Cookout Tray Menu 2026: Complete Price Guide & Best Meal Combinations

Every food lover who wants to visit Cookout has one burning question: “How much is a cookout tray?” The cookout tray is the most popular item on the Cookout menu. If you’re planning to visit the restaurant in the near future, this post is for you. Let’s find out everything about the cookout tray menu, pricing, and the best combinations to try.

Cookout Trays

Cookout Tray Price

Regular Tray: $5.25-$7.69 (Most locations: $7.39) Jr Tray: $4.69-$6.49 (Most locations: $6.39)

Exact Pricing Table (All 2026 Costs)

Tray Type	Base Price	With Regular Shake	With Fancy Shake	What’s Included
Regular Tray	$7.39	$8.39 (+$1.00)	$8.99 (+$1.60)	1 main + 2 sides + drink
Jr Tray	$6.39	$7.39 (+$1.00)	$7.99 (+$1.60)	1 main + 2 sides + drink

Cook Out Tray Regular

Big Double Burger

$7.39

520 Cal

Regular 1/4 LB. Burger

$7.39

330 Cal

Huge Burger (2 thin patties)

$7.39

330 Cal

Char-Grilled Chicken (Regular)

$7.39

380 Cal

Cajun Chicken

$7.39

380 Cal

Spicy Chicken

$7.39

450 Cal

BBQ Char-Grilled Chicken

$7.39

380 Cal

3 Chicken Strips or Sandwich

$7.39

660 Cal

2 Hot Dogs

$7.39

520 Cal

Choose 2 Sides or Double Up

French Fries

N/A

350-420 Cal

Cajun Fries

N/A

450 Cal

Onion Rings

N/A

320 Cal

Hush Puppies

N/A

300 Cal

Coleslaw

N/A

200 Cal

Chicken Nuggets

N/A

150-400 Cal

Bacon Wrap

N/A

420 Cal

Chicken Wrap (Ranch, Cajun)

N/A

500-520 Cal

Quesadilla (Chicken, Beef)

N/A

220-520 Cal

Corn Dog

N/A

220 Cal

Cheese Bites (White Cheddar)

N/A

190-380 Cal

What is a Cookout Tray?

A cookout tray is like a mini buffet delivered by this well-known fast-food restaurant. It’s an exceptional value meal that offers a main dish, two sides, and a drink. You get multiple dishes at the same time for a single affordable price.

The Cookout Trays have something for everyone. You can choose burgers, chicken strips, hot dogs, BBQ, quesadillas, and sandwiches as main items. You also have multiple options for sides and beverages. You can satisfy your hunger and fulfill your cravings for multiple dishes at once.

Cookout Tray Options

There are two options available when it comes to Cook Out Trays. Customers can choose one according to their preferences and budget. Both trays have different food options. Every option includes one main entree, two sides, and a drink of your choice.

Cookout Tray (Regular)

Cook Out Trays (Regular) let you choose one item as your main course. Options include burgers, chicken, and BBQ. You can also choose two sides and a drink from many available options. Check out the complete Cook Out Tray menu below.

Cookout Jr Tray

The cookout jr tray menu also allows you to choose one main item. Burgers, chicken, and hot dogs are available here. The side menu remains the same as the regular tray. You can choose a drink from various options available.

How Much Is a Cookout Tray? (2026 Pricing Breakdown)

When you ask “how much is a cookout tray,” the answer depends on your location and upgrades. The standard cookout tray price sits at $7.39 for a Regular Tray in most Southeastern locations. This includes one char-grilled entree, two sides, and a large fountain drink.

Cookout Tray Price

Regular Tray: $5.25-$7.69 (Most locations: $7.39) Jr Tray: $4.69-$6.49 (Most locations: $6.39)

Exact Pricing Table (All 2026 Costs)

Regional Price Variations

Most Southeastern locations charge $7.39 for a Regular Tray and $6.39 for a Jr Tray. Higher-cost areas like Maryland or West Virginia sometimes charge $7.99 and $6.99 respectively. The difference rarely exceeds 60 cents between the cheapest and most expensive markets.

Breaking Down the Value

The cookout tray price makes sense when compared to buying items separately. Here’s the real math that shows why regulars never order à la carte.

Price Comparison vs À La Carte:

Ordering each item individually costs:

• Big Double burger: $3.99
• Cajun fries: $2.49
• Hush puppies: $2.49
• Large Coke: $2.19
• À La Carte Total: $11.16

Cookout Tray with same items: $7.39

Savings: $3.77 (34% discount)

That $3.77 difference could buy you almost another whole Jr Tray. The tray format cuts your cost by one-third for the exact same food.

Milkshake Upgrade Math

The shake upgrade confuses people until they see the numbers. A regular milkshake ordered separately costs $3.69. Upgrading your tray drink to a shake adds just $1.00. You save $2.69 by choosing the upgrade instead of ordering the shake separately.

Fancy shakes (Oreo Mint, Peanut Butter Fudge, Banana Pudding) cost $4.29 alone but only add $1.60 to your tray. That’s still a $2.69 savings. The upgrade always wins.

Money-Saving Secret

Order the Huge Burger as your entree. This burger contains two thin patties but costs the same $7.39 tray price. Then double up on Cajun fries for massive portions. You get 6.5 ounces of beef, double fries, and a drink for $7.39.

Cookout Tray Menu – Complete Options

The cookout tray menu follows a simple formula: Choose 1 main entree, pick 2 sides (or double up on one), and select 1 drink. This creates over 54,000 possible combinations.

Regular Cookout Tray Menu with Calories

Choose 1 for Tray (Your Main Course)

Choose 2 Sides or Double Up (Your Sides)

Choose a Beverage (Your Drink)

Note: You can get a regular shake as a substitute for a drink or upgrade it to a Fancy Milkshake of your choice for an additional $1.60.

Cookout Jr Tray Menu with Calories

Choose 1 for Jr. Tray (Your Main Course)

The cookout jr tray saves you $1 compared to Regular Tray ($6.39 vs $7.39). The sides and drinks menu stays the same. You get smaller portions of the main item and sides, but the same 32-ounce drink.

Best Cookout Meals: Top Tray Combinations

Stop staring at the menu board. These tested best cookout meals deliver maximum value, flavor, and satisfaction.

Most Popular Cookout Tray Options

1. Big Double Burger
Special and delicious with two beef patties, fresh lettuce, onion, tomato, chili, and slaw toasted with melted cheese.

2. Cajun Chicken & Fries
Cookout Cajun Chicken is one of the best items, served with Cajun and cheese fries to make the perfect combination.

3. Char-Grilled Hot Dogs
Choose from different styles like Cheddar Style and Cookout Style with cheese or chili sauce toppings.

4. Chicken Strips
The Cook Out Chicken Strips are always a classic favorite, available with a variety of yummy sauces.

5. Hush Puppies
One of the most loved Southern dishes, made with cornmeal dough fried balls and served as a side.

6. Cheerwine
Unique and favorite cherry-flavored drink in the Southern US, perfect to pair with your trays.

7. Quesadilla (Chicken or Beef)
Quesadillas made with chicken or beef with cheddar cheese and vegetables make a best tray option.

8. BBQ Sandwich
Authentic Carolina BBQ with pulled pork, vinegar-based sauce, and coleslaw on a soft bun.

Best Cookout Tray Combinations (Tested & Approved)

These combinations have been tried by customers and discussed in forums. Here are the top cookout tray options:

1. The Value Champion
Huge Burger (Cookout Style) + Double Cajun Fries + Sweet Tea
Why: Two patties for one price, double fries, under $7.50 total

2. The Classic Experience
Big Double Cheddar Style + Hush Puppies + Onion Rings + Cheerwine + Banana Pudding Shake (+$1)
Why: True Southern flavors, signature items

3. The Triple Threat
Chicken Strips + Quesadilla + Chicken Wrap (Cajun)
Why: Three entrees for $7.39 (college student hack)

4. The BBQ Lover
BBQ Sandwich + Coleslaw + Hush Puppies + Sweet Tea
Why: Authentic Carolina BBQ experience

5. The Protein Power
Big Double (no bun) + Chicken Nuggets + Side Salad + Vanilla Shake (+$1)
Why: 52g protein, perfect post-workout

6. The Spice King
Cajun Chicken + Cajun Fries + Quesadilla + Unsweet Tea
Why: Consistent spice throughout

7. The Late Night Special
Big Double (Cookout Style) + Onion Rings + Fries + Oreo Milkshake (+$1)
Why: Maximum indulgence for 2 AM cravings

8. The Budget Junior
Jr Tray with Regular Burger + Fries + Coleslaw + Sweet Tea
Why: Under $7, perfect for kids or light eaters

Other Popular Combinations:

• Cajun Chicken + Cajun Fries + Corn Dog + Peanut Butter Fudge Shake
• Cheddar Style Burger + Chicken Quesadilla + Fries + Cheerwine Vanilla Shake
• Steak Style Burger + Chicken Quesadilla + Fries + Heath Milkshake
• Big Double Cheeseburger + Cajun Fries + Corn Dog + Cheerwine

How to Order a Cookout Tray

First-time orderers often freeze at the speaker. Here’s the exact ordering script for smooth service.

Step-by-Step Ordering Guide

STEP 1: Start with “Cookout Tray” or “Jr Tray”
Say: “I’ll have a Cookout Tray” (this tells staff you want the combo)

STEP 2: State Your Main Entree
Example: “Big Double Cheddar Style burger” or “BBQ sandwich”

STEP 3: Choose Your Two Sides
Say: “with Cajun fries and hush puppies” or “with double onion rings”

STEP 4: Select Your Drink
Say: “and a sweet tea” or “and upgrade to a chocolate shake”

STEP 5: Add Modifications
Example: “no pickles” or “extra Cookout Sauce on the side”

Complete Ordering Example

“I’ll have a Cookout Tray with a Big Double Cookout Style burger, Cajun fries, hush puppies, and a Cheerwine.”

This takes 5 seconds and staff process it instantly.

Cookout Tray Options for Special Diets

Finding cookout tray options that fit dietary restrictions? Here’s what works.

Vegetarian Trays

Available Options:

• Quesadilla (cheese only) as main
• Grilled cheese (limited locations)
• Veggie burger (select locations)

Vegetarian Sides: Fries, onion rings, hush puppies, coleslaw, side salad

Best Vegetarian Tray: Cheese quesadilla + Fries + Coleslaw + Vanilla milkshake

Low-Carb/Keto Trays

Strategy: Bunless burger + non-breaded sides

Best Keto Tray: Big Double (no bun, no ketchup) + Side salad + Coleslaw + Unsweet tea

Nutrition: ~15g carbs, 40g protein, ~500 calories

High-Protein Trays

Best High-Protein Tray: Big Double burger + Chicken nuggets + Side salad + Vanilla shake (+$1)

Nutrition: 52g protein, 1,100 calories

Lower-Calorie Trays

Best Lower-Calorie Tray: Char-grilled chicken breast + Coleslaw + Side salad + Unsweet tea

Nutrition: ~550 calories, 35g protein

Tips for Cookout Tray Menu

Double Up

Double your favorite side at no extra cost. You can get “double up” on any side item. Popular choices: double Cajun fries, double hush puppies, double onion rings.

Customize Your Burger

Customize the burger in any style you like. Add free toppings like mayo, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, pickles, and grilled onions.

Hushpuppy Sauce

Try the rare “Hushpuppy Sauce” for dipping. Dip your fries or onion rings in hushpuppy sauce for unique flavor.

Secret Menu

Find hidden treasures in the Cookout secret menu. Check online communities and forums for secret combinations.

How Much Is a Cookout Tray After Tax?

Basic Price Range: $5.25-$7.69
Tax Rate (varies by state): 6-8%
Total Price Range: $5.57-$8.31

Most locations charge $7.39 before tax, resulting in approximately $7.85-$7.99 after tax.

Summer Cookout Meals: Party Planning Guide

Planning summer cookout meals for groups? Here’s exactly how many cookout trays you need.

Party Size Calculator

4 People: 3 Regular Trays + 1 Jr Tray = $28.56 ($7.14/person)
6 People: 5 Regular Trays + 1 Jr Tray = $43.34 ($7.22/person)
10 People: 8 Regular Trays + 2 Jr Trays = $71.90 ($7.19/person)
15 People: 12 Regular Trays + 3 Jr Trays = $107.73 ($7.18/person)

Group Ordering Strategy

Mix Tray Combos: Don’t order identical trays. Variety prevents complaints.

For 10 people:

• 3 Big Double burgers
• 2 BBQ sandwiches
• 2 Chicken strip trays
• 2 Chicken breast trays
• 1 Quesadilla tray

Popular Sides Split:

• 40% Cajun fries
• 30% hush puppies
• 20% onion rings
• 10% coleslaw or other

Pro Tips for Large Orders

1. Call ahead for 10+ trays
2. Order 30 minutes before pickup
3. Bring extra napkins
4. Transport in boxes or coolers
5. Eat within 30 minutes

Cookout Trays Nutrition Guide

Calories vary based on choices. Here’s how to calculate your tray.

Calorie Ranges by Component

Mains: 240-660 calories
Sides: 50-520 calories
Drinks: 0-1,000 calories

Sample Tray Calculations

Lowest Calorie Tray:
Char-grilled chicken + Coleslaw + Side salad + Unsweet tea = 627 calories

Average Tray:
Regular burger + Fries + Hush puppies + Sweet tea = 1,250 calories

Highest Calorie Tray:
Big Double + Quesadilla + Cajun fries + Fancy shake = 2,290 calories

Most cookout trays fall between 1,000-1,600 calories.

Why Should You Try the Cookout Tray?

1. Low Cost: Best value in fast-food
2. High-Quality Meals: Fresh, never frozen ingredients
3. Range of Options: 54,000+ combinations
4. Ease of Choice: Simple ordering system
5. Variety on One Plate: Multiple dishes together
6. Customization Option: Build your perfect meal
7. Freshly Prepared Items: Made to order

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Cookout trays?
Cookout trays range from $4.69 to $7.69. Regular Trays cost $7.39 at most locations, while Jr Trays cost $6.39. Prices vary slightly by state and location.

Does Cookout Jr Tray come with sides?
Yes. The cookout jr tray comes with two sides of your choice. You can pick two different sides or double up on one side, just like the Regular Tray.

What does “double up” mean?
“Double up” means choosing the same side twice. Example: “double Cajun fries” gives you two orders of Cajun fries as your two sides at no extra cost.

How much is a tray at Cookout with a milkshake?
A Regular Tray with milkshake upgrade costs $8.39 (regular shake) or $8.99 (fancy shake). You can substitute the included drink for a shake by adding $1.00 or $1.60.

Are there vegetarian alternatives in the Cookout Tray?
Yes. Vegetarian options include cheese quesadilla, fries, onion rings, hush puppies, coleslaw, side salad, milkshakes, and beverages. Check with your location about fryer cross-contamination.

Is the Cookout Tray available all day?
Yes. Cookout Trays are available during all operating hours, typically from 10:30 AM until close (3:30-4:30 AM). Some locations operate 24/7.

Can I order Cookout Trays for delivery?
Yes. Cookout Trays are available through UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates in most markets. Availability depends on your location. Delivery fees apply.

What’s the best value Cookout Tray?
The Huge Burger with double Cajun fries offers the best value. You get two patties and double fries for $7.39. The “Triple Threat” (chicken strips with quesadilla and wrap) gives three entrees for one price.

Final Words

The Cookout Tray Menu is the most popular menu at Cookout restaurants. It lets you choose a main dish with two sides and a drink from multiple options. Both Regular and Jr Trays offer variety at low prices.

Understanding exactly how much is a cookout tray and which combinations maximize value helps you eat well without overspending. The Regular Tray delivers the best per-ounce value at $7.39, while the cookout jr tray works great for lighter appetites at $6.39.

The cookout tray menu creates over 54,000 combinations, but sticking to popular choices like Cajun fries with hush puppies eliminates decision paralysis. Whether ordering for yourself or planning summer cookout meals for groups, these trays beat competitor pricing by $3-6 per person while delivering Southern comfort food that tastes fresh and satisfying.

Visit your nearest Cookout location and experience why cookout trays have earned cult status across the Southeast. Order smart, customize freely, and enjoy fresh, char-grilled meals at unbeatable prices.