The Cookout tray is one of the best bargains in fast food. For about seven bucks you get a main, two sides, and a drink. Pay a little more and that drink can be a milkshake, which is arguably the smartest upgrade on any cookout menu.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Cookout custom tray in 2025, from sizes and prices to the best combos worth ordering.
What You Get in a Cookout Tray
Every tray starts with a main item, then you pick two sides or swap them for an extra main using the double up option. A drink is included. That’s it. No hidden costs, no confusion, just straightforward choices.
Junior vs Regular Cookout Tray
| Tray Type | Typical Price (2025) | Portion Size | Main Options | Best For |
| Junior Tray | $6.00 – $6.50 | Smaller mains, 2 sides, drink | Small Burger, 2 Chicken Strips, 2 Corn Dogs, BLT, Hot Dog, Chicken Quesadilla | Kids, light appetites, budget eaters |
| Regular Tray | $7.00 – $7.50 | Larger mains, 2 sides, drink | Big Double Burger, 1/4 lb Burger, BBQ Sandwich, Chicken Sandwiches, Cajun/Spicy Chicken, 2 Quesadillas, 3 Chicken Strips, 2 Hot Dogs | Bigger appetites, sharing, value seekers |
Here’s the thing. Junior is great if you want a lighter meal or just want the Cookout experience without the full commitment. Regular is the smart choice if you’re hungry or want to split with a friend.
Main Options
| Main Item | Portion Size | Notes |
| Small Burger | Single patty | Add chili, slaw, or cheese |
| 2 Chicken Strips | Crispy strips | Protein-focused, pair with fries or slaw |
| 2 Corn Dogs | 2 per tray | Nostalgic, fried comfort |
| BLT Sandwich | Classic BLT | Lighter tray option |
| Hot Dog | 1 dog | Simple, customizable |
| Chicken Quesadilla | 1 per tray | Cheesy, filling, shareable |
| Big Double Burger | 2 patties | Large, filling, high-protein |
| Regular 1/4 lb Burger | Quarter pound | Steady, classic choice |
| Regular BBQ | Sandwich style | Smoky, Southern, best with slaw |
| Regular Chicken Sandwich | Grilled or fried | Grilled trims fat, fried adds crunch |
| Cajun Chicken Sandwich | Spiced | Good with neutral sides |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Hotter profile | Bold flavor |
| BBQ Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich | Lighter BBQ | Grill notes, less grease |
| 2 Hot Dogs | Double portion | Nostalgic, shareable |
| 2 Chicken Quesadillas | Extra filling | Cheesy, convenient |
| 3 Chicken Strips | Larger portion | Full protein meal |
Sides
| Side | Type | Best Pairing |
| Fries | Fried potato | Baseline, works with anything |
| Hushpuppies | Fried cornmeal | Great with BBQ mains |
| Onion Rings | Fried onion | Crispy, sweet contrast |
| Slaw | Fresh, tangy | Balances fried mains |
| Cheese Bites | Fried cheese | Best hot, indulgent |
| Chicken Nuggets | Protein snack | Kid-friendly |
| Corn Dog | Mini version | Nostalgic, crunchy |
| Chicken Wrap | Sometimes available | Protein boost |
| Mini Quesadilla | Smaller portion | Cheesy, filling |
Cookout custom tray sides range
If you want balance, pair one fried side with slaw. If you want indulgence, double up with nuggets or cheese bites.
Drinks and Milkshakes
Every tray comes with a drink. Options usually include fountain sodas, huge teas, or bottled water. But the standout choice is upgrading to a milkshake for about $1–$2 more. With over 40 flavors, it’s the smartest dessert add-on in fast food.
| Drink Option | Notes |
| Fountain Soda | Large pours, Coke products at most stores |
| Huge Tea | Sweet or unsweet, classic Southern pick |
| Bottled Water | Low-calorie, no-nonsense |
| Cheerwine Float | Carolina favorite, cherry soda + ice cream |
| Coke Float | Cola + ice cream, old school |
| Milkshake Upgrade | 40+ flavors, $1–$2 extra, best value dessert |
Best Cookout Tray Combos
| Main | Side 1 | Side 2 | Notes |
| Big Double Burger | Fries | Hushpuppies | Classic Cookout combo |
| BBQ Sandwich | Slaw | Hushpuppies | Smoky and balanced |
| 2 Quesadillas | Onion Rings | Cheese Bites | Cheesy comfort |
| Small Burger | Slaw | Fries | Balanced Junior tray |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Fries | Onion Rings | Fried + heat combo |
Shortcut: Order a Regular tray with a milkshake upgrade and split it. That gives you two mains, sides, and dessert for under $10.
Healthy Cookout Tray Choices
Yes, you can make a tray healthier without ruining the fun.
| Swap | Healthier Move | Why It Works |
| Fried chicken sandwich → Grilled chicken sandwich | Cuts fat and calories | Still flavorful, less grease |
| Two fried sides → One fried side + slaw | Balance | Keeps crunch but adds freshness |
| Soda → Bottled water or unsweet tea | Reduces sugar | Hydration without extra calories |
| Regular tray solo → Share a Regular tray | Portion control | Cuts calories in half, keeps value |
Another easy play is choosing a Junior tray with grilled chicken and slaw. It feels balanced while still keeping the Cookout experience.
Prices in 2025
- Junior Tray: $6.00 to $6.50
- Regular Tray: $7.00 to $7.50
- Milkshake Upgrade: $1.00 to $2.00 extra
Menu prices vary by area or location, and delivery fees always push numbers higher. If you’re looking for maximum value, order at the window.
FAQs
Q: What is a Cookout custom tray?
It’s one main item, two sides (or a double-up main), and a drink included.
Q: How much are Cookout trays in 2025?
Juniors are usually around $6, Regular trays closer to $7, though prices changes a bit by location to location.
Q: Can I upgrade my drink to a milkshake?
Yes, and you will be expected to pay about $1 to $2 extra
Q: What’s the difference between Junior and Regular trays?
Junior trays are smaller and inexpensive, Regular trays come with good quantity mains and are better if you’re hungry or sharing.
Q: What are some healthy swaps?
Pick grilled chicken instead of fried, craft one fried side for slaw, and go with water or unsweet tea instead of soda.
Final Word
Cookout trays are cheap, flexible, and satisfying. They’re not trying to be gourmet, they’re trying to give you a full meal at a fair price, and they deliver.
If you’re new, start with a Regular tray, pick a main you know you’ll like, grab one fried side and one slaw, and spend the extra dollar on the milkshake upgrade. You’ll see why Cookout lines stay long and why the tray is a Southern fast food icon.