Cookout Tray Price & Menu 2026 – The Ultimate Guide to Affordable, Flavorful Meals
The Cookout Tray is a mini buffet featuring a main entrée, 2 sides, and a drink. Regular trays run $5.25–$7.69 and Jr. Trays run $4.69–$6.49. Choose from mains like the Big Double Burger, Cajun Chicken, or Quesadillas, paired with sides like fries, hushpuppies, or chicken nuggets, and a drink like Cheerwine or a milkshake.
What Is a Cookout Tray?
A Cook out Tray is the signature value meal at Cook Out, a popular fast food chain across the Southern US. You choose one main dish, two sides, and a drink — all for one low price, with full freedom to mix and match.
Mains include burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, BBQ, and quesadillas. Sides range from Cajun fries and hushpuppies to onion rings and wraps. Drinks include soft drinks, sweet tea, or an upgrade to one of Cook Out’s famous milkshakes in over 40 flavors. Regular trays run $5.25–$7.69; Jr. Trays cost $4.69–$6.49.
Cookout Tray Menu Prices (Updated for 2026)
A regular tray now costs between $6.29 and $7.49, while the Jr. Tray runs $4.99 to $5.99 depending on location. Each price includes one main entrée, two sides, and a drink. Add $1.60 to upgrade your drink to a milkshake.
| Entrée | Price (USD) |
| 2 Pieces Hot Dogs | $4.99 |
| Big Double Burger | $4.99 |
| Quesadilla (Chicken/Beef) | $4.99 |
| Regular Pork Barbecue | $4.99 |
| 3 Pieces Chicken Strips | $4.99 |
| Regular Hamburger | $4.99 |
| BBQ Char-Grilled Chicken | $4.99 |
| Spicy Chicken | $4.99 |
| Cajun Chicken | $4.99 |
| Regular Style Chicken | $4.99 |
Regular Cookout Tray
The Regular Cookout Tray is the full-size option for hungry customers. Pick one main — such as the Big Double Burger, Cajun Chicken, BBQ, or 3 Chicken Strips — then choose two sides from options like Cajun fries, hushpuppies, onion rings, or a bacon wrap. Priced between $6.29 and $7.49, it delivers a filling Southern meal at a fraction of what other chains charge.
Junior Cookout Tray
The Cookout JR Tray price follows the same formula — one main, two sides, and a drink — with smaller portions and a lower price, making it ideal for kids, light eaters, or budget-conscious customers.
Main options include a small burger, 2 chicken strips, 2 corn dogs, a BLT sandwich, 1 hot dog, or a single quesadilla. The side menu mirrors the regular tray. Upgrade to a milkshake for an extra $1.60. Prices average $4.99–$5.99.
| Category | Item & Calories |
| Choose One Main | Small Burger – 240 cal |
| 2 Chicken Strips – 440 cal | |
| 2 Corn Dogs – 440 cal | |
| BLT Sandwich – 400 cal | |
| 1 Hot Dog – 260 cal | |
| 1 Chicken/Beef Quesadilla – 220–260 cal | |
| Choose Two Sides | Bacon Wrap – 420 cal |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites – 190 cal | |
| Chicken Nuggets – 150 cal | |
| Chicken Wrap – 520 cal | |
| Corn Dog – 220 cal | |
| Fries – 350 cal | |
| Hush Puppies – 300 cal | |
| Onion Rings – 130 cal | |
| Quesadilla – 260 cal | |
| Slaw or Chili – 100–170 cal | |
| Choose a Beverage | Large Drink – 290 cal |
| Huge Tea – 390 cal | |
| Dasani 20 oz. Water Bottle – 0 cal | |
| Cheerwine Float – 380 cal | |
| Coke Float – 380 cal | |
| Regular Shake – 510–900 cal |
Regular vs. JR Tray: Which One Wins?
The right tray depends on your appetite and budget.
The Regular Tray ($6.29–$7.49) suits bigger appetites — larger mains like the Big Double Burger or 3 Chicken Strips, plus two sides and a drink. Expect 330–900+ calories depending on your choices.
The Jr. Tray ($4.99–$5.99) is better for lighter meals or smaller budgets. Portions are smaller — think small burger or 2 chicken strips — but the side variety and customization remain the same. Calories range from 220 to 600+.
Both offer outstanding value. Go Regular if you’re hungry, Jr. if you want the same Southern flavors for less.
Design Your Own Cook out Tray
Cook Out lets you build your tray from scratch rather than settling for a preset combo.
Step 1 – Choose your main: Big Double Burger, Cajun Chicken, BBQ, 2 hot dogs, a quesadilla — whatever you’re craving.
Step 2 – Pick your two sides: Go classic with fries and hushpuppies, or mix it up with onion rings, a bacon wrap, or chicken nuggets. You can also double up on a single side — order Cajun fries twice and get a double portion.
Step 3 – Select your drink: Large soda, huge tea, or bottled water are included. Upgrade to a milkshake for just $1.60 extra. With over 40 flavors — Oreo, Peanut Butter Fudge, fresh peach, and more — it’s an easy upgrade worth making.
Pick the Perfect Main Dish
| Main Dish | Calories |
| Big Double Burger | 520 cal |
| Small Burger | 240 cal |
| Cookout Style Hot Dog | 390 cal |
| Corn Dog | 220 cal |
| Chicken Sandwich | 680 cal |
| Chicken Strip Snack | 660 cal |
| Cajun Style Breast | 380 cal |
| BLT Sandwich | 400 cal |
| Chicken Quesadilla | 220 cal |
| Bacon Ranch Wrap | 420 cal |
Tip: For lighter meals, look at Jr. Tray mains — same great flavor, fewer calories.
Pick the Perfect Sides
| Side Dish | Calories |
| Cajun Fries | 350 cal |
| Regular Fries | 350 cal |
| Hushpuppies | 590 cal |
| Onion Rings | 260 cal |
| Homemade Slaw | 40 cal |
Pick the Perfect Drink
| Drink | Size | Calories |
| Cheerwine | 16 oz | — |
| Large Cheerwine | 32 oz | — |
| Coca Cola | 16 oz | — |
| Huge Coca Cola | 32 oz | — |
| Fresh Brewed Tea | 16 oz | — |
| Huge Tea | 32.9 oz | 390 cal |
| Dasani Water | 20 oz | 0 cal |
Cookout Tray Double-Up Drink & Milkshake Flavors
For just $1.60 extra, swap your standard drink for a milkshake or float. Cook Out offers 40+ milkshake flavors, and you can mix two flavors in a single shake — just ask.
| Flavor | What Makes It Special |
| Vanilla | Classic, smooth, and universally loved |
| Chocolate | Rich and creamy |
| Strawberry | Sweet and fruity |
| Banana | Smooth and tropical |
| Peach | Refreshing, great in summer |
| Oreo | Real cookie pieces blended in |
| Reese’s | Peanut butter with candy chunks |
| Snickers | Chocolate, caramel, and peanuts |
| Mint Chocolate Chip | Fresh mint with chocolate bits |
| Peanut Butter Fudge | Decadent fudge and peanut butter combo |
| M&M’s | Colorful candy pieces in creamy vanilla |
| Cheesecake | Dessert flavor in shake form |
| Banana Pudding | A Southern classic |
| Watermelon | Light and refreshing |
| Pineapple | Sweet tropical twist |
You can also upgrade to a Cheerwine or Coke float — vanilla ice cream blended with soda for a fizzy, creamy result.
Popular Cookout Items and Combos
With so many ways to build your Cookout tray, deciding what to order can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we have done the hard work for you. Over the years, loyal fans have discovered some combinations that simply hit different. These are the popular Cookout items and combos that keep people coming back again and again.
Whether you want something smoky, spicy, or sweet, there is a fan-favorite combo waiting for you.
Top Cookout Tray Combos
Here are the most-loved tray combinations recommended by Cook Out regulars:
| Combo Name | Main Dish | Sides | Drink | Why Fans Love It |
| The Classic Cookout | Big Double Burger | Cajun Fries + Onion Rings | Sweet Tea | Perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet |
| Southern BBQ Feast | Regular Pork Barbecue | Hushpuppies + Slaw | Cheerwine Float | Smoky BBQ with authentic Southern sides |
| Chicken Lover’s Special | Cajun Chicken Sandwich | Fries + Chicken Wrap | Coke Float | Double the chicken, double the flavor |
| Late-Night Value Tray | 2 Corn Dogs | Fries + Cheese Bites | Large Drink | Quick, cheap, and satisfying |
| Spicy Deluxe Combo | Spicy Chicken Breast | Cajun Fries + Quesadilla | Chocolate Shake | Bold heat balanced by a creamy shake |
| The Ultimate Feast | Big Double Burger | Cajun Fries + Corn Dog | Peanut Butter Fudge Shake | Big portions and big flavors |
| Wrap Master Combo | Chicken Quesadilla | Bacon Wrap + Onion Rings | Banana Milkshake | Wrap-on-wrap with a fruity finish |
The Famous Bacon Ranch Wrap
The Cookout Bacon Ranch Wrap features grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and fresh veggies in a soft tortilla — around 420 calories. It works well as a side or a light main. Pair it with Cajun fries and a Cheerwine float for one of the best value combos on the menu.
Must-Try Individual Items
Sometimes you just want to know what is good on its own. Here are the popular Cookout items customers order most:
| Item | Why It’s a Fan Favorite |
| Big Double Burger | Two beef patties, fresh toppings, melted cheese |
| Cajun Chicken | Bold seasoning that keeps customers coming back |
| Char-Grilled Hot Dog | Smoky flavor, customizable toppings |
| Chicken Strips | Consistently crispy, great with honey mustard |
| Hushpuppies | Sweet, fried cornmeal — a true Southern staple |
| Cheerwine | A regional cherry soda not found everywhere |
| Cajun Fries | Seasoned fries widely regarded as some of the best in fast food |
Secret Menu Combinations
Feeling adventurous? Cook Out has an unofficial secret menu that fans have created over the years. Here are a few to try on your next visit:
| Secret Combo | How to Order It |
| Cajun Cheese Fries | Order fries and ask for Cajun seasoning plus cheese on top |
| Hushpuppy Sauce | Ask at the window — rare but available at some locations |
| The Trash Can | A massive multi-meat combo popular in North Carolina |
| Milkshake Mix | Ask for half Oreo, half Peanut Butter Fudge blended together |
| Chicken Strip Wrap | Order a chicken wrap but request chicken strips instead of grilled chicken |
Tips for Cookout Tray Menu
Want to get the most out of your Cookout experience? A few simple tricks can take your meal from good to legendary. These tips come straight from longtime fans who have mastered the art of ordering at Cook Out. Use them on your next visit and thank us later.
Double Up
You can select the same item twice for both of your side slots. Love Cajun fries? Order a double portion. This is one of the most underused options on the menu, ask about it when ordering.
Secret Menu
Cook Out has an unofficial secret menu built by fans over the years. Items like Cajun cheese fries and the North Carolina-famous Trash Can aren’t on the board, but many locations will make them. Online forums are a good resource for discovering the latest fan-created combinations.
Hushpuppy Sauce
This off-menu dipping sauce is creamy, tangy, and pairs well with fries, onion rings, and hushpuppies. Not every location carries it, but it’s worth asking for.
Customize Your Burger
Cook Out lets you customize your burger at no extra cost. Choose from styles like Cheddar Style or Steak Style, and add free toppings including mayo, ketchup, mustard, onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
How Much Is a Cookout Tray After Tax?
Base prices range from $4.39 to $6.99 before tax. With an average local sales tax of around 7%, here’s what you’ll pay:
| Tray Type | Base Price | Estimated Tax (7%) | Total After Tax |
| Junior Tray | $4.39–$5.99 | $0.31–$0.42 | $4.70–$6.41 |
| Regular Tray | $5.99–$6.99 | $0.42–$0.49 | $6.41–$7.48 |
| Overall Range | $4.39–$6.99 | $0.31–$0.49 | $4.99–$7.48 |
Tax rates vary by state, so your final total may differ slightly. Either way, the full meal lands well under $8.
New Cook out Tray Menu List 2026–27
Cook Out keeps things simple but satisfying. The menu has stayed true to its Southern roots while offering enough variety to keep customers coming back. Here is the full breakdown of everything you can build your tray around for 2026-27.
Entrées
Your main dish sets the tone for the whole meal. Whether you want beef, chicken, pork, or something in between, Cook Out has you covered. Here is every entrée available for your tray:
| Category | Entrée Options |
| Hamburgers | Cheeseburger, Bacon Burger, Cheddar Style Burger, Steak Style Burger, Big Double Burger, Small Burger |
| Chicken | Spicy Chicken, Cajun Chicken, Regular Chicken, BBQ Char-Grilled Chicken, Chicken Strips (2 or 3 pieces), Chicken Strip Sandwich |
| Hot Dogs | Regular Hot Dog, Cheddar Style Hot Dog, Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog, Mexi Hot Dog, Corn Dog, Chili Dog, Mustard Relish Dog |
| BBQ | Regular Pork Barbecue, BBQ Plate, BBQ Sandwich |
| Quesadillas | Chicken Quesadilla, Beef Quesadilla, Cheese Quesadilla |
| Wraps & Sandwiches | Chicken Wrap (Ranch, Cajun, or Honey Mustard), Bacon Ranch Wrap, BLT Sandwich |
Sides
The sides are what make a Cookout tray feel like a feast. You get to pick two, and you can always double up if one side has your heart. Here is the full lineup:
| Side Dish | Description |
| Fries | Classic golden fries |
| Cajun Fries | Spicy Cajun-seasoned fries — a fan favorite |
| Hushpuppies | Fried cornmeal balls, sweet inside — a Southern classic |
| Onion Rings | Thick-cut, battered, and fried golden |
| Corn Dog | Mini corn dog available as a side |
| Chicken Nuggets | Bite-sized crispy chicken pieces |
| Bacon Wrap | Grilled chicken, bacon, and ranch in a tortilla |
| Chicken Wrap | Ranch, Cajun, or Honey Mustard |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | Gooey cheese in a crispy shell |
| Quesadilla | Small cheese quesadilla |
| Coleslaw | Creamy and tangy, pairs well with BBQ |
| Chili | Hearty meat chili, good for dipping or topping |
Drinks
Wash it all down with something cold. Your tray comes with a standard drink, but you can always upgrade. Here is what is available:
| Drink Category | Options |
| Soft Drinks | Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Fanta, Mello Yello, and more |
| Regional Favorites | Cheerwine, Sundrop |
| Tea | Freshly Brewed Sweet Tea, Unsweetened Tea, Huge Tea (32.9 oz) |
| Water | Dasani Bottled Water (20 oz) |
| Floats | Cheerwine Float, Coke Float |
| Milkshakes | 40+ flavors including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Oreo, Reese’s, Snickers, Peanut Butter Fudge, Mint Chocolate Chip, Banana, Peach, Cheesecake, M&M’s, and more |
Note: Upgrade your drink to a milkshake or float for just $1.60 extra.
Why Should You Try the Cookout Tray?
Still wondering if the Cookout tray lives up to the hype? It absolutely does. This is not just another fast food combo, it is a completely different way of eating out. Here is why you should give it a shot.
Low Cost
For under $8, you get a full meal with a main, two sides, and a drink, comparable to what a single burger costs at most fast food chains.
High-Quality Meals
Food at Cook Out is freshly prepared. Burgers come off the grill, chicken strips are fried to order, and hushpuppies taste homemade. The quality is noticeable.
Range of Options
Few fast food restaurants offer this many categories under one value meal, burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas, and wraps all on the same menu.
Ease of Choice
The tray system simplifies ordering: one main, two sides, one drink. The structure removes decision fatigue while still giving full customization freedom.
Variety on One Plate
A Cookout Tray lets you combine a burger, Cajun fries, hushpuppies, and a Cheerwine in a single order. No other fast food chain packages that kind of variety at this price point.
Customization Option
Every component of the tray is chosen by you. Spicy chicken with onion rings and a bacon wrap? Double hushpuppies with your BBQ? It’s all possible.
Freshly Prepared Items
Cook Out does not use heat lamps. Orders are made fresh, which directly impacts flavor and texture, hot fries, crispy chicken, and melted cheese every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a Cookout tray in 2026?
A regular tray runs $6.29–$7.49. A Jr. tray costs $4.99–$5.99, depending on location.
What’s included in a Cookout tray?
Every tray includes one main dish, two sides, and a drink. Milkshake upgrades are available for $1.60 extra.
Does the Cookout JR Tray come with sides?
Yes — the Jr. Tray includes two sides, the same as the regular size.
Can I customize my Cookout tray?
Yes. You choose your main, two sides, and drink. You can also double up on any side.
Has the Cookout tray price increased recently?
There was a minor increase in 2026, but the meal still comes in under $8 — making it one of the best value meals in fast food.
What sauces does Cookout have?
Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, ketchup, mustard, and the off-menu hushpuppy sauce at select locations.
How much is a Cookout tray with a milkshake?
Add $1.60 to your tray price. A regular tray with a shake runs approximately $7.89–$9.09.
Does Cookout offer breakfast trays?
No. Cook Out does not serve breakfast and offers its standard menu from late morning onward.
Are there vegetarian options in the Cookout Tray?
Yes. A vegetarian tray can be built with a cheese quesadilla as the main and sides like hushpuppies, fries, onion rings, and slaw.
Is the Cookout Tray available all day?
Yes. The full tray menu is available whenever the restaurant is open — typically from late morning until late night.
What size are the drinks in a Cookout tray?
Standard trays come with a large drink (32 oz). You can upgrade to a huge tea (32.9 oz) or a milkshake.
Does Cookout offer discounts for tray orders?
Cook Out rarely runs formal promotions, but the tray format itself represents the best value on the menu.
What’s the difference between a Regular and Jr. Tray?
The Regular Tray has larger portions and more calories. The Jr. Tray is smaller, lighter, and costs approximately $1 less.
Which milkshake flavor is most popular at Cook Out?
Oreo and Peanut Butter Fudge are consistently fan favorites, though preferences vary widely across the 40+ flavor lineup.
Conclusion
The Cookout Tray remains one of the most flexible and affordable value meals in American fast food. For under $8, you get a freshly prepared main, two sides of your choosing, and a drink — or upgrade to a milkshake for just $1.60 more. Whether you prefer the hearty Regular Tray or the lighter Jr. Tray, the combination of Southern flavors, fresh preparation, and genuine customization makes Cook Out worth visiting. Build your tray, try a few combos, and find your personal favorite, that’s exactly what the format is designed for.