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13 Cracker Barrel Items That Are Actually Worth the Drive (financebuzz.com)

Cracker Barrel Comfort: Top Picks for Delicious Value When Dining Out

When money gets a little tighter, dining out is often one of the first luxuries to go. That means when we do treat ourselves to a meal away from home, we’re looking for something truly special – a delicious bang for our buck that leaves us feeling satisfied without breaking the bank.

For many, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store holds a special place, serving up that beloved nostalgic Southern comfort food perfect for those days you just don’t feel like cooking. If you’re looking to stretch your restaurant budget while still enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal, here are some of the top choices from the Cracker Barrel menu.

A Local Note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

1. Chicken ‘n Dumplins

Price: $11.99

A true Southern classic, Cracker Barrel’s Chicken ‘n Dumplins are a fan favorite, ordered over 11 million times a year! This iconic dish features tender chicken slow-simmered in a creamy sauce with strips of dough.

It’s made fresh in-house daily, using quality chicken and a proprietary dumpling mix that also forms the basis of their famous biscuits. You can even purchase the dry mix to recreate a taste of home when dining out isn’t an option.

2. Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie

Price: $15.99

Why choose when you can have two favorites in one? This delicious fusion combines the best of Cracker Barrel’s menu.

It features large chunks of beef, slow-cooked into a savory pot roast, then topped with a crispy, golden layer of their beloved Hashbrown Casserole acting as a savory crust. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that truly delivers on comfort.

3. Hashbrown Casserole

Price: $3.09

Few restaurant dishes inspire as many copycat recipes as Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole. The “secret ingredient” that binds the cheesy potatoes and onions together is said to be cream of chicken soup, creating an irresistible side dish. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is a must-add to your plate.

4. Country Vegetable Plate

Price: $10.49

While “choice of two sides” might suffice elsewhere, Cracker Barrel offers a way to get more for less. Instead of adding several individual sides, opt for the Country Vegetable Plate, which generously allows you to choose four of their delicious vegetable sides. It’s a smart way to enjoy a variety of flavors and stretch your dollar.

5. Momma’s Pancake Breakfast

Price: $9.99

According to Cracker Barrel itself, Momma’s Pancake Breakfast is their most popular menu item. The best part?

Their all-day breakfast policy means you don’t have to be an early bird to enjoy this tasty meal. It comes complete with two farm-fresh eggs and your choice of crispy bacon or savory sausage.

Plus, Cracker Barrel serves real maple syrup, a delightful touch often missing at other establishments.

6. Meatloaf

Price: $12.49

What do Cracker Barrel employees reach for? Many will tell you the meatloaf.

This classic dish, made with tomatoes, onions, and green peppers, is topped with a comforting layer of ketchup that evokes the taste of home. It’s a dependable and delicious choice for a hearty meal.

7. Turkey and Dressing

Price: $14.49

Finding a satisfying turkey dinner outside of the holiday season can be a challenge, but Cracker Barrel has you covered. Mark your calendars, because on Thursdays, this beloved meal, complete with tender turkey and savory dressing, becomes a special you won’t want to miss.

8. St. Louis-Style BBQ Ribs

Price: $19.49

For those who love a good rack of ribs, Cracker Barrel offers a sweet and tangy treat. These St.

Louis-style BBQ Ribs are slathered in a brown sugar BBQ sauce and slow-cooked until the meat simply falls off the bone. Just remember, this flavorful option is available exclusively as a Saturday special.

9. Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken

Price: $14.99

Introduced in 2020, the Maple Chipotle-Glazed Chicken quickly became a customer favorite. This dish features perfectly grilled chicken, topped with cheese, crispy bacon, a drizzle of ranch, and garnished with diced green onions. It’s a delightful melding of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

10. Fried Apples

Price: $3.09

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best. Cracker Barrel’s fried apples, which are actually baked, are often described as capturing the very essence of apple pie.

Butter, brown sugar, and apples caramelize together to create a dish that’s near perfection. Is it breakfast?

A side dish? A dessert?

Yes, to all of the above!

11. Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake Pancake Breakfast

Price: $13.49

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that doubles as a full meal, look no further than the Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake Pancake Breakfast. Many reviewers have even rated these delightful pancakes as superior to similar offerings at other breakfast spots, and often more affordable. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a dessert-like indulgence any time of day.

12. Southern Fried Chicken

Price: $13.99

You can’t have a Southern-inspired menu without top-notch fried chicken, and Cracker Barrel delivers. Their Southern Fried Chicken is one of the most popular dishes on the menu, featuring their own special recipe seasoning. It’s served with a side of honey, perfect for drizzling over the crispy, flavorful chicken.

13. Catfish

Price: $16.49

For seafood lovers, Cracker Barrel offers two enticing catfish options. Choose the grilled version, seasoned with a zesty Cajun-style spice, or opt for the classic fried catfish, encrusted in cornmeal and served with a tangy tartar dipping sauce. A heads-up for those sensitive to heat: the Cajun seasoning can pack a bit of a kick!

The Bottom Line

Cracker Barrel continues to offer a menu brimming with delicious, fan-favorite comfort food that provides a genuine taste of Southern hospitality. While many families are tightening their belts and finding restaurant dining a luxury, Cracker Barrel still provides appealing options for those seeking a satisfying meal out. As the chain navigates evolving consumer preferences and updates its look, it remains a go-to spot for many seeking that familiar, flavorful experience.

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