90 Delicious Cookout Menu Ideas, Prices, Nutrition & Everything
Picture this: it’s a warm Saturday afternoon, charcoal smoke is drifting through the air, and friends are gathering in the backyard. The only thing missing is a solid cookout menu that keeps everyone happy from the first bite to the last sip.
Whether it’s a casual family get-together or a big neighborhood bash, the right cookout menu makes all the difference. In this guide, you’ll find 90 tasty cookout menu ideas, real Cookout restaurant prices, nutrition facts, burger options, tray deals, and more.
Let’s fire things up.
What is Cookout Menu
The term “cookout menu” can mean two different things depending on the context. It can refer to the food served at an outdoor barbecue, like burgers, grilled chicken, salads, sides, and drinks.
It can also mean the menu of Cookout, the fast-food chain founded in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. Known for burgers, milkshakes, and the famous Cookout Tray, this guide covers both the restaurant menu and backyard cookout ideas.
90 Delicious Cookout Menu Ideas for Any Occasion
1. Mexican Corn Salad
This zesty side dish combines grilled corn, cotija cheese, mayo, chili powder, lime juice, and fresh cilantro for a bright, creamy flavor. It works perfectly as a side or topping for grilled meats, and tastes even better when made ahead and chilled.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, grill the corn until it develops light char marks before mixing it with the other ingredients. Chilling the salad for 1–2 hours allows the lime, spices, and cheese to blend together, creating a richer and more refreshing taste.
2. Cookout Menu Shakes
Cookout is famous for its hand-spun milkshakes, with over 40 flavors ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to banana pudding and Oreo cheesecake. Thick, creamy, and made fresh to order, they pair perfectly with burgers and keep customers coming back.
3. Cookout Menu Nutrition
Knowing what’s in your food matters, especially if you’re tracking calories or macros. Cookout offers everything from lighter grilled options to indulgent burgers, fried sides, and shakes that can range from moderate to 1,000+ calories in a full tray.
4. Burger Cookout Menu
Burgers are the heart of any great cookout, and Cookout makes them fresh, cooked to order, and available in multiple styles. For a backyard cookout, set up a topping bar with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and sauces so guests can build their perfect burger.
5. Ultimate Summer Salads
A great salad can steal the show at any cookout, especially with fresh options like watermelon and arugula, grilled peach and spinach, or heirloom tomato with basil. Choose colorful, refreshing salads with hearty greens or grains so they stay sturdy in the summer heat.
6. Shrimp Pasta Salad
This dish combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, crisp celery, and creamy dill dressing for a fresh, satisfying cookout option. Serve it chilled as a light main for guests who avoid red meat, and make it in large batches with ease.
Pro Tip: Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy. For the freshest flavor, prepare the pasta salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the dill dressing to fully coat and season the pasta and shrimp.
7. Green Goddess Grilled Chicken
Green goddess dressing made with avocado, herbs, lemon, and Greek yogurt works beautifully as both a marinade and finishing sauce for grilled chicken. Marinate for at least two hours, then grill until golden for a charred, herby crust.
8. Culver’s Butter Burger
While not on the Cookout menu, Culver’s ButterBurger is a great benchmark with its smash-style patty and buttered, toasted bun. For homemade burgers, butter and toast the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds to add extra flavor and texture.
9. Hot German Potato Salad
Hot German potato salad uses a warm bacon-and-vinegar dressing instead of mayo, giving it a tangy, savory flavor. Serve it warm with grilled sausages or heavier meats, where the vinegar helps balance the richness.
10. Sticky Soy Steak Skewers
These skewers get their flavor from a soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger marinade that creates tender, glossy beef. Cut the steak into even cubes, then alternate with bell peppers and onions for color, texture, and extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Marinate the steak for at least 2–4 hours before grilling to maximize flavor and tenderness. While cooking, brush the skewers with any reserved marinade to create a rich, caramelized glaze and an irresistible smoky finish.
11. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
This creative mashup combines pasta salad with deviled egg flavors using mayo, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika for a creamy, tangy dish. Top it with sliced hard-boiled eggs and smoked paprika for a familiar yet unexpected cookout favorite.
12. Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Halved bell peppers stuffed with seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese make a colorful, satisfying cookout main. Prep them ahead, refrigerate, then grill until the peppers soften, lightly char, and the filling is heated through.
13. Spinach & Artichoke-Stuffed Burgers
Take your standard burger up a notch by stuffing it with creamy spinach-artichoke filling before grilling. The cheesy center melts as it cooks, creating a flavorful surprise in every bite, especially on a toasted brioche bun.
14. Campfire Hot Dog Skewers
These hot dog skewers are fun for kids and adults, made with bite-sized hot dogs, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. Grill until charred and caramelized, then serve with mustard, ketchup, or honey-sriracha dipping sauce.
15. Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
This hearty salad combines rotini pasta, roasted broccoli, Parmesan, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing for a filling cookout side. Roast the broccoli first for caramelized edges that balance perfectly with the rich dressing.
Pro Tip: Let the roasted broccoli cool completely before mixing it with the pasta and dressing to maintain the best texture. Add the croutons just before serving so they stay crisp and provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
16. Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken burgers are leaner than beef but still satisfying when seasoned with garlic, herbs, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce. Since the patties are softer, chill them for 30 minutes before grilling so they hold their shape better.
17. Cowboy Beans
These slow-cooked baked beans are loaded with bacon, ground beef, onions, and a sweet-smoky sauce for a thick, hearty side. Make them in a Dutch oven or slow cooker, letting them cook longer for deeper, richer flavor.
18. BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
Portobello and king oyster mushrooms simmered in smoky BBQ sauce make a satisfying plant-based alternative to pulled pork. Pile them on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw for a flavorful sandwich even meat-eaters will enjoy.
19. BBQ Sauce
A good homemade BBQ sauce starts with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes, then use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing glaze.
20. Grilled Potatoes
Slice potatoes into wedges or rounds, toss with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt, then grill until crispy outside and fluffy inside. For faster cooking, microwave them for five minutes first to help them cook through and char beautifully on the grill.
Pro Tip: For extra-crispy grilled potatoes, pat them dry after microwaving and before adding oil and seasonings. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan right before serving to enhance their smoky, savory flavor.
21. Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
This Depression-era classic smashes thin-sliced onions directly into a beef patty so they caramelize into the meat. The result is a savory, umami-rich burger you can easily make at home with a cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle.
22. Honey Lime Grilled Corn
Brush corn on the cob with honey, lime juice, butter, and a pinch of cayenne, then grill until golden and lightly charred. Finish with fresh cilantro and lime for a sweet, tangy, and spicy side everyone will love.
23. Carrot Coin Salad
Blanched carrot rounds tossed with cumin-lemon vinaigrette, parsley, and raisins make a bright, crunchy, and slightly sweet side dish. Chill it for a few hours before serving so the dressing soaks in and the flavors blend beautifully.
24. Korean BBQ Cheesy Corn
Creamy corn baked or grilled with gochujang-mayo sauce and melted mozzarella makes a bold, addictive side dish. Serve it in a cast-iron skillet so the edges caramelize and the cheese bubbles beautifully on top.
25. Panzanella Salad
This Italian bread salad uses day-old crusty bread soaked in garlicky tomato vinaigrette, then tossed with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil. The bread absorbs the juices without getting mushy, turning slightly stale bread into a fresh, flavorful side.
Pro Tip: Toss the bread with the dressing just 10–15 minutes before serving so it soaks up flavor while still keeping a slight bite. For extra depth, lightly toast the bread cubes before mixing to add a subtle crunch and prevent sogginess.
26. Corn Salad
A classic corn salad combines fresh corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and a light lime dressing for a fast, refreshing side. Use grilled corn for smoky depth, and add avocado right before serving to keep it fresh.
27. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This pasta salad turns elote flavors into a bold cookout side with grilled corn, cotija cheese, jalapeño, cilantro, and creamy chili-lime dressing. It’s hearty, slightly spicy, easy to make in a big batch, and keeps well in the fridge.
28. Grilled Cabbage Steaks
Thick cabbage slices brushed with olive oil and spices grill into tender, caramelized steaks that are simple, affordable, and impressive. Top with tahini or chimichurri for extra flavor, making them a hearty option for guests who avoid meat.
29. Culver’s Butter Burgers (Revisited)
The ButterBurger concept shows how small details, like a buttered and toasted bun, can make a big difference. For backyard burgers, use quality buns, toast them on the grill, and let simple, great ingredients shine.
30. Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey patties glazed with Thai sweet chili sauce make a lighter, flavorful alternative to beef burgers. Add crunchy slaw and fresh herbs, then brush on the sauce near the end of grilling for a sticky, caramelized crust.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the ground turkey when forming patties, as it can make them dense and dry. For extra juiciness, add a small splash of soy sauce or grated onion to the mixture, and always rest the burgers for a few minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute evenly.
Cookout Menu Tutorial
Cookout Menu with Prices
Cookout restaurant is known for giving customers incredible value. The pricing is genuinely hard to beat, especially for the quality and quantity you get.
Menu items are subject to change by location, but here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect.
Top Cookout Milkshake Flavors & Prices
Milkshakes are one of Cookout’s most iconic offerings. They’re hand-spun, thick, and available in dozens of flavors.
Milkshake Cookout Menu Prices
| Shake Size | Price Range |
| Regular | $2.00 – $2.49 |
| Large | $2.49 – $2.99 |
Popular flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, banana pudding, Oreo cheesecake, and peanut butter fudge. Seasonal and specialty flavors may cost slightly more.
Cookout Menu Photos with Prices
Photos of the Cookout menu are widely available on Google Maps, Yelp, and the Cookout app. Pricing can vary slightly by location, so always check the in-store menu or app for the most current prices in your area.
Cookout Menu with Prices 2025
As of 2025, the Cookout Tray remains one of the best-value fast-food meals, usually including a main item, two sides, and a large drink for about $5.99 to $7.49. Individual burgers start around $3.49, while hot dogs, corn dogs, and chicken items stay competitively priced.
Cookout Menu with Prices Near Me
Prices vary depending on your specific location. To find current prices near you, check the Cookout website, the Cookout app, Google Maps, or DoorDash if delivery is available in your area.
Cookout Menu with Prices 2024
In 2024, Cookout remained committed to its budget-friendly pricing. The Tray was still one of the most talked-about value deals in fast food, drawing customers in with the combination of price, customization, and late-night availability.
Cookout Menu with Prices PDF
Cookout does not officially publish a printable PDF menu. However, various third-party food review sites and apps have compiled current Cookout menus with prices in accessible formats.
Cookout Menu with Prices NC
North Carolina is where Cookout was born, and NC locations typically offer the full menu. Prices in NC align with the general pricing structure — competitive, low, and consistently offering outstanding value for the portion sizes.
Cookout Menu Shakes
Milkshake Cookout Menu
Cookout’s milkshakes are a major reason people visit, with over 40 flavors like Oreo Mint, Cheerwine, and Peanut Butter Banana. Made with real ice cream and blended by hand, they’re thick, spoonable, and often considered among the best fast-food shakes.
Vanilla Shake
The classic vanilla shake at Cookout is smooth, creamy, and perfect for customization with mix-ins or another flavor swirl. It’s a popular choice that pairs especially well with a Cookout Tray, burger, and fries.
Cookout Menu Nutrition
Cookout Nutrition Table (Nutrition Facts)
| Menu Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| Regular Burger | ~350 | 18 | 28 | 18 |
| Double Burger | ~600 | 34 | 28 | 34 |
| Chicken Sandwich | ~480 | 22 | 42 | 26 |
| Hot Dog | ~290 | 16 | 24 | 10 |
| Regular Milkshake | ~500–750 | 20–30 | 60–90 | 10–14 |
| French Fries (small) | ~260 | 13 | 33 | 3 |
| Corn Dog | ~220 | 12 | 22 | 6 |
*Values are approximate and may vary by location and preparation.
Nutritional Details of Cookout Meals
Cookout doesn’t currently publish a detailed nutrition guide, but apps like Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, and Nutritionix offer crowd-sourced menu data. For lighter choices, go with grilled chicken, side salads, and customized Cookout Trays with lower-calorie sides.
Burger Cookout Menu
Hamburger Cookout Menu
Cookout’s hamburger menu is where the chain shines, with fresh burgers customized to order instead of sitting under heat lamps. The simple base burger can be upgraded with many toppings and styles, making freshness and customization a big part of Cookout’s appeal.
Char-Grilled Hamburgers
Cookout char-grills its hamburgers, giving the patties a smoky, charred flavor with real depth from grill marks and caramelization. This open-flame cooking style helps Cookout burgers stand apart from other fast-food chains.
Hamburger Sauces
Standard condiments at Cookout include ketchup, mustard, and mayo, while specialty styles may add barbecue sauce, ranch, or house sauces. You can request extra sauce or get it on the side, making each order easy to customize.
Cookout Burger Styles
Cookout Style Hamburger
The Cookout Style Hamburger is a signature build with mustard, ketchup, onion, pickle, and slaw on a simple beef patty. It’s the house special and gives you that true Cookout experience.
Cheddar Style Hamburger
The Cheddar Style burger adds a slice of melted cheddar cheese to the standard build. Cheddar’s sharpness pairs perfectly with the savory beef and tangy condiments.
Out West Style Hamburger
This build includes barbecue sauce, onion rings (or crispy onion), and cheese — a hearty, Western-inspired combination that’s smoky and bold.
Steak Style Hamburger
The Steak Style Hamburger channels a classic steakhouse burger with a bolder flavor profile. It typically features sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a hearty sauce combination.
House Style Hamburger
The House Style is Cookout’s signature presentation — a combination of their most popular toppings assembled into a balanced, everything-on-it burger.
Nacho Chili Style Hamburger
This burger tops a beef patty with house chili and nacho cheese sauce. It’s indulgent, messy, and one of the most satisfying builds on the entire menu.
Cookout Menu Tray
Tray Cookout Menu Food
The Cookout Tray is the most famous menu item, letting you choose a main entrée, two sides, and a large drink. With options like fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and hush puppies, it’s flexible, filling, and easy to customize.
Cookout Tray Price
The Cookout Tray is typically priced between $5.99 and $7.49, depending on your main item selection and location. Given that the price includes a main, two sides, and a large drink, this is widely considered one of the best value meals in American fast food.
Cookout Menu Pictures of Food
Cookout Menu with Pictures
Cookout doesn’t have a heavily branded photo menu on its official website, but customer food photos are easy to find on Google Maps, Instagram, Yelp, and TikTok. Searching “Cookout menu pictures” or “Cookout food photos” shows real-world images that better reflect what you’ll actually get.
Cookout Menu Sides
Side of Chili
Cookout’s chili is a thick, savory topping for hot dogs and burgers, and it’s also available as a standalone side. Hearty and rich, it’s a popular Tray add-on for customers who want extra protein or a warm comfort food option.
Side of Slaw
Cookout’s coleslaw is a classic creamy slaw made with shredded cabbage and lightly sweetened mayo dressing. It’s a cool, refreshing side for grilled or fried items, and also appears as a topping on the Cookout Style Hamburger.
Cookout Menu Delivery
Cookout has historically been a drive-through-first restaurant with limited delivery availability. However, third-party delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats has expanded to select Cookout locations in recent years.
Availability varies significantly by city and state. Check your local DoorDash or Uber Eats app to see if Cookout delivers to your address. Delivery times and fees vary based on your location and distance from the nearest Cookout.
Summer Cookout Menu
A great summer cookout menu keeps things fresh, flavorful, and easy to eat outdoors. The key elements are a main protein, at least two salads or cold sides, a starchy side, and a refreshing drink or dessert.
Classic summer mains include burgers, grilled chicken, ribs, and hot dogs. Balance these with bright salads, grilled vegetables, and a cold pasta or potato salad to round out the spread.
BBQ Chicken Cookout Menu
BBQ chicken is one of the most beloved cookout mains. Whether you’re grilling bone-in pieces, thighs, or drumsticks, the formula is the same: season, sauce, and patience.
Use indirect heat for bone-in pieces — start them away from the flame and move them over direct heat in the last few minutes to caramelize the sauce. Apply BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes only to prevent burning.
Takeout Cookout Menu
Cookout is primarily a drive-through chain, making takeout its default service model. Walk-up windows are available at most locations. Simply order at the speaker, pay at the window, and pick up your fresh food.
For large orders or group events, calling ahead or using the Cookout app (where available) may help streamline the ordering process, especially during peak hours.
Easy Cookout Menu
The easiest cookout menus stick to a simple framework: one or two proteins, one starchy side, one green side, and a simple dessert.
A reliable, easy menu might be: grilled burgers or hot dogs, classic potato salad, coleslaw, and a fruit salad. Everything can be prepped ahead, and the grill time is minimal. Simple beats complicated whenever you’re cooking for a crowd.
Home Team Cookout Menu
Whether you’re hosting for a game day or a casual neighborhood cookout, a “home team” menu is all about crowd favorites. Think classic comfort food with big flavors.
Smash burgers, baked beans, coleslaw, deviled eggs, and ice-cold drinks check every box. Add a few fun options like jalapeño popper dip or loaded nachos for snacking before the main event.
Cookout Menu North Carolina
North Carolina is Cookout’s home state, and NC fans have a deep loyalty to the brand. The full menu is available across NC locations, and many fans drive specifically to NC to visit Cookout if it’s not available in their state.
NC locations are particularly known for offering the Cheerwine milkshake flavor — a cherry-flavored regional soda that’s a beloved NC institution and a perfect Cookout shake flavor.
Memorial Day Cookout Menu
Memorial Day is one of the biggest cookout occasions of the year. Classic menus for this holiday lean patriotic — red, white, and blue themes, classic American foods, and big shared platters.
A Memorial Day cookout menu might include burgers and hot dogs on the grill, a watermelon and blueberry salad, classic potato salad, deviled eggs, and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Keep it festive, filling, and crowd-friendly.
Cookout Menu with Calories
Calorie counts for Cookout menu items are not officially published on their website. Third-party nutrition databases have compiled estimates based on ingredient comparisons.
A standard Cookout Tray can range from approximately 900 to 1,300 calories, depending on your main item and side choices. Choosing grilled chicken over a double burger and opting for slaw over fries can significantly reduce the calorie count of your meal.
Cookout Menu Gluten-Free
Cookout does not officially certify any items as gluten-free. Cross-contamination is a risk in any fast-food kitchen.
Guests with gluten sensitivities should exercise caution. Some menu items — like certain grilled proteins and salads without croutons — may be lower in gluten, but always disclose your allergy to the staff and understand the limitations of the kitchen environment.
Cookout Menu, Virginia
Cookout has expanded significantly into Virginia with locations in cities including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, and many others. The Virginia menus mirror the standard Cookout menu, including the full Tray experience and shake selection.
VA locations tend to follow the same late-night hours that Cookout is known for, making it a go-to for late-night food runs in college towns and urban areas throughout the state.
Cookout Menu Nashville
Cookout has multiple Nashville, Tennessee, locations, and the brand is beloved in the city. Nashville fans can enjoy the full menu, including the Tray, shakes, and all burger styles.
Given Nashville’s food culture, Cookout fits right in — affordable, generous portions, late-night availability, and a no-frills approach that lets the food speak for itself.
Cookout Menu Open Now
Cookout is well-known for its late-night hours — many locations stay open until 3:00 AM or even 4:00 AM on weekends. This makes it one of the few options for quality late-night food in many markets.
To check if your nearest Cookout is currently open, use Google Maps, the Cookout website, or call the location directly. Hours vary by location and day of the week.
FAQs
What is the Cookout Tray?
The Cookout Tray is a combo meal that includes one main item, two sides, and a large drink. It’s famous for being one of the best-value fast-food deals in the United States, typically priced between $5.99 and $7.49.
How many milkshake flavors does Cookout have?
Cookout offers more than 40 milkshake flavors, including classics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, plus specialty flavors like banana pudding, Oreo cheesecake, and Cheerwine (available in NC locations).
Does Cookout offer delivery?
Some Cookout locations offer delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats. Availability depends on your specific location. Check your preferred delivery app to see if a Cookout near you delivers.
Is Cookout available outside the Southeast?
Cookout operates primarily in Southeastern states, including North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and several others. It has not expanded to all U.S. regions. Check the Cookout website for current locations.
What are good sides for a backyard cookout?
Great cookout sides include potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, pasta salad, deviled eggs, and macaroni salad. Having two to three side options ensures all guests find something they enjoy.
How do I keep food fresh during a long outdoor cookout?
Use insulated coolers for cold dishes and keep warm dishes covered with foil until serving. Set out food in batches rather than all at once to minimize the time food sits in the heat.
What is elote?
Elote is Mexican street corn — grilled corn on the cob coated in a mixture of mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. It’s one of the most popular street foods in Mexico and a wonderful cookout addition.
What’s the best protein for a beginner griller?
Chicken thighs and hot dogs are the most forgiving proteins for beginner grillers. Chicken thighs have higher fat content, so they’re harder to dry out, and hot dogs are already cooked so you just need to heat and char them.
Conclusion
Whether you’re exploring the Cookout restaurant menu or planning your own backyard cookout, the options are endless. From char-grilled burgers and hand-spun shakes to easy homemade recipes, the best cookouts are all about good food, good company, and relaxed summer fun.
