Cookout Style Burger vs House Style Burger: 7 Key Differences

Pull up to the speaker box at Cookout, glance at the menu, and suddenly you’re faced with a long list of burger styles. Cookout Style, House Style, Cheddar Style, Out West Style—each sounds different, but the menu doesn’t clearly explain what sets them apart.

Many customers choose a burger style at random, but that’s not always the best approach. In this guide, you’ll learn the differences between Cookout Style Burger and House Style, how each one tastes, and which option fits your cravings. We’ll also give a quick overview of the other burger styles on the Cookout menu.

What Makes Cookout Burgers Different in the First Place

Before comparing Cookout Style and House Style, it’s important to understand what makes Cookout burgers unique. Every burger is char-grilled over an open flame, creating a smoky flavor and lightly caramelized crust that you won’t get from a standard flat-top grill.

Cookout also prepares burgers fresh to order instead of keeping them under heat lamps. Combined with the brand’s unique topping combinations for each burger style, this fresh approach is why Cookout Style Burger and House Style deliver noticeably different flavors.

The Cookout Style Hamburger: The Signature Build

This is the burger that shares its name with the restaurant, and that’s not an accident. It’s meant to represent what Cookout is all about.

What’s Actually On It

The Cookout Style Hamburger comes topped with:

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Diced onion
• Pickles
• Coleslaw

That last one catches almost everyone off guard the first time. Coleslaw, right on the burger.

It sounds strange if you’ve never had it. But the creamy, slightly sweet slaw actually balances out the tang of the mustard and ketchup really well, and it adds a crunch that plain lettuce just doesn’t deliver.

How It Tastes

Cookout Style delivers a balanced mix of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors thanks to its signature slaw. The smoky char-grilled patty remains the star, with toppings that complement rather than overpower its taste.

For many longtime Cookout fans, especially in the Southeast, this burger represents the classic Cookout experience and the flavor that made the chain so popular.

The House Style Hamburger: The Classic Build

Where the Cookout Style Burger leans into something unique, the House Style goes the opposite direction. It’s Cookout’s version of a familiar American cheeseburger.

What’s Actually On It

A typical House Style build includes:

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Mayo
• Onion
• Pickles

Some locations also include or offer American cheese as an easy add-on. This is the closest thing to a “build your own at home” burger that you’ll find on the Cookout menu.

How It Tastes

House Style offers a richer, more familiar flavor profile with mayo, lettuce, and tomato creating the feel of a classic backyard cheeseburger. Its creamy, balanced taste makes it an easy crowd-pleaser and a great choice for first-time Cookout visitors.

Cookout Style vs. House Style: Side-by-Side

Here’s the comparison laid out plainly so you can see exactly where they diverge.

Topping	Cookout Style	House Style
Mustard	Yes	Yes
Ketchup	Yes	Yes
Diced onion	Yes	Yes
Pickles	Yes	Yes
Coleslaw	Yes	No
Lettuce	No	Yes
Tomato	No	Yes
Mayo	No	Yes
Cheese	Not standard	Often available

The real difference comes down to one swap: coleslaw versus lettuce-and-tomato-with-mayo. Everything else overlaps. But that single swap changes the whole eating experience.

A Quick Look at the Other Burger Styles

These two aren’t your only options. Here’s a fast rundown of the rest of the lineup.

Cheddar Style takes the standard build and adds a slice of sharp cheddar. Simple change, noticeable upgrade — the sharpness cuts through the richness of the patty nicely.

Out West Style leans into barbecue territory with BBQ sauce, crispy onion, and cheese. Smokier and a bit sweeter than the others.

Steak Style brings a steakhouse feel with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a bolder sauce. It’s the heartiest option on the menu.

Nacho Chili Style piles house chili and nacho cheese sauce on top of the patty. It’s messy and indulgent — people tend to either love it or find it a bit much.

Can You Customize Either One?

One of the biggest advantages of ordering at Cookout is the ability to customize your burger. Because each burger is made fresh to order, you can easily remove toppings, add cheese, or request extras like pickles and onions.

No matter which style you choose, the foundation stays the same. Every burger uses the same beef patty, char-grilled cooking method, and bun—the only difference is the topping combination.

Which One Should You Try First

If it’s your first visit to Cookout, the Cookout Style is usually the best place to start. Its unique combination of mustard, ketchup, slaw, and chili delivers a signature flavor that’s difficult to find at other fast-food chains.

The House Style is also a great choice, but its classic cheeseburger-style toppings are more common elsewhere. Many regular customers enjoy both and switch between them depending on what they’re craving.

What to Pair With Each Burger

A Cookout Tray includes your burger, two sides, and a large drink, making your side choices an important part of the meal. Cookout Style Burger pairs especially well with simple options like regular fries or hush puppies, which complement its tangy flavor without overwhelming it.

The House Style offers more flexibility and goes great with onion rings or a side of coleslaw. To complete your meal, try one of Cookout’s famous milkshakes—classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate are always reliable, while banana pudding remains a fan favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cookout Style Hamburger?

It’s Cookout’s signature burger, topped with mustard, ketchup, diced onion, pickles, and coleslaw. It’s the most distinctive item on the burger menu and reflects the chain’s Southern roots.

What is the House Style Hamburger?

It’s a classic American-style burger topped with lettuce, tomato, mustard, ketchup, mayo, onion, and pickles. It’s the most familiar option on the Cookout burger menu.

What’s the main difference between the two?

The Cookout Style includes coleslaw and skips fresh vegetables. The House Style includes lettuce, tomato, and mayo but has no slaw. The patty and bun stay the same either way.

Can I customize my burger order?

Yes. Every burger is made fresh to order, so you can add or remove toppings freely at the window.

Which one should a first-timer order?

The Cookout Style. It gives you the most authentic Cookout experience and shows what sets this chain apart from other fast food.

Are Cookout burgers actually char-grilled?

Yes — every patty is cooked over an open char-grill, which is what gives it that smoky, slightly crispy crust.

Final Thoughts

Both burgers earn their spot on the menu, just for different reasons. The Cookout Style is bold, a little unexpected, and the truest representation of what makes this chain stand out. The House Style is familiar, fresh, and reliable when you want something closer to a classic cheeseburger.

The good news is you don’t have to pick just one forever. A Cookout Tray with either burger, two sides, and a drink still ranks as one of the best deals in fast food — so there’s really no wrong way to order.