Cookout Family Meal Trays
Cook Out Tray Menu With Prices
The Cookout tray menu is the cornerstone of the Cookout restaurant menu — and the #1 reason millions of customers across the Southeast keep coming back. A Cookout tray is a fully customizable combo meal that includes one entrée of your choice, two sides from a generous selection, and a drink, all bundled together at one of the most affordable prices in fast food today.
Whether you are exploring the cookout menu with prices for the first time or you are a long-time fan looking for the best deal, the cookout tray system is designed to give you maximum variety, generous portions, and incredible value. With cookout menu prices starting as low as $5.99 for a full tray combo, it is hard to beat the bang-for-your-buck that Cook Out delivers with every order.
The tray concept has been central to Cook Out’s identity since the restaurant was founded in Greensboro, NC in 1989. It reflects the brand’s core philosophy: fresh ingredients, generous portions, Southern flavors, and prices that respect your budget. This guide covers every tray on the cookout tray menu with prices, every side option, the family meal bundle, and everything you need to know to order like a pro.
Tray Starting Price
$5.99
Tray Varieties
13+ Trays
Family Meal Feeds
Up to 4
✅ Best Value in Fast Food: A Cookout tray Menu includes a full entrée, two sides, and a drink — comparable meals at other fast-food chains cost $10–$14. At Cook Out, a full tray starts at just $5.99, making it one of the most affordable complete meals in American fast food.
How Cookout Trays Work — Step by Step
Ordering a Cookout tray Price is simple and fully customizable. Here is exactly how the cookout tray menu system works — from entrée to the last sip of your drink.
Choose Your Entrée
Pick any main item from the cookout tray menu — burgers, BBQ, hot dogs, chicken, quesadillas, corn dogs, and more. Your entrée determines the base tray price.
Pick 2 Sides
Choose any two sides from 15+ options — fries, hushpuppies, onion rings, slaw, cheese fries, chicken nuggets, and even a milkshake counts as a side!
Select a Drink
Choose a fountain drink, sweet tea, lemonade, or another beverage. The drink is included in every Cook Out tray at no extra charge.
Add Toppings
Customize your entrée with free or low-cost toppings — cheese, bacon, chili, slaw, grilled onions, sauces, and more. Make it your own.
Enjoy the Value
Get a complete, customized meal starting from just $5.99. Compared to other fast-food combo meals, Cook Out trays deliver unmatched value every time.
ℹ Pro Tip: A milkshake can be chosen as one of your two side options on any Cookout tray — making it possible to get a full entrée, a famous hand-spun shake, AND another side, all for as little as $6–$8. This is one of the biggest value secrets on the cookout menu with prices.
Complete Cookout Tray Menu With Prices 2025
Below is the full Cookout tray menu with prices for 2025, covering every available tray entrée. Prices may vary slightly by location. All trays include 1 entrée + 2 sides + 1 drink.
Burger & Cheeseburger Trays
| Hamburger Tray | $5.99–$6.49 |
Includes: Single beef patty hamburger on a toasted bun + your choice of 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Classic burger lovers who want a no-frills, satisfying meal. The most affordable full tray on the cookout menu.
| Cheeseburger Tray | $6.19–$6.69 |
Includes: Beef patty cheeseburger with melted American cheese + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Everyday orders — this is one of the most consistently ordered trays on the entire cookout restaurant menu.
| Big Double Burger Tray | $6.79–$7.29 |
Includes: Double beef patty burger on a toasted bun + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Serious appetite seekers. Two juicy beef patties for the biggest burger experience on the cookout tray menu. burger lovers who want a no-frills, satisfying meal. The most affordable full tray on the cookout menu.
| Cookout Burger Tray | $5.99–$6.49 |
Includes: NC-style burger with chili, coleslaw, mustard & onions + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Experiencing the authentic Cook Out flavor. This is the Southern-style burger Cook Out was built on — bold, messy, and unforgettable.
BBQ & Pork Trays
| BBQ Sandwich Tray | $6.29–$6.79 |
Includes: Chopped or sliced NC-style pork BBQ sandwich with sauce + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: BBQ lovers. This is authentic slow-cooked Southern BBQ at a price that beats every sit-down BBQ restaurant in the region.
| BBQ Plate Tray | $6.79–$7.29 |
Includes: Pulled pork BBQ plate with homemade slaw and hushpuppies + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Those wanting the full Southern BBQ plate experience — this is a hearty, generously portioned tray that delivers serious comfort food value.
Chicken Trays
| Chicken Strips Tray | $6.49–$6.99 |
Includes: 3 crispy breaded chicken strips with dipping sauce + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Chicken lovers of all ages — kids and adults alike. One of the most-ordered items on the entire cookout restaurant menu.
| Cajun Chicken Tray | $6.49–$6.99 |
Includes: Cajun-seasoned grilled chicken sandwich with bold spice + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Spice lovers who want something with kick. The Cajun seasoning adds a Southern heat that pairs perfectly with cool ranch dipping sides.
| Spicy Chicken Tray | $6.49–$6.99 |
Includes: Crispy spicy chicken sandwich with bold heat + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Anyone who wants heat with every bite. The spicy chicken sandwich on the cookout tray menu is a go-to for heat-seekers across the Southeast.
| Chicken Nuggets Tray | $5.99–$6.49 |
IIncludes: 5 crispy chicken nuggets with choice of sauce + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Families with younger kids or anyone looking for a lighter protein option paired with great sides.
Hot Dog & Corn Dog Trays
| Hot Dog Tray | $5.99–$6.49 |
Includes: Two Cook Out-style beef hot dogs (customizable toppings) + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Classic cookout food at its finest. Two hot dogs plus two sides is one of the best-value trays on the cookout tray menu with prices.
| Corn Dog Tray | $5.49–$5.99 |
Includes: Two classic breaded corn dogs + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Kids and families who love a fun, fairground-style treat. One of the most kid-friendly options on the cookout family meal tray menu.
Quesadilla & Wrap Trays
| Quesadilla Tray | $5.99–$6.49 |
Includes: Single beef patty hamburger on a toasted bun + your choice of 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Classic burger lovers who want a no-frills, satisfying meal. The most affordable full tray on the cookout menu.
Cookout Jr. Tray — Smaller Size, Same Great Value
The Cookout Jr. Tray (also called the cookout menu jr tray) is a smaller version of the standard Cook Out tray — designed for lighter appetites, younger diners, or anyone who wants a full combo meal without the full-size portion. Like the standard tray, the Jr. Tray includes 1 entrée + 2 sides + 1 drink, but the entrée is a smaller portion.
The Jr. Tray is available with select entrée options and typically starts at $5.49–$6.39, making it an excellent value for families ordering for kids or anyone watching portion sizes. The side options and drink selection are identical to the standard tray, giving you maximum flexibility at a lower price point.
| Jr. Tray — Burger | $5.49–$5.99 |
Includes: Small beef patty burger + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Kids, lighter appetites, or anyone looking for the cookout tray experience at the lowest possible price point on the cookout jr tray menu.
| Jr. Tray Chicken Strips | $5.49–$5.99 |
Includes: 2 crispy chicken strips with sauce + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: Younger diners or anyone who wants chicken strips without the full 3-piece serving. A great family cookout menu option for kids.
| Jr. Tray — Hot Dog | $5.29–$5.79 |
Includes: Single beef hot dog with toppings + 2 sides + 1 drink
Best for: The most affordable complete meal on the cookout menu. Great for kids and lighter eaters who still want the full tray experience.
All Cookout Tray Side Options — 15+ Choices
One of the biggest advantages of the Cook Out tray menu is the sheer variety of sides available. You get to choose two sides with every tray — and the options go far beyond basic french fries. Here is the complete list of available cookout menu sides for your tray order.
🌟 Best-Kept Secret: A Cook Out milkshake counts as a side option on any tray. This means you can get a full entrée, a hand-spun milkshake from the famous cookout milkshake menu, plus another side — all for $6–$8. This is the #1 value hack on the entire cookout menu with prices.
Regular Fries
Classic Side 350 Cal
Large Fries
Classic Side 700 Cal
Cajun Fries
Spicy Side 390 Cal
Cheese Fries
Indulgent Side 590 Cal
Chili Cheese Fries
Indulgent Side 460 Cal
Hushpuppies
Southern Classic 590 Cal
Onion Rings
Classic Side 250 Cal
Homemade Coleslaw
Southern Classic 590 Cal
Corn on the Cob
Seasonal Side 180 Cal
White Cheddar Bites
Indulgent Side 380 Cal
Chicken Nuggets (5 pc)
Protien Side 280 Cal
Corn Dog
Fun Side 280 Cal
Walkin’ Taco
370 Cal
Specialty Side 460 Cal
Milkshake (Any Flavor)
538–900 Cal
Fan Favorite 590 Cal
Quesadilla (Side Size)
50–470 Cal
Specialty Side
Cookout Family Meal — Feed the Whole Family for $20
The Cook Out family meal is the ultimate way to feed a group affordably using the cookout tray menu system. While Cook Out does not always list a single packaged “family bundle” on the menu board, the combination of multiple individual trays effectively creates a family meal deal that typically feeds 3–4 people for approximately $20–$26 — making it one of the best-value family meals in any fast-food category.
For a $20 family cookout meal, a typical order might include 3 trays (each with an entrée, two sides, and a drink), giving your family a total of 3 full entrées, 6 sides, and 3 drinks. You can mix and match entrées — burgers for some, chicken strips for others, BBQ for the adults — making every family member’s order uniquely their own.
Cookout Family Meal — The Best Value in Fast Food
No other fast-food chain gives families this level of customization at this price point. With Cook Out trays starting at $5.99 each, a family of four can enjoy a full meal — each member with their own custom tray — for approximately $24–$28 total. That’s under $7 per person for a complete meal with an entrée, two sides, and a drink. For group cookout menu ideas, large family dinners, or any time you need to feed a crowd without breaking the budget, Cook Out family meal trays are the clear answer.
| Feeds 3 People | Feeds 4 People | Per Person | Customizable |
| $20 | $26 | $7 | 100% |
Cookout Tray Price Comparison Chart 2026
Use this complete cookout tray menu prices comparison chart to quickly find the right tray for your budget and appetite. All prices reflect the standard cookout menu prices 2025 for most Southeast US locations.
| Tray Name | Price Range | Calories | Entrée | Sides | Drink | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BURGER TRAYS | ||||||
| Hamburger Tray | $5.99–$6.49 | 800–1,100 | Single Patty Burger | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Budget Pick |
| Cheeseburger Tray | $6.19–$6.69 | 900–1,200 | Cheeseburger | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Everyday Favorite |
| Big Double Burger Tray | $6.79–$7.29 | 1,100–1,400 | Double Beef Patty | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Big Appetite |
| Cook Out Style Burger Tray | $6.29–$6.79 | 1,000–1,300 | NC-Style Burger | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Signature Experience |
| BBQ TRAYS | ||||||
| BBQ Sandwich Tray | $6.29–$6.79 | 850–1,100 | Chopped/Sliced Pork BBQ | ✓ 2 | ✓ | BBQ Lovers |
| BBQ Plate Tray | $6.79–$7.29 | 1,100–1,400 | BBQ Plate + Slaw + Hushpuppies | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Full BBQ Meal |
| CHICKEN TRAYS | ||||||
| Chicken Strips Tray | $6.49–$6.99 | 900–1,200 | 3 Crispy Chicken Strips | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Most Popular |
| Cajun Chicken Tray | $6.49–$6.99 | 850–1,100 | Cajun Chicken Sandwich | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Spice Lovers |
| Spicy Chicken Tray | $6.49–$6.99 | 900–1,200 | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Heat Seekers |
| Chicken Nuggets Tray | $5.99–$6.49 | 800–1,050 | 5 Chicken Nuggets | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Families & Kids |
| HOT DOG & CORN DOG TRAYS | ||||||
| Hot Dog Tray | $5.99–$6.49 | 700–1,000 | 2 Beef Hot Dogs | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Best Value Tray |
| Corn Dog Tray | $5.49–$5.99 | 850–1,100 | 2 Corn Dogs | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Kids & Families |
| SPECIALTY TRAYS | ||||||
| Quesadilla Tray | $6.29–$6.79 | 850–1,150 | Chicken or Beef Quesadilla | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Something Different |
| JR. TRAYS | ||||||
| Jr. Tray — Burger | $5.49–$5.99 | 600–850 | Small Burger | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Lighter Appetite |
| Jr. Tray — Chicken Strips | $5.49–$5.99 | 550–800 | 2 Chicken Strips | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Kids’ Meal |
| Jr. Tray — Hot Dog | $5.29–$5.79 | 500–700 | 1 Hot Dog | ✓ 2 | ✓ | Lowest Price Tray |
Best Value Trays on the Cookout Menu
Looking for the best cookout menu value picks? Here are the top trays ranked by overall value — combining price, portion size, satisfaction, and bang-for-your-buck on the cookout restaurant menu with prices.
#1 Best Value — Milkshake as a Side 🥇
Any tray where you choose a milkshake as one of your sides delivers extraordinary value. A Chicken Strip Tray + milkshake + hushpuppies for ~$7–$8 is arguably the best value meal in American fast food. This is the insider move on the cookout tray menu that regular customers swear by.
#2 Best Value — Hot Dog Tray 🥈
At $5.99–$6.49, the Hot Dog Tray gives you two full hot dogs, two sides, and a drink. That is more food volume than almost any other tray on the cookout menu at the lowest price point. Excellent for budget-conscious diners who still want a full, satisfying meal from the cookout fast food menu.
#3 Best Value — Cook Out Style Burger Tray 🥉
During major events like university football games, local festivals, or New Year’s Eve, some Cook Out locations may extend hours beyond their standard closing time or experience unusually high demand. Plan accordingly.
#4 Best Value — Chicken Strips Tray 🏅
The Chicken Strips Tray at $6.49–$6.99 is the most-ordered tray on the cookout restaurant menu for a reason. Three crispy strips with dipping sauce, two sides, and a drink at under $7 is a deal that any fast food fan appreciates — and it works great as part of a family cookout meal order too.
#5 Best Value — BBQ Sandwich Tray ⭐
For BBQ fans, the BBQ Sandwich Tray at $6.29–$6.79 is a Southern food gem. Authentic slow-cooked pulled pork BBQ, two sides, and a drink for under $7 beats any sit-down BBQ restaurant on both price and convenience. A must-try on the full cookout menu.
Family Meal Strategy 💡
For the best family cookout menu value, order 3–4 individual trays and let everyone customize their own. At ~$6.50 per tray average, four people can eat a complete, customized meal for ~$26 total — less than $7 per person. This beats any other fast food chain’s family meal offering on value.
Cook Out Trays for Every Occasion
The cookout tray menu is designed for every kind of gathering — from solo late-night runs to large family events. Here is how Cook Out trays fit every occasion.
Family Dinners 👨👩👧👦
Order 4 trays with different entrées — everyone customizes their own meal. Under $30 for the whole family with full meals and drinks.
College Students 🎓
Cook Out trays are a cult staple at university towns across the Southeast. Under $7 for a full meal with a milkshake side is unbeatable on a student budget.
Late Night Runs 🌙
Open until 3:30–4:30 AM every night, Cook Out trays are the go-to late-night meal after events, concerts, or a long shift. Full menu available all night.
Birthday Parties 🎉
Order Cook Out trays for a birthday cookout and let guests choose their own combo. Great for birthday party cookout menu planning with a fun, casual atmosphere.
Game Day 🏈
Grab a stack of trays before the game. Multiple trays with different sides and shakes make for a perfect pre-game or post-game spread that satisfies every fan.
Road Trips 🚗
Cook Out locations along I-85, I-77, and I-81 corridors make them a perfect road trip stop. Order multiple trays quickly through the dual drive-thru and get back on the road.
Lunch Break 💼
A quick drive-thru tray in under 5 minutes for under $7. Perfect for workers on a lunch break who want a real, filling meal without blowing the budget or the clock.
Kids & Families 🧒
Jr. trays and corn dog / nugget trays make Cook Out genuinely kid-friendly. Combine a Jr. tray with a milkshake side and you have the perfect child-sized meal from the cookout family meal tray menu.
Pro Tips for Ordering Cookout Trays
Always Pick Milkshake as a Side 🥤
The single biggest value tip on the entire cookout tray menu is to select a milkshake as one of your two side options. You get a hand-spun shake from the legendary cookout milkshake menu at no extra cost beyond the tray price. This is the #1 insider move for anyone familiar with the cookout menu and prices.
Customize Your Entrée Freely 🧀
Most toppings on the cookout menu are free or cost under $1. Adding cheese, chili, slaw, grilled onions, or jalapeños to your tray entrée transforms a basic burger into a loaded Southern-style sandwich at minimal cost. Use the full cookout menu with prices to plan your custom build.
Mix and Match for Groups 🎯
When ordering for a family or group, have each person order a different tray — this creates a spread of different flavors at the table. Burgers for some, BBQ for others, chicken strips for the kids. This is the best strategy for a family cookout menu order that satisfies everyone.
Use the Cook Out App 📱
The Cook Out mobile app lets you browse the full cookout tray menu, check prices, and place orders ahead of time. Some locations offer app-exclusive discounts on trays and combos, giving you even more savings on an already affordable cookout menu with prices.
Order During Off-Peak Hours ⏱️
Cook Out’s dual drive-thru lanes are efficient, but peak hours (12–2 PM and 10 PM–2 AM on weekends) can have longer waits. For a faster experience, visit during mid-afternoon (2–5 PM) when lines are typically short and food is just as fresh.
Jr. Tray for Lighter Budgets 💰
If you want the cookout tray experience at the lowest possible price, order a Jr. Tray. Starting at just $5.29, you still get the full combo — entrée, two sides, and a drink — just with a smaller portion entrée. Perfect for budget-conscious diners or anyone watching calorie intake on the cookout nutrition menu.
Conclusion
The Cook Out tray menu is the cornerstone of one of the most beloved fast-food experiences in the American Southeast. From the iconic Cook Out Style Burger Tray to the kid-friendly Corn Dog and Nugget Trays, and from the Southern-classic BBQ Sandwich Tray to the legendary milkshake-as-a-side combo, every item on the cookout tray menu with prices is designed to deliver maximum value, generous portions, and authentic Southern flavor.
Whether you are feeding a family of four for under $28, grabbing a late-night combo after a long day, or discovering Cook Out for the first time, the cookout tray system remains the single best value proposition in American fast food. With cookout menu prices starting at $5.29 for a complete meal including an entrée, two sides, and a drink, no other chain comes close to delivering this level of food, variety, and satisfaction per dollar.
Explore more on cookoutmenu.top — including the full Cookout Menu with Prices, the complete Cookout Milkshake Menu, Cookout Nutrition Guide, and Cookout Allergen Information for everything you need to enjoy Cook Out to the fullest.