7 Best Cookout Tray Combos You Need to Try
Some Cookout customers know exactly what they’ll order before reaching the speaker, while others pause at the menu trying to decide. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the choices, this guide is here to make ordering much easier.
With a Cookout Tray, you choose one main item, two sides, and a large drink, creating hundreds of possible combinations. Below, you’ll find seven tried-and-tested best Cookout Tray combos designed for different tastes, appetites, and cravings, so you can order with confidence.
What Makes a Best Cookout Tray Combos
Before choosing a best Cookout Tray Combos, it’s worth understanding what makes one meal stand out from another. The best combinations are built around balance, pairing rich main items with sides and drinks that complement the overall flavor.
A small change, such as swapping onion rings for coleslaw, can make the meal feel lighter and more enjoyable. Every combo in this guide is designed to offer a better mix of flavors and textures, not just the most popular items.
Combo #1: The Classic
Main: Cookout Style Hamburger
Sides: French Fries + Coleslaw
Drink: Sweet Tea or Vanilla Shake
This Cookout Tray combo captures the classic Cookout experience, featuring the Cookout Style Hamburger topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, pickles, and the chain’s signature coleslaw. It’s one of the most distinctive and popular choices on the menu.
Pair it with fries and coleslaw for a balanced mix of crunch and creaminess, then finish with sweet tea or a vanilla milkshake for the perfect Southern-inspired meal.
Best for: First-timers who want the real Cookout experience from start to finish.
Approx. calories: 980 – 1,100 (with sweet tea) / 1,480 – 1,660 (with vanilla shake)
Combo #2: The Lighter Option
Main: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Sides: Side Salad (no dressing or light dressing) + Baked Beans
Drink: Unsweetened Tea or Water
Choosing a lower-calorie Cookout Tray doesn’t mean giving up flavor. A grilled chicken sandwich offers a lighter, well-seasoned option that’s still filling and satisfying.
Pair it with baked beans and a side salad for a balanced meal that stays around 580–680 calories. It’s one of the smartest ways to enjoy a complete Cookout Tray while keeping calories in check.
Best for: Calorie-conscious diners, anyone post-workout, or anyone who just wants a clean, balanced fast food meal.
Approx. calories: 580 – 680
Combo #3: The Indulgent Pick
Main: Nacho Chili Style Hamburger
Sides: Onion Rings + Mac and Cheese
Drink: Banana Pudding Shake
This Cookout Tray combo is all about indulgence, making it the perfect choice when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. The Nacho Chili Style burger, paired with onion rings and mac and cheese, delivers bold flavors and plenty of comfort.
Complete the meal with a banana pudding milkshake, one of Cookout’s most popular flavors. At around 1,700–1,900 calories, it’s definitely a treat, but one that offers excellent value for a special occasion.
Best for: Treating yourself, cheat days, or anyone who’s been talking about trying the Nacho Chili burger for a while.
Approx. calories: 1,700 – 1,900
Combo #4: The Late-Night Order
Main: Regular Hot Dog
Sides: French Fries + Hush Puppies
Drink: Chocolate Shake
Cookout’s late-night crowd is one of its most loyal customer bases. Many locations stay open until 3 or 4 AM on weekends, making them the go-to option when everything else is closed.
The hot dog is simple, satisfying, and underrated. It’s not trying to be fancy — it’s just a well-made hot dog with a good bun and clean toppings. Fries are the obvious partner. Hush puppies — slightly sweet, cornbread-based bites — are the late-night wildcard that most people don’t order often enough.
The chocolate shake ties it together. It’s the classic, dependable choice that always delivers.
Best for: Late-night runs, quick stops, or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without overthinking it.
Approx. calories: 1,100 – 1,300
Combo #5: The Crowd-Pleaser
Main: House Style Hamburger
Sides: French Fries + Coleslaw
Drink: Chocolate or Strawberry Shake
The House Style Hamburger is one of Cookout’s most approachable menu items, topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, ketchup, onions, and pickles. Its familiar flavor makes it a reliable choice for almost any burger lover.
Paired with fries, coleslaw, and a milkshake, this combo delivers a classic fast-food meal that’s easy to enjoy. It’s an excellent option for first-time Cookout visitors or anyone who prefers traditional burger flavors.
Best for: Introducing friends or family to Cookout, group orders where you’re not sure of preferences, or days when you just want something reliably good.
Approx. calories: 1,200 – 1,450
Combo #6: The Underdog Order
Main: Corn Dog
Sides: Hush Puppies + Baked Beans
Drink: Cheerwine Shake (NC locations) or Strawberry Shake
Many customers overlook the Cookout Corn Dog, but it’s one of the menu’s hidden gems. With its crispy cornmeal coating and relatively low calorie count (220–260 calories), it’s a great main item if you want a lighter Cookout Tray.
Pair it with hush puppies and baked beans for a satisfying Southern-style meal. If your location offers the Cheerwine milkshake, it’s a must-try regional favorite; otherwise, a strawberry milkshake makes an excellent alternative.
Best for: Lighter appetites, people who haven’t explored beyond the burger section, and anyone visiting a North Carolina Cookout location.
Approx. calories: 870 – 1,100
Combo #7: The Protein Builder
Main: Chicken Tenders (3 piece)
Sides: Baked Beans + Coleslaw
Drink: Unsweetened Tea or Water
The Cookout Chicken Tenders are an underrated menu item, offering a crispy, well-seasoned three-piece serving that’s filling enough for a complete meal. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for something other than a burger.
Pair them with baked beans, coleslaw, and unsweetened tea for a balanced, protein-focused Cookout Tray. This combo is ideal for anyone who wants a satisfying meal with plenty of protein and fewer unnecessary calories.
Best for: Post-workout meals, high-protein diners, or anyone who wants something filling without the heaviness of a burger.
Approx. calories: 870 – 1,050
Quick Comparison: All 7 Combos at a Glance
| Combo | Best For | Approx. Calories |
| #1 The Classic | First-timers | 980 – 1,100 |
| #2 The Lighter Option | Calorie-conscious | 580 – 680 |
| #3 The Indulgent Pick | Treat yourself | 1,700 – 1,900 |
| #4 The Late-Night Order | After midnight runs | 1,100 – 1,300 |
| #5 The Crowd-Pleaser | Groups, first visits | 1,200 – 1,450 |
| #6 The Underdog Order | Lighter appetite | 870 – 1,100 |
| #7 The Protein Builder | Post-workout, high protein | 870 – 1,050 |
How to Build Your Own Perfect Combo
These Best Cookout Tray combos are great starting points, but the best part of the Tray is its full customization. Choose your main item first, then balance the meal with sides and a drink that match its flavor and richness.
Mixing different textures, such as a crispy side with a creamy one, creates a more enjoyable meal. If you’re craving a milkshake, the shake upgrade is usually one of the best values and is often cheaper than ordering it separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Cookout Tray combo?
The most popular combo among regulars is the Cookout Style Hamburger with french fries, coleslaw, and a vanilla or chocolate shake. It’s the build that best represents what Cookout is known for.
What is the Best Cookout Tray Combos for someone watching calories?
The grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad and baked beans, paired with unsweetened tea, comes in at roughly 580–680 calories — making it the lightest complete Tray you can build.
Can I customize the sides on my Cookout Tray?
Yes. Every Cookout Tray lets you choose any two sides from the available list. You can mix and match freely based on your preference.
What is the best shake flavor to add to a Cookout Tray?
Vanilla and chocolate are the most universally popular choices. Banana pudding and Oreo cheesecake are top picks among regulars who want something more interesting.
Is the Cookout Tray the cheapest way to order?
Yes — ordering a main, two sides, and a large drink as a Tray is always cheaper than ordering each item separately.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of the Best Cookout Tray Combos is that it works for everyone. Whether you’re building the lightest possible meal or going all in on the most indulgent combo on the menu, the format gives you full control over what lands in front of you.
Use these seven combos as your starting point. Try the Classic on your first visit, then work your way through the list based on your mood. Most Cookout regulars cycle through three or four favorites depending on the day — and finding your personal go-to is half the fun.
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