Introduction
Let’s be real—sometimes, you don’t just want a meal. You want comfort. That unmistakable, cozy feeling only the right kind of food can deliver. As someone who’s spent years curating menus, tweaking flavors, and obsessing over what makes people light up when they eat, I can tell you: comfort food is an art. And Applebee’s? They’ve mastered it.
Whether you’re celebrating, unwinding, or just treating yourself (because you should), Applebee’s has a lineup packed with heartwarming dishes. But with so many choices, where do you even begin? Let’s dive into the top 5 comfort foods from Applebees menu that, in my experience, never fail to make people happy. (Fair warning: reading this might cause serious cravings.)
Top 5 Comfort Foods from Applebee’s Menu
When it comes to designing menus, I’ve learned one golden rule: Comfort is king. It’s not about fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s about how a dish makes you feel.
And these five Applebee’s picks? They absolutely nail it.
Mozzarella Sticks
As a menu owner, I can tell you—you can never go wrong with mozzarella sticks. Why? Because crispy, golden-brown breading wrapped around stretchy, molten cheese taps straight into childhood memories and late-night snack cravings alike. It’s pure, unpretentious joy.
Applebee’s version delivers exactly what you want: perfectly crunchy outside, melty goodness inside, and that essential marinara sauce for dipping. Behind the scenes tip: In the food world, consistency matters. Applebee’s nails the fry time and cheese pull every single time. That’s harder to achieve than you might think—and they deserve credit for it.
Tex Mex Shrimp Bowl
When I first started building diverse menus, I realized that people crave comfort with a twist sometimes.
That’s where the Tex Mex Shrimp Bowl shines.
Crispy shrimp layered over rice, black beans, fresh corn salsa, pico de gallo, and drizzled with lime crema—it’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that still feels hearty. It’s comfort food that doesn’t sit heavy, which is key for keeping diners happy across seasons.
Plus, every component plays a role: creamy, crunchy, fresh, spicy. That balance? It’s no accident. As a food menu owner, I can tell you—it’s by design.
Bourbon Street Steak
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Steak is sacred.
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak brings that old-school comfort with a bit of showmanship. Served sizzling on a hot plate (which always gets heads turning in a restaurant), it’s drenched in a smoky bourbon glaze that’s just rich enough without overpowering the meat.
Paired with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms and onions, it hits every classic comfort note. In the industry, we call this a full sensory experience—taste, smell, sight, even sound. And it’s a major reason why this dish stays popular year after year.
Impossible Cheeseburger
I’ll be honest: when plant-based burgers first hit the scene, I was skeptical. But the Impossible Cheeseburger at Applebee’s won me over—and that’s saying something.
From a menu owner’s perspective, introducing plant-based options isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about creating dishes that everyone feels good ordering. And this burger delivers.
Juicy, savory, satisfying—everything you want from a classic cheeseburger, with none of the meat guilt. Applebee’s stacks it high with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions inside a buttery brioche bun, making sure the experience matches their regular burger offerings. That attention to detail? It matters.
If you’re trying out plant-based options but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, trust me—you’re in safe hands here.
Blackened Shrimp Alfredo
As someone who’s developed a lot of pasta dishes for menus, I can say this without hesitation: People love creamy Alfredo. It’s universal.
Applebee’s Blackened Shrimp Alfredo takes that creamy richness and elevates it with spiced, flavorful shrimp. The blackening seasoning adds just the right hint of heat, balancing the buttery sauce and tender fettuccine.
It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want people to slow down, savor every bite, and maybe even forget they had a stressful day. And that? That’s real comfort food magic.
Which is your favorite from the above options?
Picking a favorite feels a little like picking a favorite child (or favorite dish from your own restaurant menu—basically impossible).
Are you a Mozzarella Stick loyalist, loving every cheesy bite? Or does the sizzle and drama of the Bourbon Street Steak win your heart?
Personally, on a rainy day, I’m all about the Blackened Shrimp Alfredo. Creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
(But ask me tomorrow, and I might tell you it’s the Tex Mex Shrimp Bowl. It’s complicated.)
FAQs – Applebee’s Menu
Q: Are there vegetarian options at Applebee’s?
A: Yes, and they’re legit good! The Impossible Cheeseburger is a standout, and you can customize a lot of dishes to be plant-friendly. Always worth asking your server—they’re pretty flexible.
Q: Does Applebee’s offer takeout and delivery?
A: Absolutely. As someone who has built menus for delivery platforms, I can tell you: Applebee’s dishes hold up surprisingly well for takeout. (Just eat the Mozzarella Sticks fast if you want maximum crunch.)
Q: Can I customize my order?
A: For sure! One thing Applebee’s understands—comfort is personal. Whether it’s swapping sides, adjusting spice levels, or asking for sauce on the side, they’re usually more than happy to accommodate.
Q: What’s the best value meal at Applebee’s?
A: The 2 for $25 is a no-brainer for value. From a food cost perspective? It’s a steal. Full meals, real portions, shareable happiness.
Conclusion
If you ask me, designing a great menu is about more than just filling plates—it’s about creating moments. And Applebee’s does just that. From Mozzarella Sticks that transport you back to carefree days, to Bourbon Street Steak that feels like a well-earned celebration, these comfort dishes hit the heart as much as they hit the stomach.
Whether you’re grabbing a cozy dinner after a long week or treating yourself because you deserve it (spoiler: you do), Applebee’s comfort food lineup has you covered. So next time you walk through those doors—or hit “order now” from your couch—you’ll know exactly where to start.
