CookOut Tray Menu USA (2026) – Prices, Calories & Fan Favorites
The Cookout Tray is the flagship meal deal at Cookout restaurants, a fully customizable fast food combo that gives you one main entree, two sides, and a drink at a price no major fast food chain can match. Since Cook Out was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989, the tray system has become the primary reason customers return: it combines flexibility, portion size, and affordability into one consistent experience.
In 2026, Cookout Regular Trays are priced from $6.49 to $7.29, depending on your entree, while the Cookout JR Tray starts at $4.99. With 13 main entree options, 15+ sides, multiple drink choices, and an optional milkshake upgrade, the number of possible tray combinations at Cook Out exceeds 2,000, which is why regulars rarely order the same thing twice.
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting: complete tray prices and calories, every side option, Regular vs JR tray breakdown, the best fan-favorite combos, how to feed a family under $28, milkshake upgrade value analysis, and a full nutrition reference table. All prices and data are verified and updated for 2026.
Cookout Tray Menu With Prices
The Cook Out Tray is the highlight of Cook Out’s menu, combining variety, flavor, and affordability. Each tray includes a main entrée, two sides, and a drink or milkshake upgrade, allowing you to customize your meal exactly how you like it.
Even with a slight price increase in 2026, the Cook Out Tray remains one of the best-value fast food meals, priced between $6.29 and $7.49, depending on your location and drink choice. Customers still enjoy a generous combo that includes one main item, two sides, and a drink, all at an affordable price.
To explore all available items and updated pricing, check out the full Cook Out menu below.
Cook Out Tray Options:
- Regular Tray: Full-size portion with 2 sides and a drink, perfect for big appetites or sharing.
- JR Tray: Smaller portion with 1 side and a drink, ideal for lighter meals or kids.
- Custom Tray: Mix and match your favorite mains, sides, and drinks to create a tray that’s uniquely yours.
Cook Out Regular Tray
The regular tray is designed for hearty appetites and lets you pick from Cook Out’s most popular mains, freshly prepared and packed with bold flavor.
Hamburger Tray
Cheeseburger Tray
Big Double Burger Tray
Cookout Style Burger Tray
BBQ Sandwich Tray
BBQ Plate Tray
Hot Dog Tray
Corn Dog Tray
Chicken Strips Tray
Cajun Chicken Tray
Spicy Chicken Tray
Chicken Nuggets Tray
Quesadilla Tray
Best Value Pick: The Big Double Burger Tray at $7.29 delivers the most food per dollar, a full double-patty burger, two sides, and a drink for under $7.50. For lighter budgets, the Hamburger Tray at $6.49 is the lowest-priced entry into the Cookout Tray system.
Cookout Junior Tray
The Cook Out Junior Tray (commonly called the JR Tray) is a budget-friendly, smaller-portion version of the Regular Tray. Priced between $4.99 and $5.99, the JR Tray still includes two sides and a drink making it one of the most generous kids-adjacent meals in fast food today.
Cook Out does not have an official “kids’ meal” on the menu. The JR Tray fills that gap, and it is frequently ordered by college students, solo diners looking for a lighter meal, and families ordering for younger children.
JR Tray Main Entree Options & Calories
|
Feature |
Details / Options |
|---|---|
|
Main Entrée (1 Item) |
Junior Burger, 2 Chicken Strips, 2 Corn Dogs, 1 Hot Dog, 1 Quesadilla, OR BLT Sandwich |
|
Sides (Choose 2) |
French Fries, Onion Rings, Hushpuppies, Coleslaw, Cheese Bites, OR add another Corn Dog/Quesadilla |
|
Included Drink |
Freshly Brewed Tea (Sweet/Unsweet), Fountain Soda, OR Bottled Water |
|
Upgrades |
Replace your drink with a Regular Milkshake |
Main Items (Choose 1)
|
Item |
Calories |
|
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 Quesadilla |
220–260 Cal |
|
1 Beef Quesadilla |
220–260 Cal |
Sides (Choose 2 or Double Up)
|
Item |
Calories |
|
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 |
Beverages (Choose 1)
|
Item |
Calories |
|
Large Drink |
290 Cal |
|
Huge Tea |
390 Cal |
|
Dasani 20 oz. Water Bottle |
0 Cal |
|
Cheerwine/Coke Float |
380 Cal |
|
Regular Shake |
510–900 Cal |
Cook Out Tray Side Options 2026
The side selection is what separates Cook Out Trays from every other fast food combo meal. With 15+ options spanning classic, spicy, indulgent, Southern, and specialty categories, the sides are designed to complement any main entree. You can choose two different sides or double up on a single favorite at no extra charge.
Side Pairing Guide – Best Combinations
For maximum flavor, Cajun Fries + Hushpuppies is the most popular side combo ordered at Cook Out, delivering spicy crunch and soft Southern texture together.
For lighter meals: Coleslaw (40 Cal) + Onion Rings (250 Cal), the lowest combined calorie side pairing on the menu at just 290 Cal total.
For the indulgent tray: Chili Cheese Fries + Cheese Fries, maximum richness, popular with the Big Double Burger Tray.
The value hack: Replace one side with a milkshake upgrade. For $1.60 extra, you get a 30+ oz hand-spun shake alongside your remaining side and entree; no other fast food chain offers this kind of deal.
Regular vs JR Tray: Find Out Which Cook Out Meal is the Ultimate Value
When it comes to Cook Out trays, the choice depends on appetite, budget, and meal preferences:
- Regular Tray: If you’re really hungry, the Regular Tray is the winner. Its larger portion size easily justifies the slightly higher price, giving you a hearty, filling meal with plenty of sides and a drink or shake.
- JR Tray: Perfect for a lighter meal or a quick bite, the JR Tray delivers the same signature Cook Out flavor at a smaller price, making it ideal for students, kids, or anyone on a budget.
No matter which tray you choose, you’ll enjoy premium flavor at an affordable Cook Out tray price, something few fast-food chains can match in 2026.
How Much Is a JR Tray at Cook Out?
The Cook Out JR Tray price averages $4.99–$5.99, depending on location. With customizable mains, sides, and drinks, it’s one of the most value-packed fast-food meals available today.
Does the Cook Out JR Tray Come with Sides?
Yes! Every JR Tray includes two sides of your choice. You can also double up on your favorite side, like Cajun fries or hushpuppies, giving you flexibility and variety in every meal. This is one reason the JR Tray is a fan favorite among regulars.
Design Your Own Cookout Tray
One of the best things about Cook Out trays is how fully customizable they are. You’re not just ordering a meal, you’re designing your own flavor-packed feast. Whether you crave something smoky, crispy, or creamy, the CookOut Tray lets you mix and match mains, sides, and drinks to match your taste and budget.
Pick the Perfect Main Dish
Cook Out’s entrée selection is where your flavor journey begins. Choose your favorite from classic burgers, Southern-style BBQ, or crispy chicken options:
|
Main Dish |
Calories |
|
Corn Dog |
220 Cal |
|
BLT Sandwich |
400 Cal |
|
Chicken Quesadilla |
220 Cal |
|
Cookout Style Hot Dog |
390 Cal |
|
Chicken Sandwich |
680 Cal |
|
Chicken Strip Snack |
660 Cal |
|
Bacon Ranch Wrap |
420 Cal |
|
Big Double Burger |
520 Cal |
|
Small Burger |
240 Cal |
|
Cajun Style Chicken Breast |
380 Cal |
Tip: Want a lighter option? Try items from the Cookout JR Tray, smaller portions, same big flavor.
Pick the Perfect Sides
Sides are what make the Cook Out Tray truly irresistible. Choose two different sides or double up on a favorite. Each side adds comfort, crunch, and bold flavor to your tray:
|
Side |
Calories |
|
Cajun Fries |
350 Cal |
|
Hush Puppies |
590 Cal |
|
Onion Rings |
260 Cal |
|
Regular Fries |
350 Cal |
|
Cole Slaw |
40 Cal |
Pro Tip: Doubling up on Cajun fries or hush puppies makes your tray feel even more indulgent.
Pick the Perfect Drink
No tray is complete without a drink. Cook Out offers refreshing beverages to pair perfectly with your meal:
|
Drink |
Size |
|
Cheerwine |
Regular 16 oz |
|
Dasani |
20 oz |
|
Coca-Cola |
Large 32 oz |
|
Fresh Brewed Tea |
Huge 32.9 oz |
|
Cheerwine |
Large 32 oz |
|
Coca-Cola |
Regular 16 oz |
|
Fresh Brewed Tea |
16 oz |
Pro Tip: Upgrade to a Cook Out milkshake for just $1.60 extra, a small price for big flavor..”
Cook Out Family Meal Hack Feed the Whole Family for Under $25
Master the Cook Out Family Meal hack and feed your entire group for a fraction of the cost of traditional fast-food bundles. While you won’t find a single ‘Family Box’ on the menu, the secret lies in combining our signature trays to create a massive feast. For approximately $20 to $26, a family of 3 or 4 can enjoy a complete dinner that satisfies every craving, making it the most affordable group dining solution in the industry.
By utilizing the tray system, a family of four can secure 4 main courses, 8 diverse sides, and 4 refreshing drinks for roughly $24–$28 total. That breaks down to just under $7 per person for a fully customized, hearty meal. Whether the kids want cheeseburgers and nuggets while the adults prefer BBQ and spicy chicken, our tray system ensures everyone gets exactly what they want without ever compromising on volume or flavor
Family Dining Value Table
|
Group Size |
Total Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
|
Feeding 3 People |
$19 – $21 |
|
Feeding 4 People |
$25 – $27 |
Cookout Tray Double-Up Drink & Milkshake Flavors
Want to take your Cook Out Tray to the next level? The Double-Up Drink option lets you swap your regular drink for a creamy milkshake or even add an extra entrée, making your tray bigger, bolder, and more satisfying.
Here’s a snapshot of the most popular milkshake flavors Cook Out fans love:
|
Flavor |
Description |
|
Vanilla |
Smooth, classic, and perfectly sweet. |
|
Chocolate |
Rich, chocolatey, and a timeless favorite. |
|
Strawberry |
Fruity and refreshing, made with real strawberries. |
|
Banana |
Naturally sweet and tropical, with a smooth texture. |
|
Peach |
Juicy, summery flavor for a light refreshment. |
|
Oreo® |
Crunchy cookie pieces blended in creamy ice cream. |
|
Reese’s® |
Peanut butter and chocolate bliss with candy chunks. |
|
Snickers® |
Chocolate, caramel, and peanuts in every bite. |
|
Mint Chocolate Chip |
Cool mint with chocolate pieces. |
|
Peanut Butter Fudge |
Decadent combo of fudge and peanut butter. |
Fun Fact: Cook Out offers over 40 milkshake flavors, so there’s always something new to try.
Why Tray Customization Matters
What makes Cook Out trays special is total control. You’re not limited to preset meals; you can design your tray exactly how you want it.
- Prefer extra BBQ flavor? Add a pulled pork sandwich with slaw and fries.
- Craving chicken overload? Combine a Cajun chicken sandwich, a chicken wrap, and fries.
- Love sides? Double up on hushpuppies or Cajun fries.
This flexibility is why fans keep returning: your tray can always be exactly how you like it.
Top Cookout Tray Combos Fans Love
While you can mix and match endlessly, certain combos have become legendary among regulars:
|
Combo Name |
Main Entrée |
|
Classic Cookout Combo |
Big Double Burger |
|
Southern BBQ Feast |
Regular Pork Barbecue |
|
Chicken Lover’s Special |
Cajun Chicken Sandwich |
|
Late-Night Value Tray |
2 Corn Dogs |
|
Spicy Deluxe Combo |
Spicy Chicken Breast |
Pro Tip: Upgrade your tray with the Double-Up option to add a second entrée or switch your drink to a milkshake for just a small extra charge.
The Must-Try Bacon Ranch Wrap
The Cook Out Bacon Ranch Wrap has earned its own loyal following.
- Ingredients: Crispy bacon, tender grilled chicken, and creamy ranch sauce.
- Flavor: Smoky, savory, and tangy in every bite.
- Calories: ~420 Cal, a balanced choice that works as a mini main or a hearty side.
Pair it with fries and a Cheerwine float, and you’ve got a fan-favorite tray that’s both filling and flavorful.
The Secret Behind Cook Out’s Value
Cook Out isn’t just popular for low prices; it’s a smartly priced, high-value experience:
- Ingredients are sourced locally where possible.
- Menus stay efficient and regional, reducing waste and cost.
- Quick service ensures freshness without slowing down your meal.
By balancing affordability, quality, and flexibility, Cook Out trays remain a top choice for Southern comfort food in 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Cook Out Regular Tray costs between $6.49 and $7.29 in 2026, depending on the entree. The JR Tray is priced from $4.99 to $5.99. Both include two sides and a drink.
Every Regular Tray includes one full-size main entree, two sides chosen from 15+ options, and one large drink. You can upgrade your drink to a milkshake for approximately $1.60 extra at most locations.
The Regular Tray has a full-size entree for $6.49 to $7.29. The JR Tray has a smaller portion entree for $4.99 to $5.99. Both have the same sides and drink options. The JR Tray is best for kids and lighter appetites.
Yes. At most locations, you can replace your tray drink with any of 40+ hand-spun milkshake flavors for approximately $1.60 extra, saving about $2.39 compared to buying a milkshake separately.
Cook Out offers 15+ side options, including Regular Fries, Cajun Fries, Cheese Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Hushpuppies, Onion Rings, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob, White Cheddar Bites, Chicken Nuggets, Corn Dog, Walkin Taco, and Quesadilla. You can also double up on any single side.
The most popular combos are: Big Double Burger with Cajun Fries and Hushpuppies, BBQ Sandwich with Coleslaw and Hushpuppies, Cajun Chicken with Onion Rings and a milkshake upgrade, and Spicy Chicken with Cajun Fries and Chili Cheese Fries.
A family of four ordering four Regular Trays pays approximately $25 to $28 total, about $6.75 per person for a full customizable meal with two sides and a drink each. Mixing Regular and JR Trays for kids can reduce this further to under $6 per person.
Cook Out does not have a dedicated kids’ meal. The JR Tray is the closest equivalent. It includes a smaller entree like a Small Burger, 2 Chicken Strips, or 1 Hot Dog, plus two sides and a drink, starting at $4.99.
In terms of food quantity per dollar, yes. Cook Out Trays include two sides and a drink for $6.49 to $7.29, while comparable combos at McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King typically include only one side and cost $9.99 to $12.49. Cook Out Trays delivers 30 to 40 percent more food per dollar than major national chains.
Most Cook Out locations are open daily from 10:30 AM to 3:00 AM, making Cook Out one of the few fast food chains serving late-night customers until 3 AM every day of the week.
Final Thoughts
The Cook Out Tray is more than just a meal,l it’s a fully customizable, flavor-packed experience. With options for mains, sides, drinks, milkshakes, and even secret menu combinations, you can craft a tray that’s perfect for your taste and appetite. Whether you’re choosing a Regular Tray for a hearty meal or a JR Tray for a lighter, budget-friendly option, Cook Out offers unmatched value, variety, and Southern comfort flavor.