Cookout Menu 2026 with Prices: Tray Guide, 40+ Milkshakes & Every Item

The Cook Out Tray is the best fast food value in America right now. One main item, two sides, hushpuppies, and a large drink — starting around $7.39 at most locations in 2026. McDonald’s charges $10.99 for a Big Mac combo with one smaller drink and no customization. The math doesn’t need much explaining.
This is the complete 2026 guide — verified prices, official nutrition data from Cook Out’s own PDF, the full tray system, every milkshake flavor and size, sauces, allergens including peanut oil info, holiday hours, delivery options, and straight answers to every common question.
One honest note upfront: Cook Out’s official website (cookout.com) publishes zero prices anywhere. Every price on this page is verified from in-store menu boards across Southeastern US markets in 2026. Nutrition data comes directly from the official Cook Out nutrition PDF.

How Much Is a Cook Out Tray in 2026?

The Cook Out Tray costs $6.29–$7.69 depending on location, with $7.39 being the most common price at most 2026 boards. That includes your main item, two sides, hushpuppies, and a large drink. Swap the drink for a milkshake for +$1.60 more.

That’s the complete answer. Every price that matters in one place, right at the top, where you need it.

Full Cook Out Price List 2026 —Every Category

Cook Out Tray Prices 2026

Regular Tray	$6.29–$7.69 (most locations: $7.39)	1 main + 2 sides + hushpuppies + large drink
Jr. Tray	$5.29–$6.39 (most: $6.39)	1 smaller main + 2 sides + large drink
Shake upgrade (regular)	+$1.60	Swap drink for any regular milkshake
Shake upgrade (fancy)	+$1.60	Swap drink for any fancy milkshake

Verified from in-store menu boards, May 2026. Cook Out does not publish prices on cookout.com.

Jr. Tray 2026 — Entrée Options & Calories

The Jr. Tray is the move for lighter appetites or feeding kids without the full tray cost. Same two-sides deal, same drink options.

Small Burger	245 cal
2 Corn Dogs	440 cal
BLT Sandwich	400 cal
1 Hot Dog	260 cal
1 Quesadilla (Chicken or Beef)	220–260 cal

Regular Tray — All Entrée Options with Calories

Entrée	Calories	Sodium	Protein
Regular Burger (1/4 lb)	328 cal	340mg	22g
Huge Burger (1/2 lb)	516 cal	410mg	40g
Big Double™	311 cal	126mg	20g
Char-Grilled Chicken (Original)	377 cal	575mg	25g
Spicy Chicken Breast	446 cal	1,158mg ⚠️	21g
BBQ Sandwich	368 cal	1,103mg ⚠️	29g
Chicken Strip Sandwich	674 cal	1,804mg ⚠️	28g
Chicken Strips (3 pc)	660 cal	2,130mg ⚠️	36g
Hot Dog	260 cal	600mg	8g
Corn Dog	220 cal	440mg	5g

Tray Side Options — Choose Any 2

You can double up on the same side. Exception: for loose items like nuggets, onion rings, and cheese bites, doubling doesn’t always give you double the quantity. Smarter to use your second pick on a quesadilla, wrap, or corn dog.

Fries · Cajun Fries · Cheese Fries · Chili Fries · Onion Rings · Hushpuppies · Chicken Nuggets · Corn Dog · Bacon Wrap · Chicken Wrap · Quesadilla (Chicken or Beef) · Slaw · White Cheddar Cheese Bites · Walkin’ Taco (select locations — not at all stores)

Tray Drink Options

Large Drink · Huge Sweet Tea · Bottled Water · Cheerwine Float · Coke Float Or swap for any milkshake: +$1.60

How Much Is a Cook Out Milkshake?

Regular milkshake (standalone)	$2.99–$3.99	510–900 cal depending on flavor
Large milkshake (standalone)	$3.99–$4.99	Varies
Tray upgrade (any milkshake)	+$1.60	—

Cook Out does not publish prices. These are verified from in-store boards across multiple markets, May 2026.

Milkshake Sizes at Cook Out

Cook Out milkshakes come in Regular and Large sizes. The Regular is approximately 32–35 oz depending on flavor density — significantly larger than what most chains call a “large.” These are genuinely thick. A spoon works better than a straw for the first few minutes.

Can You Blend Milkshake Flavors?

Yes — most locations will blend two or even three flavors into one shake. Just ask when you order. Keep it to three flavors maximum — beyond that they compete instead of combining.

Best blends regulars come back for:

Regular Milkshakes — Official Calories (PDF-Verified)

Vanilla	555 cal	16g
Hershey’s Chocolate	620 cal	16g
Strawberry	610 cal	15g
Fresh Banana	538 cal (lowest calorie)	15g
Banana Berry	671 cal	15g
Banana Pudding	781 cal	16g
Fresh Peanut Butter	847 cal	27g
Peanut Butter Banana	864 cal	27g
Blueberry	617 cal	15g
Red Cherry	600 cal	15g
Chocolate Cherry	665 cal	15g
Banana Nut	704 cal	15g
Banana Fudge	772 cal	17g
Banana Pineapple	566 cal	15g

Fancy Milkshakes — Official Calories (PDF-Verified)

Cherry Cheesecake (highest calorie on menu)	925 cal
Reese’s® Cup	894 cal
Oreo® Mint	853 cal
Walnut	853 cal
Philadelphia® Cheesecake	845 cal
Peach Cobbler	790 cal
Oreo®	802 cal
Nilla® Wafers	763 cal
Peanut Butter Fudge	765 cal
M&M®	755 cal
Chocolate Chip Mint	834 cal
Snickers®	720 cal
Chocolate Chip	783 cal
Chocolate Nut	752 cal
Heath® Toffee	701 cal
Fudge	754 cal
Caramel Fudge	677 cal
Cherry Cobbler	842 cal
Chocolate Malt	671 cal
Double Chocolate	651 cal
Mocha	620 cal
Cappuccino	555 cal
Caramel	560 cal
Malted Milk	606 cal
Mint	605 cal
Peach	547 cal
Orange Push-Up	638 cal
Hi-C Punch®	598 cal
Fresh Watermelon (July–Aug only)	645 cal

Correction most sites get wrong: Reese’s Cup is not the highest-calorie shake. Per the official Cook Out nutrition PDF, Cherry Cheesecake at 925 cal is #1. Reese’s Cup at 894 cal is second. Every other site lists this backwards.

Seasonal Milkshakes

Cook Out Sauces 2026 — Every Sauce Explained

Cook Out’s sauces are one of the most searched topics about the chain — and one of the least-covered on most menu sites. Here’s the complete breakdown.

What Sauces Does Cook Out Have?

Cook Out offers these dipping and condiment sauces:

Cook Out Sauce	Fries, chicken strips, nuggets, burgers	Signature sauce. Sweet-tangy, slightly smoky. Free, unlimited packets at the window.
BBQ Sauce	Chicken strips, chicken sandwiches	Classic Southern-style BBQ. Used in the BBQ-style chicken builds.
Honey Mustard	Chicken strips, wraps, nuggets	Two versions exist — see the “honey mustard from the back” tip below.
Polynesian Sauce	Chicken nuggets, cheese bites, strips	Sweet, slightly tangy. Similar to Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian.
Ranch	Wraps, fries, nuggets	Standard Ranch. Available as a wrap base or dipping sauce.
Buffalo	Chicken strips, nuggets	Mild-medium heat. Not wildly spicy.
Queso / Quesadilla Sauce	Quesadillas, fries	Creamy, mildly spicy. Not a cheese sauce despite the name. Excellent dip for fries.

Cook Out Sauce — What Is It?

Cook Out Sauce is the chain’s signature condiment and one of the most consistently recommended items by regulars. It’s a proprietary blend with a sweet-tangy profile and a slight smokiness — similar to a Thousand Island-BBQ hybrid but distinct from both.

They give you as many packets as you want at no extra charge. Ask for extra before you pull away from the window. If you leave your first visit without trying it on your fries or strips, you missed one of the most-talked-about parts of the experience.

The Honey Mustard “From the Back” Tip

Ask for “honey mustard from the back” when ordering chicken strips, wraps, or anything you’d dip. This refers to the thicker, richer honey mustard kept in the kitchen — not the pre-packaged single-serve packets at the counter. Most locations will immediately understand. The kitchen version is significantly better for dipping.

Cook Out Burgers 2026 — Sizes, Styles, Prices & Calories

The burgers are char-grilled fresh per order. Never frozen, never sitting in a steam tray. You taste that difference on the first bite.

Burger Sizes — Official Calories

Size	Weight	Calories	Fat	Protein	Sodium
Small Burger	1/8 lb	245 cal	8g	14g	309mg
Regular Burger	1/4 lb	328 cal	14g	22g	340mg
Huge Burger	1/2 lb	516 cal	26g	40g	410mg
Big Double™	Two patties	311 cal	13g	20g	126mg

Big Double vs. Huge — What’s Actually Different?

The Big Double has two smaller patties stacked. The Huge is one full half-pound single patty. Go Huge for more char flavor and a thicker bite. Go Big Double for more beef surface area and a classic double feel. Same price, similar calorie count.

All Burger Styles — What Each Gets You

Cook Out Style (order this first time)	Chili, slaw, mustard	+123 cal
Out West Style	BBQ sauce, bacon, grilled onions, mayo, pickles	+202 cal
Cheddar Style	Cheddar sauce, bacon, pickles, onion	+233 cal
Steak Style	A1 sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato	+91 cal
Simple Style	Ketchup, mustard, onion, pickles	Free
House Style	Lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles	Free

Cook Out Chicken 2026 — Breast, Strips, Sandwiches & Wraps

Spicy Chicken vs. Cajun Chicken — Know Before You Order

These cause more confusion at the counter than anything else on the menu. Spicy Chicken is fried with a spicy breaded coating. Cajun Chicken is blackened and char-grilled — not fried at all. Staff won’t correct you if you order the wrong one. Know before you pull up.

Char-Grilled Chicken — All Styles & Calories

Original Style	377 cal	575mg
BBQ Style	376 cal	714mg
Cajun Style	377 cal	~624mg
Club Style	565 cal	575mg
Cheddar Style	534 cal	1,245mg ⚠️
Spicy Chicken Breast	446 cal	1,158mg ⚠️

Crispy Chicken Wraps — All Flavors & Calories

Cajun Wrap	501 cal	25g	1,285mg ⚠️
Ranch Wrap	522 cal	25g	1,273mg ⚠️
Honey Mustard Wrap	517 cal	25g	1,279mg ⚠️

The Honey Mustard Wrap is one of the most-recommended items on the entire menu. Ask for honey mustard from the back to make it significantly better.

Chicken Strips — High-Protein Pick

Chicken Strips (3 pc)	660 cal	36g	2,130mg ⚠️
Chicken Strip Sandwich	674 cal	28g	1,804mg ⚠️
Chicken Strip Club	846 cal	39g	2,539mg ⚠️

Sauces: Cook Out Sauce · BBQ · Honey Mustard · Polynesian · Ranch · Buffalo

Cook Out BBQ 2026 — The Chopped Pork Worth Ordering

The BBQ Sandwich is chopped pulled pork in an Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based sauce with coleslaw on top. Some locations add Texas Pete hot sauce by default. Order it “all the way” — that means hot sauce and slaw both included. Every staff member at every location understands this.

Eat it within a few minutes. The bun absorbs moisture fast.

BBQ Sandwich	368 cal	29g	1,103mg ⚠️
BBQ Plate	976 cal	35g	2,445mg ⚠️

The BBQ Sandwich at 29g of protein for ~$4.29 is the best protein-per-dollar item on the menu. The BBQ Plate at 2,445mg sodium is a full day’s sodium in one meal.

Cook Out Hot Dogs 2026 — All Styles, Calories & Prices

Hot dogs get overlooked. Mistake. They’re char-grilled, not boiled, and some of the best value items on the whole menu.

Plain Hot Dog	260 cal	600mg	~$1.99
Cook Out Style (chili, slaw, mustard)	383 cal	1,118mg ⚠️	~$2.49
Mexi Hot Dog	385 cal	1,352mg ⚠️	~$3.09
Bacon Cheddar Hot Dog	523 cal	1,494mg ⚠️	~$2.99
Mustard Relish Hot Dog	394 cal	1,021mg ⚠️	~$2.19

Cook Out Sides 2026 — Complete Guide with Calories

Fries — Every Style and Calories

Regular Fries	347 cal	687mg
Large Fries	694 cal	1,374mg ⚠️
Cook Out Fries (chili + cheese)	465 cal	1,335mg ⚠️
Onion Rings (side order)	128 cal	328mg
Hushpuppies (side)	300 cal	720mg
Chicken Nuggets (side, 5 pc)	144 cal	324mg
Corn Dog	220 cal	440mg
Slaw	405 cal	434mg (high — mostly mayo)

Cajun Fries are the most recommended side by regulars — the seasoning is enough that you don’t need a dipping sauce. Hushpuppies come free with every full tray. White Cheddar Cheese Bites (Wisconsin cheese curds, fried) run ~299 cal — pair them with Polynesian Sauce, not on the menu but one of the best combinations on it.

Cook Out Drinks 2026 — Full Menu with Sizes

Drink	Small	Regular	Large	Huge
Coca-Cola®	~$1.49	~$1.69	~$1.89	~$1.99
Diet Coke®	~$1.49	~$1.69	~$1.89	~$1.99
Sprite®	~$1.49	~$1.69	~$1.89	~$1.99
Cheerwine®	~$1.59	~$1.79	~$1.99	~$2.19
Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea	~$1.49	~$1.69	~$1.89	~$1.99
Fresh Brewed Unsweet Tea	~$1.49	~$1.69	~$1.89	~$1.99
Dasani Bottled Water	—	~$1.49	—	—

Does Cook Out Have Dr Pepper / Coke Zero / Root Beer?

Dr Pepper availability varies by location — some carry it, most don’t. Coke Zero and Diet Coke are at most locations. Root Beer is not standard at most locations. Mellow Yellow and Pibb Xtra are available at select stores. Your best bet: call your specific location before making a trip for a specific soda.

What Is Cheerwine?

Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soft drink made in Salisbury, North Carolina since 1917. It’s not at most national chains. Cook Out carries it because of their North Carolina roots. The Cheerwine Float is one of the most recommended items on the entire menu — and you can swap your tray drink for it at no extra cost.

Does Cook Out Use Peanut Oil?

Yes. All fried items at Cook Out are cooked in peanut oil.

This covers: french fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, chicken strips, corn dogs, okra (where available), white cheddar cheese bites, and chicken nuggets.

If you have a peanut allergy, avoid every fried item on the menu and confirm with your local location before ordering. This is directly stated on Cook Out’s official materials.

Non-fried items that avoid peanut oil: char-grilled burgers, char-grilled chicken breast, BBQ sandwich, hot dogs (char-grilled), milkshakes, drinks, cheesecake, slaw.

Cook Out Desserts 2026 — Cheesecakes & Floats

Classic Cheesecake	390 cal	~$2.49
Strawberry Cheesecake	420 cal	~$2.69
Chocolate Cheesecake	430 cal	~$2.79
Oreo Cheesecake	450 cal	~$2.99
Cherry Cheesecake	410 cal	~$2.69
Coke Float	~399 cal	~$2.29
Cheerwine Float	~401 cal	~$2.29

Can you get a float instead of a drink on your tray? Yes — at no extra cost. The Cheerwine Float swap is one of the best free upgrades on the tray.

Cook Out Nutrition 2026 — Straight Facts

Lowest Calorie Options

Pair any of these with onion rings (128 cal) as a side and you can keep a full tray meal under 700 calories.

Best High-Protein Orders

Item	Protein	Calories	Est. Price	Protein/$
Huge Burger (1/2 lb)	40g	516 cal	~$3.99	10.0g/$
Chicken Strips (3 pc)	36g	660 cal	~$4.49	8.0g/$
BBQ Sandwich	29g	368 cal	~$4.29	6.7g/$
Char-Grilled Chicken	25g	377 cal	~$4.29	5.8g/$
Regular Burger (1/4 lb)	22g	328 cal	~$3.49	6.3g/$

Sodium Warning ⚠️

These items push past 50% of your daily sodium (1,150mg+):

• Chicken Strip Club: 2,539mg (110% DV)
• BBQ Plate: 2,445mg (106% DV)
• Chicken Strips (3 pc): 2,130mg (93% DV)
• Chicken Strip Sandwich: 1,804mg (78% DV)
• Spicy Chicken Breast: 1,158mg (50% DV)

These numbers come directly from Cook Out’s official nutrition PDF. Know before you order.

Gluten-Free Options

There is no certified gluten-free kitchen. Cross-contamination is possible. Items made without gluten-containing ingredients include char-grilled chicken or burgers without the bun, chili, slaw, and fresh brewed tea. If you have celiac disease, confirm with your specific location before ordering.

Vegetarian Options

Cheese Fries · Cajun Fries · Regular Fries · Onion Rings · Hushpuppies · Cheese Quesadilla · All Milkshakes · Floats · Cheesecakes · Drinks. No plant-based patty is available at most locations.

Cook Out Hours 2026 — Late Night, Holidays & Opening Times

Most locations open at 10:30 AM. Closing times:

Sunday – Thursday	3:00 AM
Friday	4:00 AM
Saturday	4:00 AM

Some college-town locations run 24/7. The dining room closes before the drive-thru at most locations. Always use the drive-thru after midnight — don’t try to walk in.

Is Cook Out Open on Holidays?

Easter Sunday	Open — standard hours
Thanksgiving Day	Open — may have reduced hours
Christmas Eve	Open — may close earlier
Christmas Day	Closed at most locations
New Year’s Eve	Open — standard or reduced hours
New Year’s Day	Open — standard hours
Memorial Day	Open — standard hours
4th of July	Open — standard hours
Labor Day	Open — standard hours
Martin Luther King Day	Open — standard hours

Always confirm with your local location — individual store hours can vary from the typical schedule. Use the store locator on cookout.com to find your nearest location’s current hours.

Does Cook Out Do Delivery? Is Cook Out on DoorDash?

Yes — at select locations via DoorDash and Uber Eats. Cook Out does not have its own delivery service or ordering app. Third-party delivery is available at many but not all locations.

Important: Menu prices on delivery apps are typically $1–$2 higher than in-store prices. The tray value proposition shrinks significantly when ordering through DoorDash.

Cook Out has no mobile app and no loyalty program. Any site claiming Cook Out has an app is incorrect.

Cook Out Gift Cards 2026

Cook Out gift cards are available in-store at any Cook Out location. You cannot buy them online through Cook Out’s website. Third-party resale sites sometimes list them but at markup.

The most reliable way to get a Cook Out gift card: buy it in person at the counter or window. They’re available in various amounts and work at all locations.

Cook Out Secret Menu 2026 — The Honest Version

There is no printed secret menu. The kitchen is flexible and regulars have figured out custom builds using standard ingredients. Describe what you want by ingredient — the kitchen works from ingredients, not item names.

Custom builds regulars actually order:

Cook Out Locations 2026 — 352 Across 11 States

Cook Out now operates 352 locations across 11 states as of late 2025. North Carolina leads with 139 locations — 39.5% of all Cook Out restaurants.

Active states: North Carolina · South Carolina · Virginia · Georgia · Tennessee · Kentucky · West Virginia · Maryland · Mississippi · Alabama · Florida

Florida is now open: First Florida location opened July 9, 2025 in Pensacola (1735 E. Nine Mile Road). Tallahassee opened November 11, 2025 (1942 N. Monroe Street). Additional locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Jacksonville are in development. Cook Out announced 19 new locations planned across six states for 2026.

Company-owned, not franchised. That’s why prices are consistent across locations — no franchise markup variations.

Value Comparison — Cook Out Tray vs. Competitors 2026

Cook Out (Tray + milkshake upgrade)	Burger + 2 sides + hushpuppies + milkshake	~$8.99
McDonald’s	Big Mac + medium fries + medium drink	~$10.99
Chick-fil-A	Deluxe sandwich + waffle fries + drink	~$11.50
Wendy’s	Dave’s Double + medium fries + drink	~$10.49
Bojangles	2-pc leg meal + biscuit + 1 side	~$9.99
Five Guys	Burger + fries only	~$13.50

Cook Out wins by $2–$5 on every comparison — and gives you more items.

Cook Out History — Founded 1989, Greensboro NC

Cook Out opened its first location in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina. It built its name on three things: char-grilled burgers cooked fresh to order, a tray system that gives you more food for less money than anywhere else in fast food, and a milkshake program with 40+ flavors no other chain comes close to matching.

It remains company-owned rather than franchised — 352 locations, 35+ years, no franchise model. Expansion has been slow, deliberate, and focused on consistency.

How to Order at Cook Out — First-Timer’s Complete Guide

Pick your main. Pick two sides. Pick a drink or upgrade to a milkshake for +$1.60. Name the burger style or describe toppings you want. Free toppings are free. That’s the whole system.

Best value combos under $9 in 2026:

• Cook Out Style Burger Tray + Cajun Fries + Hushpuppies + Milkshake: ~$8.99
• BBQ Sandwich Tray + Chicken Nuggets + Onion Rings + Large Drink: ~$7.39
• Chicken Strip Tray + Cheese Bites + Cajun Fries: ~$7.99
• Two Jr. Trays for two people: ~$12–$13 combined
• Budget picks under $3:
• Plain Hot Dog: ~$1.99
• Hushpuppies (side): ~$1.49
• Onion Rings (side): ~$1.79
• Corn Dog: ~$1.49

Payment: Most locations accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit/debit cards, and cash. No Cook Out app exists. Delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats at select locations.

Final Verdict on Cook Out 2026

The value is real. A full meal with a real milkshake for under $9 is the actual price at the counter — not a promotion, not a limited-time deal. The char-grilled burgers taste different because they’re cooked differently. The milkshakes use real ice cream. The sides list gives you more genuine choices than any comparable chain.

The weak spots: geographic availability (you need to be in the right state, though Florida just opened), location-to-location consistency on some items, and the dining room closing before the drive-thru catches first-timers off guard. Prices have gone up since 2023 — but they’re still well below every major competitor.

For anyone near a location, this menu delivers. Every time.

Asked Frquently Questions (FAQS)

With 350+ locations across the Southeast, it’s the go-to spot for a quick lunch, late-night snack, or a satisfying meal on the go. From the famous Cookout Tray to over 45 milkshake flavors, you can mix, match, and enjoy your favorites without breaking the bank.

So next time you’re hungry, stop by Cookout and treat yourself to quality food at an unbeatable price!

Check out for more information on Cookout’s official website and MyFoodDiary .

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