Cookout Trays
The famous Cook Out tray, explained: one main, two sides, and a drink in the combo regulars call the best deal on the menu — plus how the Jr tray compares.
What a Cookout Tray Is
A Cook Out tray is a combo meal built in three steps: choose one main item, pick two sides from the tray sides board, and add a drink. The mains range from char-grilled burgers to barbecue plates and chicken sandwiches, and the sides board is famously long — fries, slaw, hush puppies, onion rings, and more.
Fans treat the tray as the default way to order because it bundles the best of the menu into one value-priced order. It also travels well: many regulars split sides across two visits or share a tray family-style.
Regular vs Jr Tray
The Jr tray is the smaller sibling of the regular tray — same combo format, scaled down for lighter appetites (and reportedly a handy kids-size option). Here’s how they compare in general terms:
Images are illustrative.
Regular Tray
One main + two sides + drink. Full portions — built for a full appetite, with the full tray sides board and the full range of tray mains.
$5.49–$7.49
Jr Tray
One main + sides + drink. Smaller portions — built for lighter appetites or kids; the side and main selections may be more limited.
$5.50–$6.39
A note on the ranges above: the Jr tray’s reported floor ($5.50) lands a cent above the Regular’s ($5.49) only because different third-party sites publish different figures — in practice the Jr is the smaller, cheaper tray. Treat both ranges as rough guides and confirm with your local restaurant.
Tray Main Options
These are the mains fans most commonly report ordering on a tray. Availability varies by location — your board is the final word.
- Char-grilled burger — the classic tray main, customizable with Cook Out style or your own toppings. See the burgers guide for sizes and styles.
- Chicken breast sandwich — crispy or grilled.
- Chicken strips — a dippable favorite.
- Barbecue sandwich or plate — the Southern staple.
- Hot dog — dressed Cook Out style with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions.
- Quesadilla — a cheesy sleeper pick that doubles as a side on some trays.
Best Side Pairings
With two sides to choose, the trick is variety: pick one crispy and one cool, or one familiar and one adventurous. Fan-favorite pairings include Cajun fries with slaw, hush puppies with onion rings, and fries with a quesadilla-as-side.
See the full sides guide
Counting calories too? Try our tray calorie estimator — pick your entree, two sides and a drink for an estimated range.
Price Snapshot
Figures below are commonly reported ranges from independent third-party menu sites checked in October 2026 — Cook Out publishes no official prices, and actual prices vary by location.
Commonly reported price range
| Item | Commonly reported price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Tray (entree + 2 sides + drink) | $5.49 – $7.49 | Sources disagree — one prices by entree tier, others a flat figure; reports vary widely |
| Junior Tray | $5.50 – $6.39 | Commonly reported range |
| Milkshake as tray drink upgrade | $1.00 – $2.00 | Commonly reported range |
For the full picture and our methodology, see the
Cookout menu pricesguide.
See the full prices guide For the final word, check Cook Out’s official site.
Reported calories
Figures below are third-party reported ranges collected from independent menu sites in October 2026 — Cook Out publishes no official nutrition data, and actual counts vary by location, preparation, and portion.
Reported calories
| Item | Reported calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Tray (1 entree + 2 sides + drink) | 800–1,500 | Depends on the combination you pick |
| Jr. Tray | 400–600 |
A tray’s total depends on the combination you pick — entree, two sides, and drink. For every category and our full methodology, see the nutrition and calorie guide.