Few fast-food chains do Southern comfort food and value quite like Cook Out. With its smoky BBQ, creamy shakes, and delicious sides, the North Carolina-based brand has become a staple throughout the Southeastern U.S. If you’re a fan of other Southern-style fast food, you might also want to check out the complete Popeyes menu with prices. The real highlight of Cook Out, though, is its Cookout Tray Menu an infinite customizable amazing deal that is both filling and fun.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Cookout Tray Menu: what items are on it, how to build your perfect tray, combinations that deliver the best value, and why foodies and penny-pinching diners alike love it!
What is the Cookout Tray Menu?
The Cookout Tray Menu is a combo meal which allows the customer to select entrees, sides, and drinks to build their ultimate meal. This will likely be a featured item at every Cook Out restaurant location; plus, it is widely praised for its sheer value.
Updated Cookout Tray Prices (2024)
As of 2024, the Cookout Tray remains one of the most affordable and customizable fast-food deals in the South. For a base price of around $6.49 to $6.99, you get:
- 1 main entre
- 2 sides
- 1 drink (or upgrade to a milkshake for a small fee)
Prices may vary slightly by location, but here’s a general breakdown:
| Item | Price (Approx.) |
| Regular Tray (with drink) | $6.49 – $6.99 |
| Upgrade to Milkshake | +$1.00 – $1.50 |
| Extra entree or side | +$1.00 – $2.00 |
Cookout Tray Sides: Full List & Fan Favorites
One of the best parts of the Cookout Tray is the huge variety of side options—many of which could honestly count as a full meal. View Menu Offers
Here’s the most common Cookout Tray sides offered:
- French Fries
- Hushpuppies
- Onion Rings
- Chicken Nuggets
- Quesadilla (Cheese, Chicken, or Beef)
- Corn Dog
- Chili
- Cole Slaw
- Bacon Wrap
- Chicken Wrap
- Cheese Bites
- Cajun Fries
Fan Favorites:
- Quesadillas – A surprisingly cheesy, filling pick
- Cajun Fries – Bold flavor and perfectly crispy
- Chicken Wrap – A mini-meal on its own
- Hushpuppies – Southern classic that hits the spot
Pro Move: Order the chicken quesadilla and chicken wrap as your “sides” — it’s like getting three entrees!
Tips for Ordering Like a Pro at Cookout
Want to get the most value (and flavor) out of your Cookout run? Here are some insider ordering tips:
1. Milkshake Upgrade Is Worth It
Cookout is known for its 40+ milkshake flavors. You can swap your drink for a shake for a small upcharge — try Oreo Banana, Peach Cobbler, or Peanut Butter Fudge.
2. Double Down on Protein
Get creative: grab a cheeseburger or BBQ sandwich as your main, then add chicken nuggets or a wrap as a side. That’s a lot of food for under $8!
3. Mix and Match Sides
Want fries and hushpuppies? Ask! Many locations let you split your sides or customize.
4. Late-Night Hack
Cookout is open late (sometimes till 3 AM or later), making it a go-to for post-party meals or road trip snacks.
A Complete Guide to Crafting Your Ideal Cookout Tray
Let’s go through the many options you have when getting a Cookout tray:
Picking Your Main Protein
The main entrée will set the tone of your tray. Cook-Out gives you a solid variety of delicious, fulfilling options:
• Big Double Burger – Two patties stacked high with your favorite toppings.
• BBQ sandwich – Pulled pork classic Carolina style.
• Hot dogs –Loaded or plain with chili, slaw, or onions.
• Chicken strips – Crispy, golden brown and always made fresh.
• Chicken sandwich (grilled or spicy) – Healthier or spicier alternative.
• Quesadillas – Surprisingly good for a burger joint.
• Cajun chicken – Just the right amount of spice for southern heat lovers.
• BBQ plate – For when you want more than a sandwich. No matter what you are in the mood for, whether it is juicy burgers, smoky BBQ, Cookout BBQ or crispy chicken there is surely a more than satisfying main on the Cookout Tray Menu.
Choose Two Sides (or One Side a Drink)
Now this is the fun part! Rather than the normal “burger and fries” style, Cook Out offers plenty of options when it comes to ordering your sides. You have your choice of:
• French Fries – golden, crispy, and the classic approach
• Hushpuppies – a Southern classic, sweet and golden brown
• Onion Rings – crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside
• Chicken Nuggets – yes, you can order nuggets as a side
• Corn Dog – nostalgic in a good way
• Chili – hearty and lots of flavor
• Slaw – creamy and refreshing
• Cheese Bites – a fan favorite; gooey cheese in a fried outer layer
• Quesadilla – yes, a quesadilla as a side Can’t make a decision? Try a quesadilla and hush puppies together for one side, or maybe a combo of chicken nuggets and cheese bites. If you’re looking for a lighter tray, you may also exchange one side for a drink.
Add a Drink (or Upgrade to a Milkshake)
Each tray includes a standard fountain drink, but for a small additional fee (typically around $1), you can upgrade to one of Cook Out’s famous milkshakes and trust us, it’s worth it. Cook Out milkshake menu in over 40 flavors including:
• Strawberry Cheesecake
• Banana Fudge
• Peanut Butter Banana
• Oreo Mint
• Caramel Fudge
• Mocha
• Fresh Banana
• Chocolate Cherry
And many more! You can even mix flavors together to make your own creation! Why the Cookout Tray Menu is a Cult Classic It’s not hard to see why the Cookout Menu has a huge following. It literally checks every box:
• Affordable – You can get a full meal for under $8.
• Portion Size – You will be full, trust me.
• Customization – There are literally hundreds of combinations.
• Regional Appeal – Hushpuppies and BBQ sandwiches scream Southern hospitality on a tray.
• Late Night Craving – Most Cook Outs are opened late with some locations being open 24 hours, making the tray perfect for college students, road trippers, or even night owls.
Kyle Stowers Cookout Tray Menu:
A College Student’s Best Friend Cook Out’s proximity to college campuses is no accident. The food chain has been famous for targeting young, hungry students with food that is inexpensive. Most trays are under $8, including milkshakes; this is a great value. Plenty of college towns throughout the Southern states consider Cookout Trays a rite of passage for college students, whether in Raleigh, Athens, or Knoxville. The Growth of the Cookout Tray Menu While Cook Out has evolved what is offered to the tray menu, the core concept has remained the same – serve a lot of food for a low price.
You might find limited-time offers at different times based on the seasons or based on what is trending locally. In some areas, they change milkshake flavors based on the holidays, such as Pumpkin Pie milkshakes in the fall or Eggnog milkshakes during December.
Is it healthy?
We’ll be honest, the Cookout Tray isn’t necessarily intended as a healthy food choice. It’s all about indulgence, comfort, and tastes. However, there are ways you can make your tray a bit lighter:
• Grilled chicken instead of fried
• Slaw instead of chili or heavier sides
• Water or unsweetened tea instead of soda or shake
However, if you are making the trip to Cook Out, we would suggest you enjoy the full experience, cheese bites and all.
Conclusion
In the fast-food world, there is nothing like the Cookout Tray Menu. It is not just a meal, but an experience that encompasses the true essence of Southern cuisine: generous, tasty, and inviting. Whether you have never visited Cook Out, or you have been there for years and are ready to try different combinations, you cannot go wrong with the tray menu. So next time you are near Cook Out, go ahead, build the perfect tray, get a milkshake as well, and indulge in one of the best deals in fast food in America.
Daily Cookout Deals – Click to View
FAQs
What comes with a Cookout Tray?
When you order a Cookout Tray you will receive one main entrée, two sides (or one side and a drink), and a drink. You can also upgrade your drink to a premium milkshake for an additional small cost. They have a relatively extensive selection of food items ranging from burgers, BBQ, chicken strips, quesadillas, and more. This is one of the most customizable and cheap meals you can get fast food-wise.
2. How much is a Cookout Tray?
Prices may vary slightly by location, but generally speaking, the price for a Cookout tray is typically somewhere between $6 – $7 on average. If you decide to upgrade your drink to a milkshake, expect to pay roughly $1 more, which still puts your full meal under $8 total.
3. Can I modify the Cookout Tray menu items?
Absolutely! The Cookout Tray Menu is probably the most customizable option on the whole menu. Customers can select their own mains, side menu, and there are 40+ milkshake flavors to choose from. Customers can even add special toppings or extras on their burgers/sandwiches most of the time.