What Is a Cookout Tray? The Ultimate 2026 Guide
If you’re visiting Cookout for the first time, the menu can seem a little overwhelming. With burgers, chicken, hot dogs, sides, and dozens of milkshake flavors, one menu item stands out more than any other—the Cookout Tray.
The Cookout Tray is the chain’s most popular meal deal and offers one of the best values on the menu. In this guide, you’ll learn what’s included, how much it costs, and which combinations are worth trying.
What Is a Cookout Tray?
A Cookout Tray is a complete meal that includes one main item, two sides, and a large drink. Rather than being a fixed combo, it’s a customizable meal format that lets you choose each part yourself. This flexibility is one of the main reasons for Cookout’s loyal fan base, giving customers the freedom to build a meal that matches their preferences.
What Counts as a “Main” on the Tray?
The main is the centerpiece of your tray, and Cookout gives you a long list of options here. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Any of the six burger styles (Cookout Style, House Style, Cheddar Style, Out West Style, Steak Style, Nacho Chili Style)
- Grilled or fried chicken sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Corn dogs
- Chicken tenders
- BBQ plates (at select locations)
Most people default to a burger, but the chicken tenders and hot dog options are just as popular among regulars, especially for lighter appetites.
What Sides Can You Choose?
This is where the Tray really shines. You get to pick two sides, and the list is genuinely long. Common options include:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Hush puppies
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese (select locations)
- Side salad
A smart move is pairing one “heavier” side with one lighter option. Fries plus coleslaw is the classic combo for a reason — the creamy slaw balances out the fried, salty fries nicely.
What Drink Do You Get?
The Tray includes a large drink, and this includes Cookout’s full lineup of fountain drinks, sweet tea, and — this is the part most people don’t realize — milkshakes.
Yes, you can upgrade your Tray drink to a milkshake. At most locations this comes at a small additional cost, but it’s one of the best-kept secrets on the menu. With more than 40 shake flavors available, this turns an already great deal into something even better.
How Much Does a Cookout Tray Cost in 2026?
Pricing varies slightly by location and which main you choose, but as of 2026, you can expect:
- Standard Tray (burger, hot dog, or chicken sandwich main): roughly $6.50–$7.50
- Premium Tray (specialty burger styles like Steak or Nacho Chili): roughly $7.50–$8.50
- Shake upgrade: add approximately $1.50–$2.00
Given that this price includes a main, two full sides, and a large drink, it remains one of the best value meals in American fast food. For an exact breakdown by item, check our full guide on Cookout Tray pricing.
Is the Cookout Tray Healthy?
It depends entirely on what you choose. A grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad and a side of baked beans is a fairly balanced meal. A Nacho Chili burger with fries and onion rings, paired with a large shake, is closer to a 1,200+ calorie indulgence.
The beauty of the Tray format is that you control this completely. If you’re trying to eat lighter, lean toward grilled mains, salad or coleslaw sides, and skip the shake upgrade. If you’re treating yourself, the Tray gives you room to go all out without ordering five separate items.
5 Cookout Tray Combos Worth Trying
If you’re not sure where to start, here are five combinations that consistently come up as reader and regular favorites:
1. The Classic — Cookout Style burger, fries, coleslaw, sweet tea
2. The Lighter Option — Grilled chicken sandwich, side salad, baked beans, unsweetened tea
3. The Indulgent Pick — Nacho Chili burger, onion rings, mac and cheese, banana pudding shake
4. The Late-Night Order — Hot dog, fries, hush puppies, vanilla shake
5. The Crowd-Pleaser — House Style burger, fries, coleslaw, chocolate shake
Each of these works because the sides and drink complement the main rather than competing with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Cookout Tray?
A Cookout Tray includes one main item (such as a burger, chicken sandwich, or hot dog), two sides of your choice, and a large drink.
Can I get a milkshake with my Cookout Tray?
Yes. Most locations let you upgrade your included drink to a milkshake for a small additional charge.
How much does a Cookout Tray cost?
As of 2026, prices typically range from $6.50 to $8.50 depending on which main item you select.
Is the Cookout Tray a good deal?
Yes. Given that it includes a full main, two sides, and a large drink, it’s widely considered one of the best value meals in fast food.
Can I customize the sides on my Tray?
Yes. You choose any two sides from the available list, so you can fully customize your Tray to your taste or dietary preference.
Final Thoughts
The Cookout Tray isn’t complicated once you know how it works — one main, two sides, one large drink, all at a price that’s hard to beat anywhere else in fast food.
Whether you’re a longtime regular or trying Cookout for the first time, the Tray is the format that lets you build exactly the meal you want. Pick a main that fits your mood, two sides that balance it out, and don’t be afraid to upgrade that drink to a shake.
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