![Cookout tray with Big Double Burger, Cajun fries, hushpuppies and a drink – 2026 tray price $7.39]](https://thecookoutmenuz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cookout-Tray-Price-Menu-2026-–-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Affordable-Flavorful-Meals.jpg)
The Cookout tray price in 2026 is $7.39 for the Regular Tray and $6.39 for the Junior Tray, before tax. Every tray is one main, two sides and a drink, and you can swap the drink for a milkshake for $1.60 more. With typical sales tax, a Regular Tray comes to roughly $7.85–$8.00 at the register.
Below you will find what each tray includes, how much a Cook Out tray costs after tax, every main and side you can pick, the best combos, and answers to the questions people ask most.
How Much Is a Cookout Tray in 2026?
Here is the full price breakdown. The after-tax column is an estimate using a 6–8% sales tax; your total depends on your state and city.
| Tray | Menu price | Est. after tax | What’s included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Tray | $7.39 | ~$7.85–$8.00 | 1 full-size main + 2 sides + 1 drink |
| Junior Tray | $6.39 | ~$6.80–$6.90 | 1 smaller main + 2 sides + 1 drink |
| Milkshake or float upgrade | +$1.60 | – | Swap the drink for any shake or float |
| Regular Tray + milkshake | $8.39–$8.99 | ~$8.90–$9.70 | Full tray with a 30+ oz hand-spun shake |
| Junior Tray + milkshake | $7.99 | ~$8.45–$8.65 | Smaller tray with a shake |
Prices vary slightly by location, but the tray stays under $8 before tax, and under $9.50 with a milkshake upgrade.
How Much Is a Tray at Cook Out After Tax?
Cook Out lists the tray at $7.39 (Regular) and $6.39 (Junior), and sales tax is added at checkout. At a 6–8% rate, a Regular Tray usually costs about $7.85–$8.00 and a Junior Tray about $6.80–$6.90. Tax rules differ by state and county, so the receipt at your local restaurant is the final word.
What Is a Cookout Tray?
The Cook Out Tray is the signature value meal at Cook Out, the Southern fast food chain. You choose one main, two sides and a drink, 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 and sweet tea, or you can upgrade to one of 40+ milkshake flavors.
Cookout Tray Prices 2026
| Tray | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Tray | $7.39 | 1 full-size main + 2 sides + 1 drink |
| Junior Tray | $6.39 | 1 smaller main + 2 sides + 1 drink |
| Milkshake/float upgrade | +$1.60 | Swap the included drink for any shake or float |
| Regular Tray + milkshake | $8.39–$8.99 | Full tray with a 30+ oz hand-spun shake |
| Junior Tray + milkshake | $7.99 | Smaller tray with a shake |
Prices vary slightly by location, but the tray consistently lands under $8 — and under $9.50 even with a milkshake upgrade.
Cookout Tray Variations — Pick Your Style
The tray is a format, not one fixed combo. These are the main ways regulars order it.
Regular Tray: $7.39
The full-size classic: one hearty main (Big Double Burger, 3 chicken strips, BBQ plate or 2 hot dogs), two full sides and a large drink. This is the tray that made Cook Out famous.
Junior Tray: $6.39
Same formula, smaller main. Think a small burger, 2 chicken strips, 2 corn dogs, a BLT, 1 hot dog or a single quesadilla. Good for kids, lighter appetites, or saving about a dollar.
BBQ Tray: $7.39
Pick any BBQ entrée as the main (Regular Pork Barbecue, BBQ sandwich or BBQ plate), then add hushpuppies and slaw for the smokiest build on the menu.
Milkshake Tray: $8.39–$8.99
Upgrade the drink to any of the 40+ milkshake flavors for $1.60 extra. See every flavor in the Cookout milkshake menu.
Vegetarian Tray: $7.39
A cheese quesadilla as the main, with sides like hushpuppies, fries, onion rings and slaw.
Double-Up Tray: $7.39
Not a menu item, just a strategy: pick the same side twice for a double portion at no extra charge.
Regular vs. Junior Tray: Which Is Better Value?
The Regular Tray ($7.39) suits bigger appetites, with larger mains like the Big Double Burger or 3 chicken strips. Expect roughly 330–900+ calories depending on your picks.
The Junior Tray ($6.39) gives you the same two sides and drink with a smaller main, at about 220–600+ calories. Go Regular if you are hungry and Junior if you want the same Southern flavors for less.
Cookout Tray Mains — Full List
Every main below can anchor your tray at no extra charge.
| Category | Main 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, Cheddar Style, Bacon Cheddar, Mexi, Corn Dog, Chili Dog, Mustard Relish Dog |
| BBQ | Regular Pork Barbecue, BBQ Plate, BBQ Sandwich |
| Quesadillas | Chicken, Beef, Cheese |
| Wraps & sandwiches | Chicken Wrap (Ranch, Cajun or Honey Mustard), Bacon Ranch Wrap, BLT |
Cookout Big Double Burger Tray Price
The Big Double Burger is a tray main, so a Big Double Burger tray costs the Regular Tray price of $7.39 before tax, with two sides and a drink included.
Cookout Plate Price
The BBQ plate is one of the tray mains, so as part of a tray it falls under the same $7.39 price. If you order a plate on its own, the price can vary by location, so check your local menu.
Main Dish Calories
| Main dish | Calories |
|---|---|
| Big Double Burger | 520 |
| Small Burger | 240 |
| Cookout Style Hot Dog | 390 |
| Corn Dog | 220 |
| Chicken Sandwich | 680 |
| Chicken Strip Snack | 660 |
| Cajun Style Chicken Breast | 380 |
| BLT Sandwich | 400 |
| Chicken Quesadilla | 220 |
| Bacon Ranch Wrap | 420 |
Tip: For a lighter meal, start with the Junior Tray mains.
Cookout Tray Sides: Pick Two
| Side | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | Classic golden fries | 350 |
| Cajun Fries | Spicy seasoned fries, a fan favorite | 350 |
| Hushpuppies | Sweet fried cornmeal balls | 300 |
| Onion Rings | Thick-cut and battered | 130 |
| Chicken Nuggets | Bite-sized crispy chicken | 150 |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | Gooey cheese in a crispy shell | 190 |
| Corn Dog | Mini corn dog | 220 |
| Bacon Wrap | Chicken, bacon and ranch in a tortilla | 420 |
| Chicken Wrap | Ranch, Cajun or Honey Mustard | 520 |
| Quesadilla | Small cheese quesadilla | 260 |
| Coleslaw / Chili | Creamy slaw or hearty meat chili | 100–170 |
Looking for onion rings on a Cook Out tray? They are one of the lightest sides at 130 calories, and they work as either or both of your side picks.
Side Dish Calories
| Side Dish | Calories |
|---|---|
| Cajun Fries | 350 cal |
| Regular Fries | 350 cal |
| Hushpuppies | 300 cal |
| Onion Rings | 130 cal |
| Chicken Nuggets | 150 cal |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | 190 cal |
| Corn Dog | 220 cal |
| Bacon Wrap | 420 cal |
| Chicken Wrap | 520 cal |
| Quesadilla | 260 cal |
| Coleslaw or Chili | 100–170 cal |
Cookout Tray Drinks
| Drink type | Options |
|---|---|
| Soft drinks | Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Fanta, Mello Yello and more |
| Regional favorites | Cheerwine, Sundrop |
| Tea | Fresh Sweet Tea, Unsweetened Tea, Huge Tea (32.9 oz) |
| Water | Dasani Bottled Water (20 oz) |
| Floats (+$1.60) | Cheerwine Float, Coke Float |
| Milkshakes (+$1.60) | 40+ flavors including Oreo, Reese’s, Snickers, Peanut Butter Fudge, Mint Chocolate Chip, Banana, Peach, Cheesecake and M&M’s |
See the full Cookout drinks menu for more.
How to Build Your Cook Out Tray in 3 Steps
Step 1: Choose your main. Big Double Burger, Cajun Chicken, BBQ, 2 hot dogs or a quesadilla.
Step 2: Pick two sides. Go classic with fries and hushpuppies, or try onion rings, a bacon wrap or chicken nuggets. Doubling up on one side is allowed.
Step 3: Select your drink. A large soda, huge tea or bottled water is included. A milkshake is $1.60 extra.
Most Popular Cookout Tray Combos
| Combo | Main | Sides | Drink | Why fans love it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Classic Cookout | Big Double Burger | Cajun Fries + Onion Rings | Sweet Tea | Crunchy, spicy and sweet |
| Southern BBQ Feast | Regular Pork Barbecue | Hushpuppies + Slaw | Cheerwine Float | Smoky BBQ with Southern sides |
| Chicken Lover’s Special | Cajun Chicken Sandwich | Fries + Chicken Wrap | Coke Float | Double the chicken |
| Late-Night Value Tray | 2 Corn Dogs | Fries + Cheese Bites | Large Drink | Quick, cheap and filling |
| Spicy Deluxe Combo | Spicy Chicken Breast | Cajun Fries + Quesadilla | Chocolate Shake | Heat balanced by a creamy shake |
| The Ultimate Feast | Big Double Burger | Cajun Fries + Corn Dog | Peanut Butter Fudge Shake | Big portions, big flavor |
| Wrap Master Combo | Chicken Quesadilla | Bacon Wrap + Onion Rings | Banana Milkshake | Wrap-on-wrap with a fruity finish |
Secret Menu Tray Hacks
| Hack | How to order it |
|---|---|
| Cajun Cheese Fries | Ask for Cajun seasoning plus cheese on your fries |
| Hushpuppy Sauce | Ask at the window; available at some locations |
| The Trash Can | A huge multi-meat combo popular in North Carolina |
| Milkshake Mix | Half Oreo, half Peanut Butter Fudge |
| Chicken Strip Wrap | A chicken wrap with strips instead of grilled chicken |
More in the Cookout secret menu.
Must-Try Individual Items
| 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 Tray Hacks
Feeling adventurous? Fans have created unofficial combos over the years:
| Secret Hack | How to Order It |
|---|---|
| Cajun Cheese Fries | Order fries, 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 |
Cookout Tray Deals and Specials
The tray itself is the everyday deal: a full meal for under $8 before tax, which is about what a single burger costs at many chains. Limited-time specials and promotions vary by location, so ask your local Cook Out or check its posted menu before you order. The easiest ways to stretch the value are doubling up on a side or adding a shake for $1.60.
Cookout Tray Hours: What Time Does Cook Out Open and Close?
The tray menu is available whenever your restaurant is open, typically from late morning until 3–4 AM, which makes it a favorite late-night order. Hours differ by location, so check the Cookout hours page or use Find a Cook Out to confirm your nearest closing time.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Tray
- Double up: pick the same side twice for a double portion.
- Customize your burger: choose Cheddar Style or Steak Style and add free toppings such as mayo, ketchup, mustard, onions, lettuce, tomato and pickles.
- Ask about hushpuppy sauce: a creamy, tangy dip that not every location carries.
- Go late-night: the tray is a hot, filling order after most restaurants have closed.
Why the Cookout Tray Is Worth Trying
- Low cost: a main, two sides and a drink for under $8 before tax.
- Freshly prepared: burgers come off the grill and chicken strips are fried to order.
- Wide choice: burgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, quesadillas and wraps on one menu.
- Easy ordering: one main, two sides, one drink, with full customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Cookout tray in 2026?
A Regular Tray is $7.39 and a Junior Tray is $6.39, before tax. Prices vary slightly by location.
How much is a tray at Cook Out?
A tray at Cook Out costs $7.39 (Regular) or $6.39 (Junior), and includes one main, two sides and a drink.
How much is a Cookout tray after tax?
With a typical 6–8% sales tax, a Regular Tray is roughly $7.85–$8.00 and a Junior Tray roughly $6.80–$6.90. Your exact total depends on local tax.
What’s included in a Cookout tray?
One main, two sides and a drink. Milkshake or float upgrades cost $1.60 extra.
How much is a Cookout tray with a milkshake?
Add $1.60: about $8.39–$8.99 for a Regular Tray and $7.99 for a Junior Tray, before tax.
How much is a Big Double Burger tray at Cookout?
The Big Double Burger is a tray main, so the tray is the Regular Tray price of $7.39 before tax.
What is the Cookout plate price?
A BBQ plate as your tray main falls under the $7.39 tray price. A standalone plate can vary by location.
Does the Junior Tray come with sides?
Yes. The Junior Tray has two sides and a drink like the Regular Tray; only the main is smaller.
Can I customize my Cookout tray?
Yes. Choose your main, two sides and drink, and double up on any side for a double portion.
Does Cook Out have tray deals or specials?
The tray is the standing value deal. Limited-time specials vary by location, so ask your local restaurant.
What time does Cook Out open and close?
Most locations open in late morning and close around 3–4 AM. Check the hours page for your location.
What sauces does Cookout have?
Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, ketchup and mustard, plus off-menu hushpuppy sauce at select locations. See the Cookout sauces list.
Does Cookout offer breakfast trays?
No. Cook Out does not serve breakfast.
Are there vegetarian options in the Cookout tray?
Yes. Use a cheese quesadilla as the main with sides like hushpuppies, fries, onion rings and slaw.
What size drink comes with a tray?
A large 32 oz drink is included. You can also get a Huge Tea (32.9 oz) or upgrade to a 30+ oz shake or float.
What’s the difference between a Regular and Junior Tray?
The Regular Tray ($7.39) has a larger main and more calories. The Junior Tray ($6.39) has a smaller main, the same sides, and costs about a dollar less.
Which milkshake goes best with a tray?
Oreo and Peanut Butter Fudge are consistent favorites, but with 40+ flavors it comes down to taste.
Conclusion
The Cookout tray remains one of the most flexible and affordable value meals in fast food. For $7.39 before tax you get a main, two sides and a drink, or add a milkshake for $1.60 more. Whether you go Regular, Junior, BBQ or full milkshake mode, it is an easy way to get a lot of Southern flavor for under $10.