Cookout Tray Menu — What’s Included, Prices & How to Order (2026)
The Cookout Tray is the single most iconic item on the entire Cookout menu. It is a meal deal that gives you one main item, two sides, and a large drink — all for somewhere between $5.49 and $6.99. That kind of value is almost unheard of in fast food in 2026.
But the Tray is not just about the price. It is about the customization. Cookout gives you a massive list of main items and over 15 side options to build your Tray exactly how you want it. That flexibility — combined with the low price — is why the Cookout Tray has built a loyal following across the Southeast.
This guide covers everything about the Cookout Tray — what is included, all the side options, how to order it correctly, and a deep look at the most talked-about special items on the menu: the Cookout Walking Taco, the Cookout Bacon Wrap, and the full Cookout sauces list.
What Is the Cookout Tray?
The Cookout Tray is Cookout’s signature combo meal. Unlike standard fast-food value meals that pair a burger with one side and a drink, the Cookout Tray lets you choose two sides from a large selection — including options as unique as a Walking Taco, a quesadilla, or a small milkshake. That last option alone sets it apart from every other fast-food chain in America.
Here is what every Cookout Tray includes:
| Tray Component | Details |
| Main Item | Your choice of burger, chicken, hot dog, corn dog, or other entree |
| Side #1 | Choose from 15+ options including fries, onion rings, hush puppies, and more |
| Side #2 | Second independent side — can be the same or different from Side #1 |
| Large Drink | Fountain soda, sweet tea, lemonade, or small milkshake (any flavor) |
The drink option is where the Tray surprises most first-time visitors. You can swap the fountain drink for a small milkshake in any of Cookout’s 40+ flavors — at no extra cost. This is one of the most underrated deals in fast food.
Cookout Tray Prices — How Much Does It Cost?
The Cookout Tray price depends on which main item you choose. Simpler mains like a hot dog or corn dog Tray are at the lower end, while chicken and specialty burger Trays cost slightly more. All prices below are approximate 2026 figures that may vary by location.
| Tray Main Item | Approx. Tray Price |
| Cookout Style Burger Tray | $5.49 |
| Double Burger Tray | $6.49 |
| Chicken Sandwich Tray | $5.99 |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich Tray | $6.49 |
| BBQ Chicken Sandwich Tray | $5.99 |
| Hot Dog Tray | $5.49 |
| Corn Dog Tray | $5.49 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger Tray | $6.49 |
| BBQ Bacon Burger Tray | $6.49 |
| Quesadilla Tray | $5.99 |
For reference, a comparable meal at McDonald’s — one sandwich, one side, and a drink — costs between $9 and $12 in 2026 at most US locations. The Cookout Tray delivers the same concept at roughly half the price, with more side variety.
Full Cookout Tray Sides Menu
The sides selection is one of the main reasons people love the Cookout Tray menu. Most fast-food chains give you one side option — usually fries. Cookout gives you over 15 choices, including several options that are genuinely unique to this chain.
| Side Option | Category | Notes |
| French Fries | Classic | Standard crispy cut — the most ordered side |
| Onion Rings | Classic | Thick-battered rings, popular alternative to fries |
| Hush Puppies | Southern | Deep-fried cornmeal balls — a Southern staple |
| Coleslaw | Southern | Creamy, traditional style |
| Baked Beans | Southern | Sweet and smoky flavor |
| Corn on the Cob | Southern | Seasonal availability at select locations |
| Quesadilla | Specialty | Cheese-filled flour tortilla, grilled |
| Walking Taco | Specialty | Fritos bag with taco toppings — fan favorite |
| Bacon Wrap | Specialty | Grilled bacon-wrapped item, unique to Cookout |
| Mac & Cheese | Comfort | Creamy baked style |
| Corn Dog | Comfort | Classic battered hot dog on a stick |
| Hot Dog | Comfort | Simple, grilled-style |
| Small Milkshake | Dessert | Any of 40+ flavors — most popular Tray side upgrade |
| Chicken Nuggets | Protein | Available at most locations |
| Spicy Chicken Bites | Protein | Available at select locations |
The small milkshake as a Tray side is the most talked-about option on this list. Most customers who discover it for the first time say they wish they had known about it sooner. You get a full shake — in any of Cookout’s 40+ flavors — included in the Tray price. No fast-food chain in the US offers anything comparable.
Cookout Walking Taco — Everything You Need to Know
The Cookout Walking Taco is one of the most searched and most talked-about items on the entire Cookout menu. It gets over 1,100 monthly searches on its own, which tells you just how much curiosity this item generates — especially among people who have never tried it before.
What Is a Walking Taco?
A Walking Taco is a popular American fair-food concept that originated at state fairs and sporting events. The idea is simple: taco toppings are served directly inside a small bag of Fritos corn chips, so you can eat the whole thing out of the bag without a plate. The chips act as both the vessel and a crunchy base for the toppings.
Cookout’s version of the Walking Taco stays true to this format. You get a small Fritos bag filled with seasoned beef or chicken toppings, shredded cheese, and other taco-style ingredients. It is messy, satisfying, and genuinely fun to eat.
Is the Walking Taco Worth Ordering?
The Cookout Walking Taco has strong reviews among regular customers. Here is what people consistently say about it:
- Flavor: The seasoning is bold and the Fritos add a salty crunch that works better than a standard taco shell
- Portion: As a Tray side, the portion is sized appropriately — not a full meal on its own, but satisfying as a side
- Uniqueness: You cannot get a Walking Taco at McDonald’s, Burger King, or Chick-fil-A — it is a Cookout exclusive
- Value: When included in the Tray, the Walking Taco adds interesting variety without any price increase
If you have never tried a Walking Taco before, the Cookout Tray is the best way to experience it — you can order it as one of your two sides without committing to a full standalone order.
Cookout Bacon Wrap — What Is It?
The Cookout Bacon Wrap is another specialty item that generates its own search interest — around 1,000 monthly searches — because it is not something you see on any other fast-food menu. It is exactly what the name suggests: a grilled item wrapped in bacon.
Cookout’s Bacon Wrap typically consists of a hot dog or sausage-style item wrapped in strips of bacon and then grilled. The result is a smoky, crispy outer layer with a juicy interior. It is available as a standalone order or as one of your Cookout Tray sides at participating locations.
Bacon Wrap — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| What it is | Grilled hot dog or sausage wrapped in bacon strips |
| Available as | Standalone side or Tray side option |
| Approx. price (standalone) | $1.99 – $2.49 |
| Best paired with | Cookout Style Burger Tray or Chicken Sandwich Tray |
| Availability | Most Cookout locations — confirm with your local restaurant |
The Bacon Wrap is not available at every Cookout location. If it is a priority for your visit, call your local restaurant before you go to confirm it is on their current menu.
Cookout Sauces — All Available Options
The Cookout sauces menu gets around 1,000 monthly searches, which tells you that customers care about what dipping options are available before they order. Cookout does not publish a comprehensive sauce list on their official website, but based on widely reported customer experiences across US locations, here are the most commonly available options.
| Sauce | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Cookout Sauce | Tangy, slightly smoky house sauce | Burgers, fries, chicken |
| BBQ Sauce | Sweet and smoky Southern-style | Chicken sandwich, onion rings |
| Ranch | Cool, creamy, herb-forward | Fries, hush puppies, chicken |
| Honey Mustard | Sweet and tangy balance | Chicken, corn dog |
| Ketchup | Classic tomato base | Fries, burgers |
| Mustard | Sharp, yellow American style | Hot dogs, burgers |
| Mayo | Creamy, neutral base | Burgers, sandwiches |
| Hot Sauce | Vinegar-based heat | Chicken, Walking Taco |
Sauce availability can vary by location. Some Cookout restaurants have a self-serve sauce station, while others hand out sauce packets at the window. If you want a specific sauce, mention it when you order rather than assuming it will be included automatically.
Cookout Tray Main Item Options — Full List
Choosing your Cookout Tray main item is the first decision you make when ordering. Here is the complete list of available main items. Not every item is available at every location, but most Cookout restaurants carry the full core lineup.
Burgers and Beef
| Main Item | Description |
| Cookout Style Burger | Classic smash-style burger with your choice of toppings |
| Double Cookout Burger | Two patties, same customization options |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | Beef patty with crispy bacon and American cheese |
| Double Bacon Cheeseburger | Double patty version of the above |
| BBQ Bacon Burger | Tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, and beef patty |
| Ranch Burger | Creamy ranch dressing, lettuce, and beef patty |
| Mushroom Burger | Beef patty topped with sauteed mushrooms |
Chicken
| Main Item | Description |
| Chicken Sandwich | Crispy or grilled chicken on a bun |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Crispy chicken with spicy seasoning |
| BBQ Chicken Sandwich | Grilled chicken with BBQ sauce |
| Chicken Nuggets (as main) | Available as a main item at select locations |
Other Main Items
| Main Item | Description |
| Hot Dog | Classic grilled beef hot dog |
| Corn Dog | Battered hot dog on a stick, deep-fried |
| Quesadilla | Grilled cheese-filled flour tortilla |
| Chicken Quesadilla | Quesadilla with grilled chicken added |
Best Cookout Tray Combinations — What to Order
If you are visiting Cookout for the first time and are not sure what to order, these four Tray combinations are consistently recommended by regular customers. Each one balances value, variety, and flavor well.
Combination 1 — The Classic
- Main: Cookout Style Burger
- Side 1: French Fries
- Side 2: Hush Puppies
- Drink: Sweet Tea or Lemonade
Best for: First-time visitors who want the most traditional Cookout experience.
Combination 2 — The Shake Upgrade
- Main: Chicken Sandwich
- Side 1: Onion Rings
- Side 2: Small Milkshake — Banana Pudding or Cheerwine flavor
- Drink: Fountain soda
Best for: Anyone who wants to experience the milkshake side swap — the defining Cookout Tray upgrade.
Combination 3 — Southern Style
- Main: BBQ Bacon Burger
- Side 1: Hush Puppies
- Side 2: Baked Beans
- Drink: Sweet Tea
Best for: Anyone who wants a fully Southern-style meal with regional comfort food sides.
Combination 4 — The Explorer
- Main: Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Side 1: Walking Taco
- Side 2: Bacon Wrap
- Drink: Lemonade or fountain soda
Best for: Returning visitors who want to try Cookout’s most unique specialty items in one order.
Cookout Tray vs. Ordering Items Separately — Is the Tray Worth It?
Some customers wonder whether the Cookout Tray is actually a good deal compared to ordering items individually. The answer is straightforward: the Tray almost always saves you money.
| Scenario | Ordering Separately | Cookout Tray Price | Savings |
| Burger + Fries + Drink | $2.49 + $1.99 + $1.49 = $5.97 | $5.49 | ~$0.48 |
| Chicken + Onion Rings + Shake | $2.99 + $1.99 + $3.49 = $8.47 | $5.99 | ~$2.48 |
| Double Burger + Hush Puppies + Sweet Tea | $3.49 + $1.99 + $1.49 = $6.97 | $6.49 | ~$0.48 |
| BBQ Burger + Walking Taco + Shake | $3.99 + $1.99 + $3.49 = $9.47 | $6.49 | ~$3.00 |
The savings are most dramatic when you include a small milkshake as a Tray side. A milkshake that would cost $2.99 to $3.49 on its own becomes part of a full meal for under $6.50. That gap makes the Tray one of the best fast-food value deals currently available in the US.
How to Order the Cookout Tray — Step by Step
Most Cookout locations are drive-through only, so you will be ordering through a speaker or at a window. The menu board can be large and fast-paced — here is how to order efficiently.
- Decide your main item before you pull up to the speaker. This is the most important choice and determines your Tray price.
- Choose your two sides from the sides menu. Have a backup ready in case your first choice is not available that day.
- Decide whether you want a fountain drink or to swap it for a small milkshake. If you choose a shake, know your flavor.
- State your order clearly — main item first, then both sides, then your drink or shake choice.
- Ask for any specific sauces at the window rather than at the speaker — it is easier and faster.
Pro tip: If the drive-through line is long, use that time to review the full Cookout Tray menu on the official Cookout website or a menu info site before you reach the speaker. It saves time and makes the experience smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cookout Tray and Special Items
How many sides come with a Cookout Tray?
Every Cookout Tray comes with two sides. You choose each one independently from the sides menu. Both sides can be the same, or you can pick two different options.
Can you get a milkshake with the Cookout Tray?
Yes. You can substitute the fountain drink for a small milkshake in any flavor at no extra charge. Alternatively, you can add a small shake as one of your two Tray sides. Some customers do both — adding a shake as a side and choosing lemonade or sweet tea as their drink.
What is the cheapest Cookout Tray?
The most affordable Cookout Tray options are the Cookout Style Burger Tray, the Hot Dog Tray, and the Corn Dog Tray, all of which typically start around $5.49. Prices can vary slightly by location.
Is the Cookout Walking Taco spicy?
The Cookout Walking Taco is not typically spicy by default. The seasoning is savory and bold but not hot. If you want heat, ask for hot sauce on the side when you pick up your order.
Is the Bacon Wrap available at all Cookout locations?
The Cookout Bacon Wrap is available at most locations, but not all. Menu offerings can differ slightly between restaurants. If the Bacon Wrap is a priority, call your local Cookout ahead of your visit to confirm it is currently on the menu.
Can you customize your Cookout Tray main item?
Yes. Cookout allows standard burger customization — you can add or remove toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. Ask for your customization clearly when you place your order at the speaker.
Does Cookout have a kids’ Tray?
Cookout does not have a dedicated kids’ meal or kids’ Tray option. However, the standard Cookout Tray at $5.49 is already a generous value, and many parents split a single Tray between younger children or order the smallest Tray options for smaller appetites.
Final Thoughts
The Cookout Tray is the best reason to visit Cookout. No other fast-food chain in America offers the same combination of price, portion size, and side variety. For under $7, you get a full meal with two sides — one of which can be a shake in any of 40+ flavors — plus a large drink.
The Cookout Walking Taco and the Cookout Bacon Wrap are the two special items that set this menu apart from every other fast-food chain. They are unique, they are satisfying, and they are best experienced as Tray sides so you can try them without committing to a standalone order.
If you are planning your first visit, start with a simple Tray — burger, fries, and a small milkshake as your second side. That one order explains exactly why so many people keep coming back.
For the most current Tray options and pricing at your nearest location, check the official Cookout website. Menu items and prices may vary by location and are subject to change.
Note: All prices listed in this article are approximate figures based on commonly reported 2026 customer data across US Cookout locations. Actual prices and menu availability may vary. Always confirm with your local Cookout restaurant before visiting.