Craving something crispy, golden, and big enough to share? The Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom is the appetizer that steals the show every time. This giant, deep-fried onion is sliced to bloom like a flower, battered to perfection, and served with a bold Cajun-spiced dipping sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. 

It’s a Texas-sized starter that’s crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and downright addictive when dipped. Often compared to Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion, the Cactus Blossom has its own unique flavor and flair, making it a must-try for anyone who loves bold, shareable comfort food.

While lighter picks like the Grilled Salmon at Texas Roadhouse balance the menu and sweet treats like the Big Ol’ Brownie seal the deal, the Cactus Blossom sets the tone for a fun, flavor-packed meal right from the start.

What is the Cactus Blossom at Texas Roadhouse?

The Cactus Blossom is Texas Roadhouse’s famous fried onion appetizer, similar to a blooming onion but with its own unique twist. It’s a massive, hand-battered onion fried to golden perfection and served with a zesty Cajun-style dipping sauce. Designed for sharing, this dish is crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and packs a flavorful kick that makes it one of the most popular starters on the Texas Roadhouse menu.

What is the Cactus Blossom at Texas Roadhouse

Key Features of the Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom

  • Preparation: Whole onion cut into petals, battered, and deep-fried.
  • Dipping Sauce: Served with a creamy horseradish-based sauce.
  • Flavor Profile: Crispy, savory, with a mild spicy kick.
  • Comparison: Similar to Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion but often considered richer in flavor.
  • Availability: A staple appetizer on the Texas Roadhouse menu.
  • Optional Twist: Some guests top it with pulled pork for extra flavor.

Price & Calorie

Item

Price Range

Calories

Cactus Blossom

$9.99 – $12.99

2,250 kcal

Allergen

Wheat/Gluten

Eggs & Milk

Soy

Peanuts/Tree Nuts

Customization Options

Toppings:

  • Cheese: Jack, cheddar, American, or parmesan.
  • Veggies: Sautéed onions, mushrooms, jalapeños.
  • Protein: Pulled pork, bacon, or chili.
  • Sauces: Cajun horseradish dip, gravy, or chili.

Creative Styles:

  • Smothered: Melted Jack cheese and sautéed onions or mushrooms.
  • Poutine-Style: Add gravy or chili for a saucy twist.
  • Pulled Pork Blossom: Topped with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
  • Sides as Toppings: Mushrooms, shrimp, or chili as extras.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient

Amount

Calories

2,250

Total Fat

135g

Saturated Fat

26g

Trans Fat

0g

Cholesterol

15mg

Sodium

5,000mg

Total Carbohydrates

236g

Dietary Fiber

19g

Sugars

36g

Protein

25g

For the complete breakdown, check out the official nutrition facts here.

Temperature

  • Deep Frying: Best fried at 375–400°F for a crispy, golden onion.
  • Reheating: Preheat the oven to 375°F, cover with foil, and heat 10–15 minutes to keep it crunchy.

Best Pairings

While the Cactus Blossom is tasty on its own, the right dips, toppings, and sides can take this Texas Roadhouse favorite to the next level.

  • Dipping Sauces: Comes with Cajun Horseradish; Ranch is a popular swap.
  • Toppings: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and Jack cheese.
  • Smothered Style: Try it with chili or gravy for a poutine-like twist.
  • Sides: Pair with sautéed veggies for balance.

Best Time to Order It

  • Early Dine (Mon–Thu, 3:45–5:30 PM): Enjoy discounted prices during Early Dine hours.
  • Lunch Hours (11 AM–2 PM): A quieter time to enjoy this appetizer without heavy crowds.
  • Avoid Peak Times: Skip weekends, holidays, and game days to reduce wait times.
  • Order First: Since it’s a popular shareable, get it at the start of your meal.

Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom vs Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse

Feature

Cactus Blossom (Texas Roadhouse)

Bloomin’ Onion (Outback)

Prep

Large onion, cut flower-style, battered & deep-fried

Same flower-style, battered & deep-fried

Flavor

Sweet onion with Cajun horseradish (or ranch)

Sweet onion with Outback’s spice blend

Sauce

Cajun horseradish, ranch optional

Creamy horseradish sauce

Customization

Can add pulled pork, cheese, chili, or gravy

Rarely customized

Texture

Crispy outside, sometimes soft center

Crispy with signature seasoning

Price

More affordable

Usually higher-priced

Free Cactus Blossom at Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse sometimes runs promos offering a free Cactus Blossom appetizer with select purchases, loyalty sign-ups, or email deals. Check your local Texas Roadhouse or their official site for current offers.

Copycat Recipe

The Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom is a crispy, golden-fried onion appetizer that looks like a blooming flower and brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. With their famous Cajun horseradish dipping sauce.

Ingredients

For the Onion:

  • 1 extra-large onion
  • Canola oil (for deep frying)

Seasoned Flour Mix:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Onion Batter:

  • ¾ cup flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ cups cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 12 oz beer (for batter)

Dipping Sauce (Cajun Horseradish):

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp horseradish sauce
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sauce: Mix mayo, sour cream, chili sauce, cayenne, and horseradish. Chill until ready to serve.
  • Heat Oil: Preheat fryer or stockpot oil to 375–400°F (190–205°C).
  • Cut Onion: Slice onion into “petals,” leaving the base intact. Remove the center.
  • Coat Onion: Toss in seasoned flour.
  • Make Batter: Mix flour, spices, cornstarch, salt, and beer into a smooth batter.
  • Dip & Fry: Dip floured onion in batter, shake off excess, then fry for ~90 seconds per side.
  • Serve: Spread petals apart, place on a platter, and serve with the Cajun horseradish sauce (or ranch).

Flavor Profile

  • Savory & Spiced: paprika, garlic, and pepper create a bold, seasoned crust.
  • Crispy & Sweet: golden batter with onion’s natural sweetness.
  • Tangy & Zesty: the horseradish sauce adds heat and balance.

Review

  • Taste: Guests love the crispy batter, tender onion, and zesty dipping sauce.
  • Portion Size: Large enough to share, often praised as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Comparison: Many say it’s similar to Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion but with a slightly spicier, bolder flavor.
  • Value: Considered a good deal for the size and shareability.
  • Criticism: Some find it a bit greasy or too heavy to finish alone.
  • Overall: A popular starter for groups, especially when paired with Texas Roadhouse entrées.

FAQs

Yes, the Cactus Blossom at Texas Roadhouse is a fan-favorite appetizer, crispy, golden, and perfect for sharing with their zesty dipping sauce.

The Cactus Blossom dip is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, blending horseradish, chili sauce, and mayo for a bold kick.

The most expensive menu item at Texas Roadhouse is usually the Porterhouse T-Bone steak, a large cut that combines filet and strip steak.

A full Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom packs around 2,250 calories, making it a hearty appetizer best for sharing.

Final Verdict

The Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom is more than just a fried onion, it’s a crispy, golden appetizer packed with bold flavor and the perfect dipping sauce. Whether you order it at the restaurant or make this copycat recipe at home, it’s a crowd-pleasing starter that delivers crunch, spice, and that Texas Roadhouse charm in every bite.

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