We Tasted Cheesecake Factory’s New Menu—And This Is Hands Down the Perfect Order
Indecisive eaters are going to need a minute—or 20—before sitting down to eat at Cheesecake Factory. The California-based chain is known for its catalog-like menu, which boasts up to 250 items, and just when you think you know what you’re going to order (the Thai Lettuce Wraps…no, wait, the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta!), it changes. So, when I heard the brand added 16 entrees and sides to its roster, I had to know: What’s worth ordering?! And, because taste is subjective, I shared the spoils with more than a dozen editors, getting their input. We didn’t sample every dish, but of the several we tried, the votes were tied three ways. And it just so happens that with those combined, you have one complete (albeit very filling) meal.
The Coolest New Foods and Drinks Hitting Stores Right Now
What to Order from Cheesecake Factory’s Spring 2024 Menu
3. Paradise Punch
Coolest New Drink
Cheesecake Factory
Want to feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re in the middle of a mall in New Jersey? (Or, in our case, a conference room in the middle of the work day?) Order this non-alcoholic, surprisingly Instagrammable drink, which takes on a magenta-ish hue, thanks to its combination of citrus, pomegranate and pineapple juices. It’s on the sweeter side, but not cloyingly so, earning rave reviews for its crisp, tropical flavor.
2. Mexicali Salad
The Best New Entrée
Cheesecake Factory
I know, I know—I’m telling you to order a salad when there are dishes like Cajun Salmon and creamy, Italian Sausage and Fresh Mushroom Rigatoni on the menu. I’m as surprised as you are, but our team couldn’t get enough of this salad’s fresh flavors. It’s by no means diet food—the dish will set you back 930 calories—but that’s not what we’re here for anyway. It boasts major flavor and crunch, thanks to the combo of fire-roasted corn, jicama, diced onion, white beans, pepitas and avocado, all tossed with mixed greens and coated with a chile-lime vinaigrette and Cotija cheese.
You can choose to get it topped with a protein, like steak, shrimp, chicken or salmon, though we loved it as is. It’s zesty and refreshing, with a little creaminess from the beans and avocado, making it a nice palate cleanser before dessert.
1. Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake
The Reigning Champion
Cheesecake Factory
Personally, I’m a Cookie Dough Lover’s Cheesecake with Pecans stan, but that’s just because I love gobs of cookie dough and feeling vaguely rebellious (“yes, Mom, I am eating cookie dough!”) in a completely nonthreatening way (“yes, Mom, it is safe to consume…”). But the votes won out, and by and large, people went wild for the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake.
It’s been around for a few years, though we felt the need to call it out from the sea of cheesecake options because it’s that good. “I don’t even like Oreos and I can’t stop eating it,” one PureWow editor confessed. It starts with a layer of decadent, Bruce Bogtrotter-worthy chocolate cake, topped with a fudgy layer of whipped ganache, then cheesecake studded with whole Oreos—that soften in the cheesecake like Nilla wafers in banana pudding—and it doesn’t stop there. The whole thing’s topped with cookies and cream mouse and gilded with ganache. You might need to take breaks between bites, it’s so rich, and you’ll definitely want to share.
Candace Davison
If you’re not sold on our perfect order (fiiine), here are some other menu items worth considering:
Loaded Mashed Potato Omelette — Oh, you thought The Bear’s potato chip-topped omelette was a surprising mashup? Cheesecake Factory one-ups the show with a fluffy egg pocket filled with mashed potatoes, bacon, grilled onions and Monterey Jack cheese.
Bistro Burger — Ketchup and mustard is fine, until you top a patty with bacon, caramelized onions, arugula, steak sauce and garlic aioli.
Spicy Cashew Chicken — If you prefer dishes with a little kick, look no further. Spicy, crispy chicken is served on a bed of rice with snow peas, mushrooms, green onions, roasted cashews and a dusting of sesame seeds.
Just be sure to wear your stretchy pants. Or your comfiest Cake Merch (which is, BTW, a thing, if you want to wear your love of CF on your sleeve—or tote bag).
