Cookout Tray Menu Guide: Best Combinations to Get the Most Value 2026

The Cook Out Tray is one of the best deals in fast food. For around $6.29 to $7.49 you get one main entree, two sides, and a large drink. That combination of variety and value is what keeps people coming back, but most people order the same thing every time without ever exploring what the tray system actually offers.
This guide covers every part of the Cookout Tray, the best main and side combinations, which options give you the most food for your money, and a few combinations that regular Cook Out customers swear by.

What Is the Cook Out Tray?

The Cook Out Tray is the signature meal deal at Cook Out. It lets you build a custom meal by choosing one main item, two sides from a list of 15 or more options, and a large fountain drink. The price is set regardless of which items you pick within the standard menu, which means smart choices at the same price point can give you significantly more food and value.

The tray is available for most main menu items including burgers, BBQ, chicken, hot dogs, and quesadillas. Not every item qualifies as a tray entree so it is worth checking before you order.

Cook Out Tray Prices 2026

Tray	Price	What's included	Milkshake Upgrade
Cookout Regular Tray	$6.29–$7.69	1 Entrée + 2 Sides + Large Drink	Regular +$1.00 · Fancy +$1.00–$1.60
Cookout Jr.Tray	$5.29–$6.49	1 Entrée + 2 Sides + Drink (smaller)	Regular +$1.00

Cookout Tray Menu with prices & Calories 2026

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You can choose one drink to sizzle tray meal. Although Milkshake upgrade costs +1.00$

Every tray comes with two sides from the full sides menu. You can pick any two, or double up on the same side.

The Best Main Entrees to Build a Tray Around

Big Double Burger

Two beef patties for the price of a single entree tray makes the Big Double one of the best value options at Cook Out. At around 450 to 600 calories and costing only slightly more than a regular burger tray, it gives you more protein and a heartier meal. If you are hungry and want to get the most out of your tray, start here.

BBQ Sandwich

The BBQ Sandwich is a regional standout, featuring chopped pork with a tangy vinegar-based Carolina style sauce. At around 370 to 450 calories it is lighter than the double burger but packed with flavor. It pairs especially well with hushpuppies and coleslaw as sides.

Char-Grilled Chicken Breast

For a lighter main, the Char-Grilled Chicken Breast is the best option. It is lower in calories and fat than the beef options and still holds up well as a tray centerpiece. Good for anyone watching their intake while still wanting a filling meal.

Quesadilla

The quesadilla is an underrated tray main. Cheesy, satisfying and different from a burger, it works well as a tray item especially when paired with Cajun fries and a milkshake upgrade on the drink.

The Best Side Combinations

This is where the real decision-making happens. Cook Out has more side variety than almost any fast food chain. Here are the combinations that work best:

The Classic: Cajun Fries and Hushpuppies

This is the most popular side combination at Cook Out and for good reason. Cajun fries are spiced, crispy and flavorful. Hushpuppies are soft, slightly sweet cornmeal fritters that no other major fast food chain offers. Together they give you variety in texture and flavor that holds up across the whole meal.

The Southern Combo: Coleslaw and Hushpuppies

This combination pairs especially well with the BBQ Sandwich. The creamy coleslaw cuts through the tangy vinegar BBQ and the hushpuppies add a satisfying savory bite. If you are ordering BBQ, this is the side combination to get.

The Loaded Combo: Cheese Fries and Onion Rings

For maximum indulgence, cheese fries and onion rings together give you two very different textures. The cheese fries are gooey and satisfying. The onion rings are crispy and hold their crunch through the meal. Good combination if you are sharing or especially hungry.

The Lighter Combo: Coleslaw and Corn on the Cob

If you want to keep the overall meal lighter, coleslaw and corn on the cob are both relatively low calorie sides that still feel satisfying. Good for pairing with the grilled chicken breast main.