The Complete Cookout Tray & Pricing Guide 2026
The Cookout Tray is a simple idea that offers exceptional flexibility and value. With one main item, two sides, and a large drink, plus six burger styles, 10+ sides, and over 40 milkshake flavors, it gives customers hundreds of meal combinations to choose from.
This guide explains everything about the Cookout Tray, including what’s included, current pricing, calories, and the best combos to order. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, you’ll find helpful tips to get the most from your meal.
What Is a Cookout Tray?
The Cookout Tray is the signature meal at Cookout, built around one main item, two sides, and a large drink. This customizable meal format delivers a complete meal at a price that’s lower than many competing fast-food combos.
What makes the Cookout Tray unique is its flexibility. Instead of choosing from fixed combo meals, you can build your own order with a wide variety of mains and sides, making it one of the biggest reasons for Cookout’s loyal customer following.
How the Tray Format Works
Ordering a Cookout Tray is simple: choose one main item, two sides, and a large drink, with the option to upgrade to one of Cookout’s famous hand-spun milkshakes for a small extra charge. Every meal is made fresh to order, ensuring your food is prepared to your preferences instead of sitting under a heat lamp, which is one of the reasons customers keep coming back.
Who Orders the Cookout Tray?
The Cookout Tray is the first choice for many customers because it combines great value, simple ordering, and plenty of customization. It’s especially popular with college students, families, late-night diners, and anyone who enjoys upgrading their meal with Cookout’s famous milkshakes.
What’s Included in the Cookout Tray
Let’s break down each component of the Cookout Tray in detail, because the strength of this meal format lives in the specifics.
The Main Item
Your main course is the centerpiece of the Cookout Tray. It’s also where the most decision-making happens, because Cookout gives you a longer list of options here than most people expect when they first pull up to the menu.
Burger options
Burger options are the most popular choice for most customers. Cookout offers six distinct burger styles, each with its own topping combination:
Cookout Style Hamburger
The Cookout Style Hamburger is the chain’s signature build — mustard, ketchup, diced onion, pickles, and coleslaw right on the burger. The slaw topping is what surprises most first-timers, but it’s exactly what makes this burger distinctive. The creamy slaw balances the tang of the mustard and ketchup in a way that feels completely natural once you try it.
House Style Hamburger
The House Style Hamburger is the more familiar build — lettuce, tomato, mustard, ketchup, mayo, onion, and pickles. It’s the closest thing to a classic American cheeseburger on the Cookout menu, and it’s the safest starting point for anyone not ready to commit to the slaw topping.
Cheddar Style Hamburger
The Cheddar Style Hamburger adds a slice of sharp cheddar to the standard build. A simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference in flavor — the sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness of the char-grilled patty in a satisfying way.
Out West Style Hamburger
The Out West Style Hamburger goes in a smokier direction with BBQ sauce, crispy onion, and cheese. It’s the most barbecue-forward option on the burger menu and pairs especially well with sweeter sides like baked beans.
Steak Style Hamburger
The Steak Style Hamburger brings a steakhouse-inspired topping combination — typically sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a bolder sauce. It’s the heartiest burger option and the one that tends to appeal most to customers who want something more substantial.
Nacho Chili Style Hamburger
The Nacho Chili Style Hamburger tops the patty with Cookout’s house chili and nacho cheese sauce. It’s the most indulgent, most talked-about, and most divisive burger on the menu. People tend to love it completely or find it too heavy for regular ordering. Worth trying at least once.
Non-burger mains give you flexibility that a lot of Cookout customers don’t fully explore:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich — the lightest sandwich option and a genuinely underrated choice
- Fried Chicken Sandwich — crispy and satisfying, a solid alternative to the burgers
- Regular Hot Dog — simple, classic, and one of the lowest-calorie main options available
- Corn Dog — unexpectedly good and one of the most affordable Tray mains
- Chicken Tenders (3 piece) — the highest-protein non-burger option on the menu
- BBQ Plate — available at select locations and a serious option for anyone who wants a smokier meal
Every single one of these works as a Tray main. The burger options get most of the attention, but the chicken tenders and grilled chicken sandwich in particular deserve more credit than they typically receive.
The Two Sides
Your two side choices are where you can really personalize the Cookout Tray experience. The available sides include:
French Fries
The most ordered side by a significant margin. Cookout’s fries are classic, salted, and serve their purpose well. They’re not reinventing anything, but they’re consistently good.
Onion Rings
Crispy, lightly battered, and slightly sweet. A strong alternative to fries if you want something with a bit more personality. The sweetness of the onion works especially well alongside the smokier burger styles.
Hush Puppies
Small, golden-fried cornbread bites with a slightly sweet interior. A distinctly Southern option that doesn’t get ordered nearly as often as it should. If you haven’t tried them, they’re worth picking at least once.
Coleslaw
Creamy, lightly sweetened, and made fresh. Even if your Cookout Style burger already has slaw on top, ordering a side of coleslaw isn’t redundant — it’s a genuinely good side dish that complements almost every main on the menu.
Baked Beans
Thick, slightly smoky, and sweet. One of the most satisfying non-fried sides available and a great choice for anyone who wants to feel like they’re eating something a little more substantial than just fries.
Mac and Cheese
Rich and creamy, available at most locations. It’s a comfort food side that works especially well alongside the lighter main options like grilled chicken or a hot dog.
Side Salad
The lightest option on the sides list by far. Without dressing, it clocks in at around 30–50 calories, making it the go-to choice for calorie-conscious customers building a lighter Tray.
The best Cookout Tray side pairing combines one hearty side with one lighter option, such as fries and coleslaw or onion rings and baked beans, for better balance and variety. Mixing different textures and flavors creates a more enjoyable meal than choosing two fried sides.
The Large Drink
Every Cookout Tray includes a large drink, with options like fountain sodas, sweet tea, lemonade, and water. However, the most popular choice is the milkshake upgrade, which makes the Cookout Tray stand out from other fast-food combo meals.
For about $1.50–$2.00 extra, you can upgrade your drink to one of 40+ hand-spun milkshake flavors, making it a better value than buying a shake separately. This wide selection is one of Cookout’s biggest attractions and a favorite among regular customers.
Cookout Tray Prices: The Full Breakdown
Cookout doesn’t publish a detailed price menu on their official website, which is one of the most consistent frustrations new customers mention. Prices also vary slightly by location — a Tray in rural North Carolina may cost slightly less than one in a busy urban area in Tennessee or Virginia.
That said, the pricing structure is consistent enough to give you an accurate expectation regardless of which location you visit.
Standard Tray Prices
| Main Item | Estimated Tray Price |
| Regular Hamburger | $6.25 – $6.75 |
| Cookout Style Hamburger | $6.50 – $7.00 |
| House Style Hamburger | $6.50 – $7.00 |
| Cheddar Style Hamburger | $6.75 – $7.25 |
| Regular Hot Dog | $6.00 – $6.50 |
| Corn Dog | $6.00 – $6.50 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $7.00 – $7.50 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | $7.00 – $7.50 |
Premium Tray Prices
| Main Item | Estimated Tray Price |
| Out West Style Hamburger | $7.25 – $7.75 |
| Nacho Chili Style Hamburger | $7.25 – $7.75 |
| Steak Style Hamburger | $7.50 – $8.00 |
| Chicken Tenders (3 piece) | $7.50 – $8.50 |
| BBQ Plate (select locations) | $8.00 – $9.00 |
Milkshake Upgrade Prices
| Upgrade | Additional Cost |
| Regular Milkshake Upgrade | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Large Milkshake Upgrade | $2.00 – $2.50 |
All Tray prices include two sides and a large fountain drink. The milkshake upgrade replaces the included drink at the additional cost listed.
How the Cookout Tray Price Compares to Competitors
The value case for the Cookout Tray becomes clearest when you put it next to what other chains charge for comparable meals.
| Chain | Comparable Meal | Approx. Price | Includes |
| Cookout | Tray (any main) | $6.50 – $8.50 | Main + 2 sides + large drink |
| McDonald’s | Extra Value Meal | $10.00 – $13.00 | Main + 1 side + medium drink |
| Chick-fil-A | Combo Meal | $11.00 – $15.00 | Main + 1 side + medium drink |
| Five Guys | Burger + Fries + Drink | $18.00 – $22.00 | Main + 1 side + drink |
| Wendy’s | Combo Meal | $10.00 – $13.00 | Main + 1 side + medium drink |
The Cookout Tray not only costs 30–50% less than comparable meals at most major chains — it also includes more food. Two sides instead of one. A large drink instead of a medium. That’s a material difference, not a rounding error.
Cookout Tray Calories: A Complete Guide
Cookout doesn’t prominently display calorie information on its menu boards or website. The figures below are compiled from third-party nutritional databases and customer-reported data. They’re solid estimates, not laboratory-verified numbers.
Main Item Calories
| Main Item | Estimated Calories |
| Corn Dog | 220 – 260 |
| Regular Hot Dog | 280 – 320 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 380 – 420 |
| Cookout Style Hamburger | 400 – 440 |
| House Style Hamburger | 420 – 460 |
| Cheddar Style Hamburger | 450 – 490 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | 490 – 540 |
| Out West Style Hamburger | 480 – 520 |
| Steak Style Hamburger | 500 – 550 |
| Nacho Chili Style Hamburger | 560 – 620 |
| Chicken Tenders (3 piece) | 420 – 480 |
Side Calories
| Side | Estimated Calories |
| Side Salad (no dressing) | 30 – 50 |
| Coleslaw | 180 – 220 |
| Baked Beans | 170 – 200 |
| Mac and Cheese | 300 – 340 |
| Hush Puppies (4–5 pieces) | 260 – 300 |
| French Fries (regular) | 320 – 360 |
| Onion Rings (regular) | 380 – 420 |
Drink Calories
| Drink | Estimated Calories |
| Water / Unsweetened Tea | 0 – 5 |
| Diet Soda | 0 – 10 |
| Regular Fountain Soda | 150 – 250 |
| Sweet Tea (large) | 200 – 280 |
| Vanilla Milkshake | 500 – 560 |
| Strawberry Milkshake | 510 – 570 |
| Chocolate Milkshake | 520 – 580 |
| Banana Pudding Milkshake | 580 – 640 |
| Oreo Cheesecake Milkshake | 620 – 700 |
| Peanut Butter Fudge Milkshake | 650 – 730 |
Complete Tray Calorie Examples
| Build | Approx. Total Calories |
| Grilled Chicken + Salad + Baked Beans + Unsweet Tea | 580 – 670 |
| Cookout Style Burger + Fries + Coleslaw + Sweet Tea | 980 – 1,100 |
| House Style Burger + Fries + Coleslaw + Vanilla Shake | 1,300 – 1,450 |
| Nacho Chili Burger + Onion Rings + Mac & Cheese + Banana Pudding Shake | 1,700 – 1,900 |
The range between the lightest and heaviest Cookout Tray builds is nearly 1,300 calories — which shows just how much control you have over the nutritional outcome of your order.
The Cookout Milkshake: Why It Changes Everything
No guide to the Cookout Tray is complete without mentioning the milkshakes, because they are one of the main reasons people seek out Cookout specifically. With more than 40 hand-spun flavors, Cookout offers far more variety than most major fast-food chains, making shakes a core part of its identity rather than an afterthought.
The shakes are made with real ice cream and blended by hand in each location, resulting in a thick, creamy texture that feels much more satisfying than the thin, machine-dispensed shakes common at many chains. That quality and variety are a big part of what makes the Cookout experience stand out.
Classic Shake Flavors
The dependable, always-available options that form the core of the shake menu:
- Vanilla — clean, smooth, and the most versatile pairing
- Chocolate — rich and satisfying, the most popular flavor at most locations
- Strawberry — bright and fruity, lighter than chocolate
- Chocolate Chip — vanilla base with chocolate pieces blended in
Specialty Shake Flavors
These are the flavors that turn casual Cookout customers into loyal regulars:
- Banana Pudding — sweet, creamy, and surprisingly dessert-like
- Oreo Cheesecake — one of the most popular specialty flavors consistently
- Peanut Butter Fudge — rich and indulgent, one of the highest-calorie options
- Peach — a seasonal favorite with a fresh, fruity quality
- Caramel Fudge — sweet and slightly buttery
Regional Exclusive Flavors
- Cheerwine — available at North Carolina locations only. Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soda that’s been a regional institution in NC since 1917. As a shake flavor, it’s tart, slightly sweet, and unlike anything else on the menu. If you’re visiting a North Carolina Cookout, this is a must-try.
The Cheer wine shake has become something of a pilgrimage item for food travelers visiting the Southeast — it’s mentioned in countless food blogs and travel guides as a genuine regional culinary experience worth going out of your way for.
Best Shake Pairings for Your Tray
Not all shake flavors work equally well with every burger or main. Here are the pairings that consistently work best:
| Main Item | Best Shake Pairing | Why It Works |
| Cookout Style Burger | Vanilla or Banana Pudding | Neutral/sweet shake balances tangy toppings |
| Nacho Chili Burger | Chocolate | Richness matches richness |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Strawberry or Peach | Light, fruity shake complements lighter main |
| Hot Dog | Vanilla or Chocolate | Classic combinations that never fail |
| Chicken Tenders | Banana Pudding or Caramel | Sweet shake contrasts savory, crispy tenders |
The 7 Best Cookout Tray Combos
After covering all the individual components, here are seven complete Best Cookout Tray Combos builds that consistently stand out — each one designed around a specific mood or appetite.
The Classic
Cookout Style Hamburger + French Fries + Coleslaw + Sweet Tea
The definitive Cookout experience. This is the combination that defines the chain for most regulars.
The Lighter Option
Grilled Chicken Sandwich + Side Salad + Baked Beans + Unsweetened Tea
Approximately 580–680 calories. The smartest build for calorie-conscious diners who still want a complete, satisfying meal.
The Indulgent Pick
Nacho Chili Burger + Onion Rings + Mac and Cheese + Banana Pudding Shake
Approximately 1,700–1,900 calories. Not a daily meal — a genuine treat that delivers on every level.
The Late-Night Order
Hot Dog + French Fries + Hush Puppies + Chocolate Shake
The combination that Cookout’s late-night crowd knows by heart. Simple, satisfying, and always reliable at 2 AM.
The Crowd-Pleaser
House Style Hamburger + French Fries + Coleslaw + Strawberry Shake
The build you order when you’re feeding someone new to Cookout and want to guarantee they leave happy.
The Underdog
Corn Dog + Hush Puppies + Baked Beans + Cheer wine Shake (NC locations)
One of the most underrated Tray builds. Light enough on calories to justify the shake upgrade, and the Cheerwine shake makes it genuinely memorable.
The Protein Builder
Chicken Tenders (3 piece) + Baked Beans + Coleslaw + Unsweetened Tea
The highest-protein combination on the menu that still comes in under 1,100 calories. Ideal for anyone who prioritizes protein in their meals.
How to Customize Your Cookout Tray
One of the most underused features of the Cookout Tray is the customization option. Because every order is made fresh, you can make modifications at the drive-through window without much hassle.
Removing toppings
Removing toppings is always an option. If you want a Cookout Style burger without mustard, or a House Style without onion, just ask. The staff accommodates simple topping removals without issue.
Adding cheese
Adding cheese to any burger is typically available as a small upcharge. If you want a Cookout Style with cheddar, you can build that at the window.
Mixing side combinations
Mixing side combinations is one of the best customization moves that doesn’t get mentioned enough. Swapping one fries order for coleslaw saves 100–180 calories and adds a textural contrast that makes the whole meal more interesting.
Asking about daily specials
Asking about daily specials occasionally pays off at specific locations. This isn’t consistent across the chain, but it’s worth a quick question when you’re at the window.
Is the Cookout Tray Worth It?
The question “Is the Cookout Tray worth it?“ comes up often, and for most customers, the answer is yes. Its combination of fresh char-grilled food, generous portions, real milkshakes, and affordable pricing makes it one of the best-value meals in fast food.
The char-grilled burgers, freshly prepared sides, and 40+ hand-spun milkshake flavors help set the Cookout Tray apart from competitors. Combined with prices that are often 30–50% lower than similar combo meals, it’s easy to see why so many first-time visitors become loyal customers.
Cookout Tray: Common Questions Answered
What is a Cookout Tray?
A Cookout Tray is the signature meal format at Cookout restaurant, consisting of one main item, two sides of your choice, and a large drink — offered at a single bundled price that’s significantly lower than comparable combo meals at most fast food chains.
How much does a Cookout Tray cost?
Cookout Tray prices range from approximately $6.00 to $8.50, depending on which main item you select and your specific location. Premium mains like the Steak Style burger or Chicken Tenders cost slightly more than standard options.
Can you get a milkshake with a Cookout Tray?
Yes. Most Cookout locations allow you to upgrade your included large drink to a milkshake for an additional $1.50 to $2.50 depending on size. This is typically better value than ordering the shake separately.
What sides can you get with a Cookout Tray?
Standard side options include French fries, onion rings, hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and a side salad. Availability may vary slightly by location.
How many calories are in a Cookout Tray?
A complete Cookout Tray ranges from approximately 580 calories (lightest build) to nearly 1,900 calories (most indulgent build with shake upgrade). The total depends entirely on your choices for main, sides, and drink.
What is the best thing to order on a Cookout Tray?
The Cookout Style Hamburger with French fries, coleslaw, and a vanilla or chocolate shake is the most widely recommended combination for first-time visitors. It represents the Cookout experience most accurately and consistently delivers on expectations.
Does the Cookout Tray include a drink?
Yes. Every Cookout Tray includes a large fountain drink or sweet tea at no extra charge. Milkshake upgrades are available for an additional fee.
Is the Cookout Tray available at all locations?
Yes. The Tray format is the core menu structure at every Cookout location. Specific main and side options may vary slightly by location.
What states have Cookout restaurants?
Cookout operates primarily in the Southeastern United States, including North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and several other states. North Carolina is the home state and has the highest concentration of locations.
How does the Cookout Tray compare to other fast food combos?
The Cookout Tray includes more food — two sides instead of one, a large drink instead of a medium — at a price 30–50% lower than comparable combo meals at McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, or Five Guys.
Final Thoughts
The Cookout Tray has earned its reputation through consistent quality, generous portions, and outstanding value rather than marketing hype. Its customizable format lets you build anything from a lighter meal to a more indulgent feast while keeping the same budget-friendly pricing.
If you’re visiting for the first time, try the Cookout Style burger, fries, coleslaw, and a vanilla milkshake for the classic experience. Regular customers can explore underrated options like the Steak Style burger, chicken tenders, or the Cheerwine milkshake, and upgrading to a shake is almost always worth it.
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