Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is famous for warm Southern comfort food, rocking chairs on the porch, and a country store full of gifts. But for many people, the first question is very simple: what is actually on the Cracker Barrel menu, and how do I choose the best dishes for my visit?
Today, the official cracker barrel menu covers all-day breakfast, homestyle lunch and dinner plates, kids’ meals, desserts, and seasonal specials like the popular Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve feasts. You can explore categories and current items on the official website, crackerbarrel.com, and many locations also have local specials or limited-time dishes.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how the menu is organized, which dishes regular guests love most, what to expect during holidays such as Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving, how to find a Cracker Barrel near me, and how to use official nutrition and allergy information. Everything is written in simple language so you can quickly plan your next family meal or road-trip stop.
What Makes the Cracker Barrel Menu Special?
The cracker barrel menu is built around one clear idea: homestyle food that feels like a family kitchen instead of a fast-food counter. Cracker Barrel serves classic Southern dishes such as biscuits, fried chicken, country ham, grits, and catfish. Breakfast is available all day, and there are separate menus for breakfast and for lunch & dinner.
Many regular guests say they like Cracker Barrel because they know what to expect. Portions are generous, recipes rarely change suddenly, and seasonal items are added without removing many favorites. The chain even publishes lists of its most popular menu items, like Old Timer’s Breakfast, Chicken n’ Dumplins, Country Fried Steak, and hashbrown casserole, which shows how often people come back for the same comforting plates.
Another unique part of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store concept is the country shop at the front of each location. While you wait for a table or after your meal, you can browse retro toys, candy, music, and home décor. This store experience is part of what makes a visit feel like more than just a quick stop for food, especially for families on road trips.
Cracker Barrel has also modernized its brand and logo in recent years, but it still keeps trusted favorites on the menu. For example, when the company simplified its logo and moved away from the old “Uncle Herschel” image, it reassured loyal guests that the familiar character would still appear on menus and signs. This shows how carefully Cracker Barrel balances change with tradition so regular guests continue to feel at home.
At the same time, the cracker barrel menu now includes lighter options, salads, and detailed nutrition information online. This helps guests with health goals, allergies, or special diets make smart choices without giving up their favorite comfort foods.
Main Parts of the Cracker Barrel Menu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & More)
To make smart choices, it helps to understand the main sections of the cracker barrel menu. While items may vary by location, most restaurants follow a similar structure. Always check the latest local menu on crackerbarrel.com or the PDF menus for exact items and prices.
Breakfast (Served All Day)
Breakfast is a big reason many people search for cracker barrel near me when they are on the highway. You’ll find:
- Hearty traditional plates like Old Timer’s Breakfast, Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast, or Momma’s French Toast Breakfast.
- Pancakes and French toast with syrup, butter, and toppings.
- Eggs cooked to order with choices of bacon, sausage, ham, or turkey sausage.
- Sides such as fried apples, hashbrown casserole, grits, biscuits, and gravy.
These breakfast plates are designed to be filling and familiar. Many guests also build their own breakfast by combining eggs, meat, biscuits, and sides.
Lunch & Dinner
For lunch and dinner, the cracker barrel menu focuses on country plates and comfort classics:
- Fried or grilled chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, catfish, and country-fried steak.
- Homestyle sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, dumplings, and turnip greens.
- Burgers, sandwiches, and salads for guests who want something lighter or easier to eat on the go.
You can usually choose a main dish plus two or three sides, which makes it easy to tailor the plate to your taste. For example, you might pair chicken tenders with mac and cheese and green beans, or choose country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Kids’ Menu, Desserts & Drinks
Families often visit Cracker Barrel because the cracker barrel menu includes a kid-friendly section with smaller portions of popular items (such as chicken tenders, grilled cheese, or macaroni and cheese) along with sides and drinks.
Desserts usually include cakes, cobblers, sundaes, and seasonal sweets. Drinks range from coffee and hot tea to sweet tea, soft drinks, flavored lemonades, and seasonal specialty coffees or hot chocolates.
How to Find a Cracker Barrel Near Me & Plan Your Meal?
When you’re hungry on a road trip or planning a family night out, you’ll probably grab your phone and search “Cracker Barrel near me”. Because most Cracker Barrel locations are close to interstate exits, this usually brings up several nearby options with map directions, reviews, and opening hours.
On the official site, crackerbarrel.com, you can also use the restaurant locator to find your closest Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, check store hours, and see whether that location offers curbside pickup, delivery, or catering. This is the best way to confirm details like opening times and services before you drive.
Here are a few simple tips for planning your visit after you’ve found a cracker barrel near me:
- Check the menu online first. Open the breakfast or lunch/dinner PDF, or browse the web menu to see current dishes, calories, and ingredients.
- Look at busy times. Locations near highways can be crowded during weekend mornings and holidays. If you’re flexible, choose slightly off-peak times.
- Decide your “must-try” items. Many guests like to pick at least one classic from the cracker barrel menu, such as chicken n’ dumplins, hashbrown casserole, or biscuits and gravy, plus a new dish they haven’t tried yet.
- Use online ordering when possible. Many locations allow you to order pickup or delivery directly through crackerbarrel.com, which helps you avoid lines and wait times.
If you’re traveling with a group, it can be helpful to ask everyone to glance at the menu before arriving. This makes ordering faster and reduces pressure at the table, especially if you’re visiting during a busy breakfast rush.
Reviews on map apps and platforms like Yelp can also give you clues about which dishes are local favorites at a specific Cracker Barrel near me, and whether a certain location is known for fast service, friendly staff, or extra-busy weekends.
Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving & Holiday Menus: Heat n’ Serve Feasts
One of the biggest reasons people talk about Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving is the chain’s Heat n’ Serve holiday meals. Instead of cooking every dish from scratch at home, you can order a pre-prepared feast, heat it in your own oven, and serve it to your family with much less stress.
How the Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Works
The typical Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Family Dinner (for about 4–6 people) includes:
- Oven-roasted turkey breast
- Cornbread dressing and turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish
- A mix of classic sides (such as sweet potato casserole or green beans, depending on the year’s offer)
- Rolls or biscuits
- Seasonal pies like pumpkin or pecan
There are also larger Heat n’ Serve Feasts that feed 8–10, and some years include options like ham or prime rib for Christmas or New Year gatherings. These meals come cold and are designed to go from your oven to the table in around two hours.
Why Families Choose Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Meals
Many families order from the cracker barrel menu for Thanksgiving because:
- It saves hours of shopping, prep, and cooking, especially for large families.
- Recipes are consistent, so you know how the food will taste.
- You still get a home-served meal at your own table.
- You can add extra pies or sides from the bakery case or country store.
To get the best experience, it is important to:
- Pre-order early. Holiday meals can sell out in popular locations.
- Read the heating instructions carefully. Time your oven schedule so everything is hot together.
- Add your own touches. Some people prepare an extra salad, homemade dessert, or special drink to personalize the meal.
Cracker Barrel also runs special holiday promotions and limited-time winter menu items, such as country fried turkey, festive French toast, cinnamon treats, and seasonal drinks like Merry Berry Tea or hot chocolate with marshmallow toppings.
Prices, Portions, Nutrition & Allergy Info on CrackerBarrel.com
Prices on the cracker barrel menu can vary by location and year, so the best practice is to use official tools or trusted menu resources instead of guessing. Third-party sites list example prices and calories for common items, but Cracker Barrel also publishes nutrition and allergy details directly on crackerbarrel.com and in downloadable PDFs.
Understanding Prices & Portions
Typical menu pricing reflects generous portions. Compared with many full-service chains, guests often feel Cracker Barrel is good value because:
- Breakfast plates include several components (eggs, meat, sides, biscuits).
- Lunch and dinner entrees usually come with at least two or three sides.
- Shareable platters or family meals can feed several people for a reasonable total price.
When you look at unofficial “Cracker Barrel menu with prices” websites, remember they may not be updated daily. Always cross-check with the official online menu or your local store, especially if you are planning for a strict budget.
Nutrition & Allergies
For guests with dietary needs, the official Cracker Barrel nutrition pages are essential. On crackerbarrel.com you can:
- Download a detailed nutrition guide that lists calories, fat, sodium, and other key values for most items.
- View information about common allergens like gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts.
- Use this data to compare dishes and sides, then build a meal that fits your health goals.
If you have a serious allergy, you should also talk directly to the server or manager at your local Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Kitchen procedures and risks can vary, and the staff can share the most current information.
Smart Ordering Tips
To make your meal both satisfying and balanced, you can:
- Trade one heavy side (like mac and cheese) for a lighter one (such as green beans or fresh fruit).
- Share a dessert or order one dessert for the table instead of one per person.
- Choose grilled meats instead of fried on days when you want fewer calories or less fat.
Using these simple ideas, you can enjoy your favorite dishes from the cracker barrel menu without feeling like you have to give up your health goals.
Ordering Online from CrackerBarrel.com, Takeout, and Catering
These days, many guests interact with the cracker barrel menu through their phones instead of a paper menu on the table. The official site, crackerbarrel.com, makes it easy to:
- Browse the full menu with photos and descriptions
- Check if your local Cracker Barrel near me supports curbside pickup or delivery
- Order breakfast, lunch, dinner, or family meals to go
Pickup & Delivery
For pickup, you choose your store, pick items from the cracker barrel menu, set a time, and pay online. Then you either walk in or wait in your car for curbside service, depending on the location’s setup. For delivery, Cracker Barrel may use its own system or partner with third-party delivery apps in some regions.
This is especially useful for:
- Busy weeknights when you want homestyle food but don’t have time to cook.
- Road trips where you want to grab food quickly and keep moving.
- Family gatherings where not everyone can go to the restaurant.
Catering & Group Meals
Cracker Barrel also offers catering trays and platters, such as chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, which are ideal for office lunches, church events, or casual parties.
Holiday Heat n’ Serve feasts, discussed earlier, are one of the most popular catering-style products. However, even outside of the major holidays, many guests use larger family meals from the cracker barrel menu to feed groups without much cooking.
Detailed Look at Breakfast Classics on the Cracker Barrel Menu
Breakfast is the heart of the cracker barrel menu, and many guests visit mainly for morning comfort food—even if it’s late afternoon. Cracker Barrel serves breakfast all day, which means you can order pancakes, eggs, and biscuits whenever those cravings hit. On the official menu, categories like “All-Day Breakfast” and “Traditional Favorites” showcase famous plates such as Old Timer’s Breakfast, Grandma’s Sampler, and Momma’s Pancake Breakfast.
A typical breakfast plate at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store includes two eggs cooked the way you like, a choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, plus Southern staples such as grits or hashbrown casserole. Many plates also come with buttermilk biscuits and sawmill gravy, which are key reasons people search for a “Cracker Barrel near me” on road trips.
Pancake and French toast options are also central to the breakfast side of the cracker barrel menu. Momma’s Pancake Breakfast, for example, includes fluffy buttermilk pancakes with warm syrup, butter, eggs, and meat. Seasonal specials, like cinnamon swirl French toast topped with icings and served with eggs and bacon or sausage, appear during holidays and limited-time promotions, giving regular guests something new to try.
Breakfast at Cracker Barrel can be customized in simple ways: you might swap one side for fruit, add an extra egg, or choose turkey sausage instead of regular sausage if you prefer lighter meat. Health-focused articles note that you can make breakfast more balanced by limiting the number of heavy sides and focusing on lean proteins plus one starchy favorite.
The all-day breakfast approach also works well for different ages. Kids can enjoy small plates with pancakes or scrambled eggs, while adults pick more elaborate combinations or share sides around the table. This flexibility, plus familiar flavors, is a major reason the breakfast section of the cracker barrel menu remains a top draw for families and travelers year after year.
Lunch & Dinner Favorites: Comfort Plates, Burgers, Sides, and More
When lunchtime hits, the cracker barrel menu shifts focus from pancakes to homestyle entrée plates, but the comfort-food theme stays the same. Lunch and dinner are built around mains like Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Fried Chicken, roast beef, meatloaf, country fried steak, grilled chicken, and catfish. These dishes are featured both on the official lunch/dinner PDFs and in lists of the most popular Cracker Barrel items shared by the brand itself.
Most lunch and dinner plates come with your choice of sides, which is where Cracker Barrel shines for variety. Sides include mashed potatoes with sawmill gravy, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, turnip greens, coleslaw, green beans, corn, fries, and more. Food reviewers often point out that some sides are richer and heavier, while others, like vegetables and salads, can help balance a meal. This flexibility allows you to create a plate that matches your appetite and health goals.
For guests who don’t want a big country plate, the cracker barrel menu also offers burgers and sandwiches—like the Barrel Cheeseburger and Homestyle BLT—as well as salads and a Country Vegetable Plate that lets you pick multiple sides as your main course. These options are especially useful for lighter lunches, quick bites during a long drive, or guests who prefer classic sandwiches over platters.
Kids’ lunch and dinner choices mirror adult favorites but in smaller portions. Chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwich plates are common, usually served with a side and drink. For picky eaters, this makes Cracker Barrel a friendly option because they recognize the food and can easily choose something they know they like.
Desserts round out the lunch and dinner side of the cracker barrel menu. Options can include cobblers, sundaes, and seasonal sweets, and there are famous treats like the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, which became a permanent menu item after guests fell in love with it. Food writers describe it as a rich, gooey cake that feels like a homemade dessert in a restaurant setting, and it can also be ordered in a tray for gatherings.
Seasonal, Limited-Time & Holiday Specials on the Cracker Barrel Menu
Another big reason the cracker barrel menu stays interesting is the steady stream of seasonal and limited-time dishes. During the year, Cracker Barrel launches special breakfast items, desserts, and drinks to match the season, and around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, it offers full Heat n’ Serve feasts for families to enjoy at home.
In the summer, for example, Cracker Barrel has brought back its popular Campfire Meals after several years away. These include Campfire Chicken and Campfire Beef, plus a newer Campfire Shrimp Skillet, all cooked with signature seasoning and served with biscuits or cornbread muffins. Along with these savory dishes, seasonal dessert skillets like S’mores Brownie and Cinnamon Roll Skillet have appeared, giving guests rich, shareable treats.
During cooler months and the winter holiday season, the cracker barrel menu often features cozy breakfast specials like cinnamon swirl French toast, festive hot drinks, and limited-time mimosa flavors. Press releases have highlighted offerings like the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast and sparkling plum mimosas with winter fruit flavors and edible glitter, adding a playful twist to the traditional menu.
Of course, Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving continues to be the star seasonal event. Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Feasts and Family Dinners include turkey breast, cornbread dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, green beans, rolls, and pies. Depending on the year, there may also be ham-based feasts or Christmas Heat n’ Serve meals. These meals are designed to go from your oven to the table in around two hours, with detailed heating instructions provided in PDF guides.
Cracker Barrel’s strategy is simple: keep the core classics on the cracker barrel menu so regular guests always find their favorites, while using seasonal and holiday items to give people a reason to come back and try something new. Food media and news outlets frequently cover these seasonal launches, which boosts awareness and helps families planning their holiday meals decide whether to cook from scratch or mix in a convenient Heat n’ Serve feast.
Sample Meal Ideas for Different Guests and Occasions
Because the cracker barrel menu is large, it can help to see real examples of how to put plates together. Here are simple sample orders for different types of guests and situations, using real menu patterns and nutrition guidance as a base.
For a Big Road-Trip Breakfast
- Old Timer’s Breakfast (eggs, meat, grits, fried apples or hashbrown casserole)
- Extra biscuit with gravy
- Coffee or orange juice
This kind of order is filling and ideal if you have a long drive ahead, but it is calorie-dense. Nutrition guides suggest balancing by skipping extra sides on other meals later in the day.
For a Lighter Lunch Stop
- Grilled chicken tenders plate
- Side of green beans
- Side salad or fresh fruit
- Unsweet iced tea or water
Articles focused on health at Cracker Barrel recommend grilled meats and vegetable sides to moderate calories and saturated fat while still enjoying classic flavors.
For a Family with Kids
- One or two adult plates to share (like Chicken n’ Dumplins or Southern Fried Chicken)
- One kids’ macaroni and cheese plate
- One kids’ chicken tenders plate
- Multiple sides: mashed potatoes, corn, green beans
Sharing several dishes from the cracker barrel menu lets kids try different foods without each person needing a huge entrée. The kids’ section offers familiar options, making the visit easier on parents with picky eaters.
For a Mostly Vegetarian Guest
Cracker Barrel is not a vegan-focused brand, but a vegetarian or semi-vegetarian person can:
- Order a Country Vegetable Plate with four sides like macaroni and cheese, fried okra, green beans, and baked potato.
- Ask about salads without meat.
- Pair sides with biscuits or cornbread for a filling meal.
For a Dessert-Focused Visit
Some guests search “Cracker Barrel near me” mainly to satisfy a sweet tooth. A dessert-focused order might include:
- Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake slice
- Seasonal dessert skillet (if available)
- Coffee or hot chocolate
Food coverage highlights the Coca-Cola cake as a standout dessert, especially around holidays when people want something rich without baking from scratch.
Quick FAQs About the Cracker Barrel Menu
Adding clear, simple answers helps both searchers and voice assistants when people ask questions about the cracker barrel menu or nearby locations.
Yes. Cracker Barrel clearly states that breakfast is served all day, with separate menus for breakfast and for lunch & dinner. You can order pancakes, eggs, biscuits, and similar dishes at any time during operating hours, although certain limited-time breakfast specials may be available only for a season.
The best way is to visit the official website, crackerbarrel.com, choose your location, and view the online menu or menu PDFs. Third-party sites also list example prices, but these may not be updated every day or reflect local variations. Delivery platforms such as Grubhub show location-specific prices when you choose a nearby store.
You can type “Cracker Barrel near me” into a map app or search engine and look at nearby results. For the most accurate info, use the locator on the official website, which lists all restaurants by state and city, with addresses, hours, and services like dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery.
Most Cracker Barrel restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day with a special dine-in turkey menu, but exact hours can vary by location. In addition, Cracker Barrel offers Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Feasts and Family Dinners that you pre-order, take home cold, heat for about two hours, and serve to your family. These include turkey breast, cornbread dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sides, rolls, and pies. Always confirm dates, pickup times, and availability with your nearest store.
Yes. Nutrition experts point out that although Cracker Barrel is known for comfort food, you can still create relatively balanced meals by choosing grilled proteins, vegetable sides, salads, and lighter drinks. The brand’s nutrition and allergy page lists calories and key nutrients for menu items, so you can compare dishes and avoid hidden sources of fat, sodium, or sugar.
Vegetarian guests can usually build a satisfying meal from side dishes (like mac and cheese, vegetables, and baked potatoes), salads without meat, and bread items. However, vegan choices are more limited, and cross-contact with animal products may be a concern. It is important to check the latest allergy and ingredient information and discuss your needs with the staff at your local Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
About Cracker Barrel: Brand Background & Dining Experience
Understanding a bit of history gives more context to the cracker barrel menu and why it feels so traditional. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. was founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, and grew by placing restaurants near interstate exits so travelers could enjoy a hot meal and a country store atmosphere. As of recent years, the company operates more than 650 stores across most U.S. states, combining a restaurant and retail shop under one roof.
Cracker Barrel’s menu focuses on Southern-style comfort food—biscuits, fried chicken, catfish, dumplings, classic breakfasts, and hearty side dishes—while the décor is designed to resemble an old-fashioned general store, with a stone fireplace, antiques, and local artifacts. The front porch with wooden rocking chairs is part of the brand’s identity, encouraging guests to relax before or after they eat.
The country store section sells nostalgic items like candy, toys, home décor, and music. For many families, this mix turns a simple meal into a small outing: kids explore the toys, adults look at seasonal decorations, and everyone ends up back at the table for comfort food. This unique experience helps explain why so many people search for a Cracker Barrel near me during road trips or holidays, instead of choosing a random restaurant.
Cracker Barrel constantly adjusts parts of the cracker barrel menu—adding seasonal dishes, revising nutrition info, and testing new specials—while keeping classics like Old Timer’s Breakfast and Chicken n’ Dumplins. Press announcements and menu updates show the brand trying to balance nostalgia with modern expectations for convenience, value, and transparency about ingredients.
How This Guide Uses Experience, Expertise, and Trusted Sources?
To make this guide useful and trustworthy, it combines several types of information about the cracker barrel menu:
- Experience (E): The article reflects how real guests typically use the menu—ordering all-day breakfast, mixing sides, sharing desserts, and relying on Heat n’ Serve meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas. These patterns are supported by menu descriptions, brand blogs, and news coverage.
- Expertise (E): Nutrition-focused sections are informed by reputable health sources that explain how to choose lighter meals at Cracker Barrel and how to interpret calories, fat, and sodium information.
- Authoritativeness (A): Official resources from crackerbarrel.com provide the core facts: current menu categories, Heat n’ Serve details, store locator tools, and nutrition PDFs. These are primary sources for what is served, how seasonal offers work, and how to find a Cracker Barrel near you.
- Trustworthiness (T): Where prices, rankings, and opinions are mentioned, the article clearly points to external menu sites, news outlets, and food reviewers, rather than guessing. It also reminds you to confirm specific items, prices, and holiday hours with your local restaurant, because those details can change over time and by location.
By combining these elements, this guide helps readers understand the cracker barrel menu, plan real meals, and make informed decisions—whether they are looking for a casual breakfast stop, planning a Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving at home, or simply trying to decide which classic comfort dish to try next.
Final Tips to Enjoy the Cracker Barrel Menu
The cracker barrel menu is big, friendly, and built around the idea of comfort. Whether you are stopping on a long drive, meeting family for Sunday lunch, or planning a Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving at home, a little planning makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are simple closing tips:
- Use the website first. Visit crackerbarrel.com to check the latest menu, local specials, and nutrition.
- Search “Cracker Barrel near me” before heading out. Confirm hours, address, and whether the store offers pickup, delivery, or catering.
- Combine classics with something new. Try a famous breakfast like Old Timer’s plus a seasonal item, so every visit feels special.
- For holidays, order early. Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving and Christmas Heat n’ Serve meals are popular and can sell out at busy locations.
By following these easy ideas, you can enjoy generous portions, homestyle flavors, and the relaxed feel of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store without stress. Whether you dine in, take out, or host a family gathering at home, the cracker barrel menu offers plenty of choices for every age and appetite.
