menu for cracker barrel
Cracker Barrel has long been known as a classic American restaurant that brings comfort food to the table with a warm, country-style atmosphere. The Cracker Barrel menu is rich with Southern flavors, hearty portions, and nostalgic dishes that remind diners of home-cooked meals. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the menu offers a wide variety of choices to satisfy different cravings and dietary preferences. With seasonal specials, traditional favorites, and kid-friendly options, it’s easy to see why Cracker Barrel remains a popular choice for family dining across the United States.
All-Day Breakfast Menu
One of the best features of Cracker Barrel is that breakfast is served all day. Their breakfast menu includes a mix of sweet and savory items, combining eggs, pancakes, biscuits, and country-style meats.
Popular Breakfast Items
- Old Timer’s Breakfast: Two eggs cooked to order, grits, and your choice of fried apples or hashbrown casserole, plus bacon or sausage and homemade buttermilk biscuits.
- Pancake Breakfast: Three fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with syrup and butter, plus eggs and your choice of meat.
- Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast: Two eggs with grits, fried apples or hashbrown casserole, country fried steak or chicken fried chicken, and biscuits with gravy.
- Sunrise Sampler: A generous plate with eggs, grits, fried apples, hashbrown casserole, and samples of sausage, bacon, and country ham.
The breakfast menu also includes lighter options like oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and fruit sides for those looking for a healthier meal.
Lunch and Dinner Offerings
As the day progresses, the Cracker Barrel menu continues to shine with its wide selection of lunch and dinner entrees. These dishes are designed to offer the comfort of home-style cooking and Southern tradition.
Southern Specialties
- Country Fried Steak: Breaded and fried beef steak topped with creamy white gravy, served with two or three country sides and biscuits or cornbread.
- Meatloaf: A classic recipe made with ground beef, onions, and tomatoes, baked and served with your choice of sides.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins: Slow-simmered chicken and soft dumplings in a rich, savory broth. A fan favorite for years.
- Southern Fried Chicken: Hand-breaded, crispy fried chicken served with traditional sides and buttermilk biscuits.
For those looking for lighter or vegetarian-friendly options, there are vegetable plates that let you choose four side dishes from an assortment of cooked vegetables, salads, and starches.
Seasonal and Daily Specials
Cracker Barrel’s menu also features daily specials that rotate depending on the day of the week. These daily dishes bring variety and a reason for guests to return more frequently.
Examples of Daily Specials
- Monday: Baked Chicken n’ Dressing with sweet potato casserole.
- Wednesday: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken served with two sides.
- Friday: Fish Fry with crispy cod fillets, hushpuppies, and steak fries.
- Sunday: Homestyle Chicken with two boneless fried chicken breasts and two sides.
These specials are served in addition to the standard menu and change seasonally to include dishes like turkey dinners or holiday-inspired plates.
Appetizers and Starters
While Cracker Barrel is not typically known for appetizers in the traditional sense, there are a few menu options that serve as great starters or small bites before your main meal.
- Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots
- Bowl of Pinto Beans with Onion and Cornbread
- Biscuit Beignets served with sweet syrup for dipping
These items are simple but flavorful, keeping with the rustic, comforting approach that defines the Cracker Barrel experience.
Side Dishes and Vegetables
Cracker Barrel places a strong focus on hearty sides that complete your meal. Many diners even enjoy crafting a full meal by mixing and matching side dishes.
Classic Country Sides
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Fried Okra
- Macaroni n’ Cheese
- Hashbrown Casserole
- Steamed Broccoli
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread Dressing
- Turnip Greens
With so many options, guests can enjoy a well-rounded meal that fits their preferences, whether vegetarian or meat-based.
Cracker Barrel Kids Menu
Families with children appreciate the variety on the Cracker Barrel kids menu. Meals are portioned just right for younger appetites and come with a drink and side.
Kids Favorites
- Homestyle Chicken Tenders
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Mini Pancakes
- Scrambled Egg Plate
Each kid’s meal can be paired with fruit, mac n’ cheese, or other sides depending on dietary needs and preferences. The kids menu makes Cracker Barrel a great destination for family dining.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No Southern meal is complete without dessert, and Cracker Barrel offers several traditional sweets to finish your meal. Whether you’re craving fruit cobbler or chocolate cake, the menu has something satisfying.
Popular Desserts
- Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
- Fruit Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Baked Apple Dumpling
- Peach or Blackberry Cobbler (seasonal)
Many guests come back just for dessert, especially for the signature Coca-Cola Cake, which blends rich chocolate with a classic soda twist.
Beverages and Drinks
Cracker Barrel offers a mix of traditional Southern drinks and modern favorites. Refills are generally available for soft drinks and iced tea.
- Sweet or Unsweet Iced Tea
- Lemonade
- Coffee (regular and decaf)
- Soft drinks including cola, root beer, and diet options
- Fruit juices such as orange and apple
Some locations may also offer beer, wine, or mimosas depending on local regulations and time of day.
Cracker Barrel Takeout and Family Meals
In addition to dining in, Cracker Barrel provides a convenient takeout menu. This includes family-sized meals, individual entrees, and catering trays for events or home gatherings.
Popular family meal boxes include meatloaf, fried chicken, or breakfast combos, all served with your choice of sides and bread. The takeout menu makes it easy to enjoy Cracker Barrel at home without sacrificing the comfort and flavor the brand is known for.
The Cracker Barrel menu is a celebration of traditional American comfort food with a strong Southern influence. From all-day breakfast to hearty dinner entrees, the offerings are diverse, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re craving meatloaf, biscuits and gravy, or a slice of chocolate cake, Cracker Barrel delivers a taste of home with every visit. Their broad selection, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to consistency keep people coming back again and again. No matter the time of day, there’s always something delicious to discover at Cracker Barrel.