Choosing a side can make or break a steak dinner. LongHorn Steakhouse offers a solid lineup, from classic potatoes to roasted vegetables and a rich mac and cheese, and many entrées come with a choice of sides. So which ones are worth it? This guide ranks the best LongHorn sides, explains what each does well, and suggests the best pairing for every popular steak.
These rankings are our editorial opinion, based on flavor, how well each side pairs with steak, consistency, and how well it travels for takeout. Your local LongHorn’s menu may vary, and seasonal sides come and go. For the full list with prices and nutrition, see our LongHorn sides menu. thelonghornsmenu.us is an independent guide and is not affiliated with LongHorn Steakhouse or Darden Restaurants.
Quick ranking
- Loaded Baked Potato
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Steakhouse Mac & Cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- Fresh Steamed Asparagus
- Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Sweet Potato
- Seasoned French Fries
- Seasoned Rice Pilaf
- Fresh Steamed Broccoli
Soups and side salads are covered separately at the end, because they play a different role.
How we ranked the sides
Every side was judged on four things:
- Flavor on its own. Does it taste great even without the steak?
- Pairing. Does it make the steak taste better, through contrast (crunch, freshness, sweetness) or by soaking up juices?
- Consistency. Is it likely to taste the same from visit to visit and location to location? Simple sides like steamed vegetables score well here; fried sides depend more on timing.
- Versatility. Does it work with steak, chicken and seafood, and for kids and adults?
The loaded baked potato scored well in every category, which is why it takes first place. Steamed broccoli scored high on versatility and consistency but low on flavor, which is why it ends the list even though it is a smart healthy choice.
Your own ranking may be different, and that is the point. If you love sweet flavors, move the sweet potato up. If you are counting carbs, the steamed vegetables become your top three. Use this list as a starting point, then build the plate that suits you.
1. Loaded Baked Potato
The loaded baked potato is the classic steakhouse side, and it earns the top spot. A fluffy baked potato loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon is filling, comforting and built to sit beside a steak. It works with every cut, but it is especially good with a lean sirloin, where the richness of the potato balances the steak.
Best with: Renegade Sirloin, New York Strip. Tip: if you want it lighter, ask for toppings on the side so you can add just what you want.
2. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
The crispy Brussels sprouts are the side that converts people who think they do not like Brussels sprouts. Cooked until crisp at the edges, they bring crunch and a deep roasted flavor that contrasts nicely with a juicy steak.
Best with: Outlaw Ribeye, where the crunch cuts through the richness. Tip: they are best eaten right away; the crisp edges soften in a takeout box.
3. Steakhouse Mac & Cheese
The steakhouse mac and cheese is rich, creamy and indulgent. It is a favorite with kids and adults alike. It ranks just below the Brussels sprouts only because it is heavy; pair it with a lighter steak or a vegetable as your second side.
Best with: Flo’s Filet or a grilled chicken entrée. Tip: it reheats well, so it is a good takeout choice.
4. Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are the safe, satisfying choice. They are milder than the loaded potato and soak up steak juices beautifully.
Best with: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, chop steak or any steak with a sauce or topping. Tip: mashed potatoes are a great choice for younger kids.
5. Fresh Steamed Asparagus
Fresh steamed asparagus is the lightest elegant option. It adds color and a fresh, green flavor without weighing you down. It is the go-to side for diners watching carbs.
Best with: Flo’s Filet or LongHorn Salmon. Tip: pair asparagus with a heartier side if you are very hungry.
6. Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob
The fire-grilled corn on the cob picks up smoky char from the grill. It feels like summer on a plate and is a fun, hands-on side for kids.
Best with: baby back ribs or a T-bone. Tip: availability varies by location, so check your local menu.
7. Sweet Potato
The sweet potato is the dessert-like side, loaded with butter and cinnamon sugar. It is a great contrast to a salty, well-seasoned steak, but it is quite sweet, so it is not for everyone.
Best with: a peppery or well-seasoned steak such as the Renegade Sirloin or cowboy pork chops. Tip: ask for toppings on the side if you want to control the sweetness.
8. Seasoned French Fries
The seasoned French fries are crispy and reliable. They are the right choice with burgers and sandwiches, but less special next to a steak.
Best with: the half-pound steakhouse cheeseburger or chicken tenders. Tip: fries lose crispness quickly in takeout boxes; eat them first.
9. Seasoned Rice Pilaf
The seasoned rice pilaf is a mild, comforting side. It works well with seafood and chicken, especially dishes with a sauce, but it is less exciting next to steak.
Best with: Redrock Grilled Shrimp or salmon.
10. Fresh Steamed Broccoli
Fresh steamed broccoli is the plainest option on the list. It ranks last for flavor, but it is a great healthy choice and a smart way to balance a rich meal.
Best with: anything heavy, like the Outlaw Ribeye or the mac and cheese. Tip: add a squeeze of lemon or a little steak butter if you want more flavor.
Soups and salads as a side
At many LongHorn locations you can swap or add a soup or side salad. These are good options if you want a lighter start or a different texture:
- French onion soup: rich and savory, a classic steakhouse starter.
- Loaded potato soup: creamy and filling; skip it if you already ordered a loaded potato.
- Mixed greens salad or Caesar salad: fresh and crunchy, perfect before a steak.
Upgrades may cost extra and vary by location. See our soups and salads pages for more.
The best side combinations
Many LongHorn entrées come with a choice of sides, and many diners add a second, so the real question is which pair to choose. These combinations balance each other:
- Loaded baked potato + steamed asparagus: the classic steakhouse pairing of rich and fresh.
- Mac and cheese + crispy Brussels sprouts: indulgent but with crunch and contrast.
- Mashed potatoes + steamed broccoli: a comforting, balanced plate.
- Sweet potato + Brussels sprouts: sweet and savory together.
- Corn on the cob + fries: a casual, kid-friendly combo.
Avoid doubling up on heavy sides, like a loaded potato with mac and cheese, unless you plan to take leftovers home.
Best sides by steak
| Steak | Best first side | Best second side |
|---|---|---|
| Flo’s Filet | Steamed asparagus | Mashed potatoes |
| Renegade Sirloin | Loaded baked potato | Crispy Brussels sprouts |
| Outlaw Ribeye | Crispy Brussels sprouts | Steamed broccoli |
| New York Strip | Loaded baked potato | Steamed asparagus |
| LongHorn Porterhouse | Mac and cheese | Steamed asparagus |
| T-bone | Corn on the cob | Loaded baked potato |
For help choosing the steak itself, see our ranking of the best steak at LongHorn and our steak guide.
Lighter and special-diet picks
If you are watching calories, carbs or sodium, some sides are easier to fit in than others:
- Lower-carb: steamed asparagus, steamed broccoli and Brussels sprouts (check the item page, since toppings and sauces add carbs). See our keto-friendly menu.
- Higher protein meals: pair a lean steak with two vegetable sides. See the high-protein menu.
- Lower sodium: plain steamed vegetables are usually the best choice. See our low-sodium menu.
Check exact numbers on each item page or with our nutrition calculator. For allergies, see the allergen menu and tell your server.
Kid favorites
For kids, the most popular sides are usually mac and cheese, French fries, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. LongHorn’s kids menu offers its own side options, including Kraft macaroni and cheese.
Best sides for takeout
Some sides travel better than others:
- Travel well: mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, steamed broccoli and the baked potato.
- Best eaten fresh: French fries and crispy Brussels sprouts, which soften in the box.
Our takeout menu post and reheating guide have more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side at LongHorn Steakhouse?
In our ranking, the loaded baked potato takes the top spot, followed closely by the crispy Brussels sprouts and the steakhouse mac and cheese.
What sides does LongHorn have?
LongHorn’s sides typically include the loaded baked potato, mashed potatoes, sweet potato, steamed asparagus, steamed broccoli, crispy Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, seasoned fries, rice pilaf and fire-grilled corn on the cob. Availability varies by location.
What is the healthiest side at LongHorn?
Plain steamed broccoli and steamed asparagus are the lightest choices. Check our nutrition pages for exact numbers.
What side goes best with a filet at LongHorn?
Steamed asparagus with mashed potatoes is a great pairing. The light vegetable and creamy potato complement the tender filet without overpowering it.
Can I substitute a soup or salad for a side?
At many locations, yes, sometimes for an extra charge. Ask your server about the options at your restaurant.
Which LongHorn sides are best for takeout?
Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf and the baked potato travel well. Fries and crispy Brussels sprouts are best eaten fresh.