Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom Vs Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion: Is There Any Difference?

Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse are two chains that evoke two very different parts of the world. Additionally, both are well-known for serving fried onion appetizers to customers. But what's the real difference between Outback's Bloomin' Onion and Texas Roadhouse's Cactus Blossom? It turns out the taste of the coating (and the dipping sauces) makes all the difference.

While both blooms are spice-forward, the Cactus Blossom leans on its Cajun Horseradish Sauce to rival the famous Outback Steakhouse dish. The Bloomin' Sauce served with the Bloomin' Onion is spicy and boasts its own horseradish-based kick as well, but it is creamier with a slightly sweeter flavor to it. The breading and blossom at large also reflect this, adding peppery and paprika-like notes to the proceedings. That said, Texas Roadhouse's Cajun Horseradish Sauce has more of a sour cream and mayonnaise base, with a tart and savory lean.

The Cactus Blossom itself is a lighter, airier experience than the Outback offering, with a less greasy mouthfeel and savory breading that leans more toward a salty taste. But besides the way the two appetizers are sauced and seasoned, it's also worth noting that the Cactus Blossom is fork-tender and easy to pull apart. Conversely, the Bloomin' Onion has a tendency to shed its exterior breading when a chunk is pulled from the pile due to its comparative greasiness.

When it comes to price, it turns out one chain puts out a slightly cheaper onion blossom — at least, based on East Cost location prices. At Texas Roadhouse, the Cactus Blossom costs $9.99. At Outback, the Bloomin' Onion at Outback goes for $10.99. It's a slim margin, but one possibly explained by the widespread belief that Bloomin' Onion is slightly bigger. Per Outback's website, this appetizer reportedly weighs a pound each after it's been fried up, while Texas Roadhouse lists no official size for its similar appetizer.

But how do diners feel about the two different onion apps? Some might say Outback just plain does it better than Texas Roadhouse when it comes to fried onions. On the other hand, others may claim that Texas Roadhouse outshines Outback here. But which stands taller among fast food fans and aficionados? On one Facebook post comparing the two appetizers, thoughts were mixed.

"Outback but only fresh and hot," one user said. "Outback definitely has the better Bloomin' Onion, but [Texas Roadhouse] has the better steaks," remarked another. But not every comment fell in favor of the Aussie-flavored chain. "Outback is always so greasy!" one Facebook user added, with yet another on the same post adding, "I like the Texas Roadhouse better." The thorough divide just goes to show how deeply popular both options are, even with the differences between them.