Cookout Most Ordered Items
Best Things to Order at Cook Out
Cook Out has built a fiercely loyal following across the Southeast United States since opening in Greensboro, NC in 1989 — and the most ordered items on the cookout menu have remained remarkably consistent over the years. That consistency is a testament to quality: when something genuinely tastes great and delivers unbeatable value, customers come back for it again and again.
The best cookout menu items ranked on this page were determined by analyzing customer ordering patterns, regional popularity trends, social media mentions, and long-standing fan favorites from the cookout food menu. From the flagship Chicken Strip Tray to the legendary hand-spun milkshakes and the classic Cook Out Style Burger, each item on this list earns its place by delivering consistent satisfaction on every visit.
Whether you are ordering from the cookout restaurant menu for the first time or looking to branch out from your usual order, this guide covers every top item — complete with descriptions, prices from the cookout menu with prices 2025, and the insider hacks that regulars use to get the very most out of every Cook Out visit.
Items Ranked
25+
Milkshake Flavors
40+
#1 Most Ordered
Chicken Trays
Best Value Hack
Shake as Side
Starting From
$5.29
✅ The Cook Out Advantage: Unlike most fast-food chains, Cook Out lets you customize every single order — and a milkshake can serve as one of your tray sides. This means Cook Out’s most popular items are almost always part of a fully personalized combo that no other chain can replicate at this price point.
Top 10 Most Ordered Items at Cookout (2026 Ranking)
1
🥇
Chicken Strip Tray
The undisputed champion of the cookout food menu. Three golden, crispy-breaded chicken strips with your choice of dipping sauce, paired with two sides and a drink. What makes this the most ordered item on the cookout restaurant menu year after year is the combination of generous portion, familiar comfort food taste, and extraordinary value at under $7 for a complete meal. The strips are hand-battered, thick, and consistently juicy — a quality that stands well above other fast-food chicken options at similar or higher price points.
🌟 Pro Move: Order the Chicken Strip Tray + milkshake as Side #1 + hushpuppies as Side #2. You get 3 strips, a hand-spun shake, and a Southern side all for ~$7. This is the #1 Cook Out order hack that regulars swear by on the entire cookout menu with prices.
$6.49–$6.99
2
🥈
Hand-Spun Milkshake
If Cook Out is famous for one thing above all else, it is the cookout milkshake menu. With over 40 hand-spun flavors made with real ice cream, the Cook Out milkshake is genuinely unlike anything you’ll find at any other fast-food chain. From the classic Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry to fan favorites like Oreo, Cheesecake, Banana Fudge, and Peanut Butter, these shakes are thick, creamy, and made to order. The shake program is so beloved that people routinely drive out of their way just for the cookout shake menu alone — even without ordering food.
🌟 Pro Move: Add a milkshake as a side on any tray for the best value on the cookout menu. Standalone shakes are $3.99–$5.99; as a tray side they are included in the tray price — saving you $2–$4 per visit.
$3.99–$5.99
3
🥉
Cook Out Style Burger Tray
The item that started it all. The Cook Out Style Burger is the restaurant’s signature sandwich — a flame-grilled beef patty loaded with chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions on a toasted bun. This is authentic Carolina-style fast food at its purest form, and it remains one of the most distinctively flavored burgers in the fast-food landscape. The chili + slaw combination is uniquely Southern, deeply satisfying, and completely unlike anything offered at national chains.
🌟 Pro Move: Ask for extra chili and add cheese for a fully loaded experience. This is what longtime Cook Out fans in North Carolina call the definitive cookout burger menu order — the item that represents the brand’s roots most authentically.
$6.29–$6.79
4
⭐
BBQ Sandwich Tray
Cook Out is one of the last fast-food chains that serves genuine slow-cooked North Carolina pork BBQ — and the cookout BBQ menu reflects that heritage with pride. The BBQ Sandwich is chopped or pulled pork with authentic Carolina-style sauce on a soft bun, and it tastes like something you’d find at a dedicated BBQ joint rather than a drive-thru window. Pair it with hushpuppies and coleslaw for the full Southern BBQ experience at a fraction of the price of any sit-down restaurant.
🌟 Pro Move: Order the BBQ Sandwich Tray with hushpuppies and coleslaw as your two sides for the most authentic Southern plate combination on the entire cookout menu food selection.
$6.29–$6.79
5
⭐
Cheeseburger Tray
Simple, reliable, and consistently satisfying — the Cook Out Cheeseburger Tray is the everyday workhorse of the cookout restaurant menu. A fresh beef patty with melted American cheese on a toasted bun, paired with two sides and a drink for around $6.50. It may not be flashy, but it delivers every time and remains one of the top-ordered items across every Cook Out location from North Carolina to Alabama. For fans of the hamburger cookout menu, this is the reliable daily driver.
🌟 Pro Move: Stack the cheeseburger with chili, grilled onions, and mustard to transform it into a Cook Out Style experience for the same price. The toppings on the cookout menu are almost entirely free — use them.
$6.19–$6.69
6
⭐
Hushpuppies
Ask any Cook Out regular what their go-to side is and nine times out of ten the answer is hushpuppies. These golden, crispy-outside, soft-inside fried cornmeal balls are one of the most beloved items across the entire cookout sides menu. They are genuinely homemade-tasting, generously portioned, and perfectly seasoned — a far cry from the afterthought sides offered at other fast-food chains. Cook Out’s hushpuppies have a cult following of their own, and they are frequently cited as one of the top reasons people choose Cook Out over competitors.
🌟 Pro Move: Always choose hushpuppies as one of your two tray sides. They pair with absolutely everything on the cookout menu — burgers, BBQ, chicken, and especially milkshakes.
Side / Free with Tray
7
⭐
Hot Dog Tray (2 Hot Dogs)
Two full beef hot dogs, two sides, and a drink for under $6.50 — the Cook Out hot dog tray is the best value-per-dollar on the entire cookout tray menu. The hot dogs are classic all-beef frankfurters that you can load with chili, mustard, slaw, onions, or cheese, making each dog a fully customizable Southern-style creation. For fans of the hot dog cookout menu experience, this tray delivers two complete hot dogs plus two sides for less than what a single hot dog costs at most stadiums or theme parks.
🌟 Pro Move: Order both hot dogs Cook Out Style — chili, slaw, mustard, onions — for the full Carolina hot dog experience at the lowest price point on the cookout menu with prices.
$6.19–$6.69
8
⭐
Spicy Chicken Sandwich Tray
The Cook Out Spicy Chicken Sandwich has been climbing the most-ordered charts consistently and now sits firmly among the top items on the cookout chicken menu. It delivers a crispy, juicy chicken fillet with genuine heat — not the mild, marketing-driven “spicy” of national chain competitors, but a real Southern kick that builds with each bite. Paired with a cold milkshake side, it creates the iconic hot-and-cold contrast that fans of spicy food particularly love about the cookout fast food menu.
🌟 Pro Move: Order the Spicy Chicken Tray with a vanilla or banana milkshake as a side — the creamy sweetness perfectly offsets the heat and creates one of the best flavor combinations on the entire cookout menu food lineup.
$6.49–$6.99
9
⭐
Big Double Burger Tray
For serious burger fans who want maximum beef, the Cook Out Big Double Burger is the answer. Two full beef patties stacked on a toasted bun, fully customizable with any combination of toppings from the cookout menu, plus two sides and a drink — all still under $7.30. In a landscape where fast-food double burgers regularly cost $10–$15, the Big Double Burger Tray is one of the most remarkable value propositions on any fast-food menu in America today.
🌟 Pro Move: Load the Big Double with cheese, chili, grilled onions, and jalapeños for the ultimate fully loaded experience. All toppings on the cookout burger menu are free or minimal cost — build the burger that chain restaurants charge double for.
$6.79–$7.29
10
⭐
Corn Dog Tray
The Corn Dog Tray earns its spot in the top 10 for two reasons: it is the most affordable complete tray on the cookout menu, and it is consistently the top-ordered item for families with young children. Two classic corn dogs, two sides, and a drink for under $6 is an unbeatable family meal value. The corn dogs themselves are classic golden-fried perfection — crispy outside, juicy inside, and served with mustard or ketchup dipping options. A staple family cookout menu order that kids and parents both love.
🌟 Pro Move: For the ultimate kid-friendly Cook Out order, pair the Corn Dog Tray with a milkshake side and hushpuppies — the full Southern family experience at the absolute lowest price point on the cookout menu with prices.
$5.49–$5.99
Best Cookout Menu Items by Category
Quick-reference guide to the top picks across every section of the cookout food menu — with prices and our recommendation for each category.
Burgers
| Cook Out Style Burger Signature | $6.29+ |
| Big Double Burger Popular | $6.79+ |
| Cheeseburger Tray | $6.19+ |
| Hamburger Tray | $5.99+ |
Chicken
| Chicken Strip Tray #1 | $6.49+ |
| Spicy Chicken Tray | $6.49+ |
| Cajun Chicken Tray | $6.49+ |
| Chicken Nuggets Tray | $5.99+ |
BBQ
| BBQ Sandwich Tray Classic | $6.29+ |
| BBQ Plate Tray | $6.79+ |
Hot Dogs
| Hot Dog Tray (2 dogs) Best Val | $5.99+ |
| Corn Dog Tray (2 dogs) | $5.49+ |
| Cook Out Style Hot Dog | Add-on |
Sides
| Chicken Strip Tray #1 | $6.49+ |
| Spicy Chicken Tray | $6.49+ |
| Cajun Chicken Tray | $6.49+ |
| Chicken Nuggets Tray | $5.99+ |
Milkshakes
| BBQ Sandwich Tray Classic | $6.29+ |
| BBQ Plate Tray | $6.79+ |
Most Ordered Cookout Milkshake Flavors
The cookout milkshake menu is the most famous part of the Cook Out experience. With 40+ hand-spun flavors, choosing can be overwhelming — here are the top flavors that fans order most frequently, ranked by popularity.
💡 Reminder: Any milkshake from the cookout shake menu can be added as one of your two free sides on any tray order — giving you a shake worth $3.99–$5.99 included in your combo price. This is the single most popular cookout menu hack among regular customers.
Oreo
🔥 #1 Ordered
Chocolate
🔥 Fan Fav
Strawberry
Classic
Vanilla
Classic
Banana Fudge
🔥 Top 5
Cheesecake
🔥 Top 5
Peanut Butter
🔥 Top 10
Mint Chocolate Chip
Popular
Caramel Fudge
Popular
Peach
Southern Fav
Blackberry
Regional Fav
Lemon
Popular
Butterfinger
Popular
Heath Bar
Popular
Cherry Cheesecake
🔥 Rising
Coconut
Classic
Egg Nog
Seasonal
Red Velvet
Popular
These are 18 of the most popular flavors. The full cookout milkshake menu features 40+ flavors total — explore every option on our dedicated shake page.
Most Ordered Cookout Sides
Sides make or break a Cook Out order. Every tray comes with two sides, and the choices you make can elevate the entire meal. Here are the most-ordered sides from the cookout sides menu, ranked by customer preference.
| Side Item | Popularity Rank | Approx. Calories | Best Paired With | Why Fans Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hushpuppies | 🔥 #1 Most Ordered | 590 | Everything | Uniquely Southern, crispy, hearty — no other chain has them |
| Milkshake (as Side) | 🔥 #2 — The Hack | 538–900 | Any tray | 40+ flavors, hand-spun, incredible value as a free tray side |
| Regular Fries | #3 Classic | 350 | Burgers, chicken | Reliable, consistent, always hot and crispy |
| Onion Rings | #4 Popular | 250 | Burgers, BBQ | Light, crispy battered rings — better than most chain versions |
| Coleslaw | #5 Southern Classic | 130 | BBQ, hot dogs | Homemade-style, tangy, the perfect BBQ companion |
| Chili Cheese Fries | #6 Indulgent Pick | 460 | Burgers, hot dogs | Loaded, satisfying — an indulgent upgrade for fry lovers |
| Cajun Fries | #7 Spicy Option | 390 | Chicken, burgers | Spiced fries with real Cajun heat — a step up from plain fries |
| Corn Dog (Side) | #8 | 300 | Kid-friendly orders | Fun, unique, great for families and lighter appetites |
| Chicken Nuggets 5pc | #9 | 280 | Family orders | Extra protein option — great for picky eaters as a side add-on |
| White Cheddar Bites | #10 Indulgent | 380 | Burgers, BBQ | Crispy, gooey, addictive — a fan favorite among cheese lovers |
Cookout Secret Menu & Order Hacks
Beyond the standard cookout menu items, there are ordering strategies and cookout secret menu combinations that regulars have perfected over years of visits. These are the cookout menu hacks that get you the most food, best flavor, and maximum value out of every single order.
The Milkshake Side Hack 🥤
Order a milkshake as one of your two tray sides. A standalone shake costs $3.99–$5.99. As a tray side, it is included in your ~$6.50 tray price. You save $2–$4 on every single order using this trick.
The NC Double Stack 🍔
Order the Big Double Burger with chili, slaw, mustard, onions, AND cheese. This creates a double-patty Cook Out Style experience — a loaded, Southern double cheeseburger that rivals anything at a premium burger joint for around $7.
Hot + Cold Combo 🌶️
Order the Spicy Chicken Tray or Cajun Chicken Tray + a creamy vanilla or banana milkshake as a side. The heat from the spicy chicken and the cool sweetness of the shake creates an addictive flavor contrast that regulars swear by.
The Full Southern Plate 🐷
Order the BBQ Sandwich Tray + hushpuppies + coleslaw as your two sides. This creates the definitive North Carolina BBQ plate experience — chopped pork, hushpuppies, and slaw — at a price that beats every BBQ restaurant in the state.
Free Topping Stacking 🧀
Most toppings at Cook Out are free or under $0.50. Load your burger with chili + cheese + grilled onions + jalapeños + mustard for a fully customized gourmet burger that chains like Five Guys charge $12–$14 for — yours is around $6.50.
The Family Spread 👨👩👧👦
Order 4 different trays with different entrées and sides — each fully customized for each family member. At ~$6.50 average per tray, you feed a family of four for about $26 total with everyone getting exactly what they want. No other chain competes.
The Late Night Double 🌙
Cook Out is open until 3:30–4:30 AM every night with the full menu available. Order two trays for yourself — one savory (Chicken Strip Tray) and one indulgent (milkshake-heavy) — for the ultimate late-night Cook Out experience under $14.
The Shake Sampler 🎯
Order 3–4 small milkshakes in different flavors to share and sample — Oreo, Banana Fudge, Cheesecake, and Strawberry — for around $16–$20 total. This is the most popular way to experience the full cookout milkshake secret menu variety with friends.
First Time at Cook Out? Here’s Exactly What to Order
Follow this 4-step guide to get the ultimate first Cook Out experience from the best cookout menu items available.
Get the Chicken Strip Tray
Order the #1 most popular item on the cookout restaurant menu. It introduces you to the tray system perfectly — generous entrée, two sides, and a drink.
Choose Milkshake as Side #1
Pick any milkshake from the 40+ flavor cookout milkshake menu as your first side. Oreo and Banana Fudge are the most popular first-timer picks.
Add Hushpuppies as Side #2
The #1 most-ordered side at Cook Out. These are the most distinctively Southern item on the cookout sides menu — a must-try on any first visit.
Try a Cook Out Style Item Next
On your next order, try the Cook Out Style Burger or BBQ Sandwich — the items that represent the brand’s North Carolina roots most authentically
Full Most Ordered Items — At a Glance
| Rank | Item | Category | Price | Tray Eligible | Best Side Pairing | Why It’s Top-Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chicken Strip Tray | Chicken | $6.49–$6.99 | ✓ | Milkshake + Hushpuppies | Best value + most satisfying combo |
| #2 | Hand-Spun Milkshake | Shakes | $3.99–$5.99 | ✓ as side | Any tray | 40+ flavors, unmatched at this price |
| #3 | Cook Out Style Burger | Burgers | $6.29–$6.79 | ✓ | Hushpuppies + Onion Rings | Authentic NC-style, signature item |
| #4 | BBQ Sandwich Tray | BBQ | $6.29–$6.79 | ✓ | Hushpuppies + Coleslaw | Real Southern BBQ in fast-food form |
| #5 | Cheeseburger Tray | Burgers | $6.19–$6.69 | ✓ | Milkshake + Fries | Reliable everyday crowd pleaser |
| #6 | Hushpuppies | Sides | Tray Side | ✓ | — | #1 chosen side — uniquely Southern |
| #7 | Hot Dog Tray (2 Dogs) | Hot Dogs | $5.99–$6.49 | ✓ | Milkshake + Onion Rings | Best value-per-dollar tray |
| #8 | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Chicken | $6.49–$6.99 | ✓ | Vanilla Milkshake + Fries | Real heat + shake contrast |
| #9 | Big Double Burger | Burgers | $6.79–$7.29 | ✓ | Chili Cheese Fries | Best big-appetite value in fast food |
| #10 | Corn Dog Tray (2 Dogs) | Hot Dogs | $5.49–$5.99 | ✓ | Milkshake + Hushpuppies | Lowest-price full tray, kid favorite |
| #11 | Cajun Chicken Tray | Chicken | $6.49–$6.99 | ✓ | Onion Rings + Coleslaw | Bold Cajun seasoning — flavorful |
| #12 | Quesadilla Tray | Specialty | $6.29–$6.79 | ✓ | Cajun Fries + Milkshake | Most unique item on the tray menu |
| #13 | BBQ Plate Tray | BBQ | $6.79–$7.29 | ✓ | Coleslaw + Hushpuppies | Full Southern BBQ plate experience |
| #14 | Onion Rings | Sides | Tray Side | ✓ | — | Light, crispy, pairs with anything |
| #15 | Chicken Nuggets Tray | Chicken | $5.99–$6.49 | ✓ | Milkshake + Hushpuppies | Kid-friendly, affordable, satisfying |
Conclusion
The best cookout menu items are not just popular because they are familiar — they are popular because they genuinely deliver on taste, value, and a Southern food identity that no other fast-food chain can replicate. From the #1 Chicken Strip Tray to the legendary milkshake menu and the authentic Cook Out Style Burger, every item on this most-ordered list has earned its place through years of consistent quality and customer loyalty.
If there is one thing to take away from this guide, it is the milkshake as side hack — the single ordering move that unlocks the full Cook Out experience at the lowest possible price. Pair any tray with a milkshake side, add hushpuppies as your second side, and you have one of the best complete meals available at any fast-food restaurant in America today.
Continue exploring at cookoutmenu.top — including the full Cookout Milkshake Menu with all 40+ flavors, the complete Cookout Family Meal Trays guide, Cookout Nutrition Information, and the full Cookout Menu with Prices 2025.