15 pre-designed Cookout Tray combinations organized by use case: first-timer visits, best value, calorie-conscious meals, group orders, late-night runs, and kids. Every combo includes exact entrée + sides + drink pairings, total calories, and pricing. All fit within the standard $$7.39 Regular Tray or $$6.39 Junior Tray pricing.
The Cookout Tray format — one entrée + two sides + drink for a fixed price — is structurally the best value in fast food. But knowing which specific combinations work best for different situations is what separates casual Cookout customers from regulars. Different Trays win for different reasons: some maximize value, some minimize calories, some deliver the most regional experience, some scale to feeding a family. This page ranks 15 tested Tray combinations across 6 use cases.
Every combo below has been ordered repeatedly by Cookout regulars. Pricing is standard $$7.39 Regular Tray or $$6.39 Junior Tray unless a milkshake upgrade (+$1.00) is included. Calorie counts are approximate — actual calories vary based on preparation and portion sizing at individual locations.
If you're new to Cookout, jump to the For First-Timers section below. If you already know Cookout, skip to whichever category matches your current goal — value, calories, group order, late night, or kids.
The most representative Cookout orders — try these on your first visit to understand what makes the chain regionally distinctive.
The single most-representative Cookout order. Big Double with the signature chili-slaw combo, hushpuppies (regional Southern side), Cheerwine (NC-native cherry cola). If someone asks "what should I order at Cookout for the first time," this is the answer.
Eastern Carolina BBQ on a bun, with the traditional Southern sides pairing. Sweet tea is the traditional Carolina meal beverage. Regional identity in a single Tray at lower calories than the burger version.
The "chicken and shake" classic. Banana Pudding shake is Cookout's most-ordered flavor and one of the most Southern-native milkshakes on the menu. Best introduction to Cookout milkshakes.
The Tray combos that deliver the most food per dollar. All hit under-$${menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular} pricing for meals that would cost 40-60% more at competitor chains.
The pure value winner. 1/2 lb beef Big Double + chicken nuggets as a second protein side + fries + large soda for $${menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular}. Total meal value equivalent to $${(menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular * 1.5).toFixed(2)}+ at McDonald's or Wendy's.
Best "everything on one plate" combo. Double burger plus a Chicken Quesadilla as a side (which functionally works as a second entrée). Milkshake included. Under-$${(menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular + 1).toFixed(2)} feast.
Value plus indulgence. Big Double as entrée, cheese fries and onion rings as fully-loaded sides. Sweet tea keeps drink cost within Tray pricing. Substantial but not overwhelming meal.
Tray combinations under 1,000 calories that still deliver the Cookout experience. Uses water swaps, lighter sides, and smaller entrées.
The lightest full Tray on the menu. Small Burger (~240 cal) + Slaw (170) + Nuggets (130) + Water (0). Delivers protein and Cookout flavor without calorie overload. Best default for calorie-tracking diners.
BLT is one of the leanest Cookout entrées. Diet Coke swap saves 200+ calories vs regular soda. Slaw is the lightest side option. Sub-1000 calorie complete meal.
Char-grilled chicken breast is the leanest protein on the Cookout menu. Onion rings are the lightest fried side (260 cal). Unsweet tea skips the sugar bomb of sweet tea. Sub-900 calorie meal with high protein.
Cookout Trays scale beautifully to group orders. Multiple Trays for 4-6 people cost less than a single sit-down restaurant bill for the same group size.
4 full Trays for approximately $${(menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular * 4 + 1).toFixed(2)} — under $${((menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular * 4 + 1) / 4).toFixed(2)} per person. Comparable meal at Applebee's or Chili's would cost 3-4× more per person.
Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) for approximately $${((menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular * 2) + (menuStats.trayPriceRange.junior * 2)).toFixed(2)}. Kids get Junior Trays (portion-appropriate + cheaper), adults get regular. Total under $${((menuStats.trayPriceRange.regular * 2) + (menuStats.trayPriceRange.junior * 2)).toFixed(2)} — cheaper than a family fast-casual meal.
Cookout is open until 3-4am at most locations. These combos are optimized for late-night eating — filling, comforting, easy on the stomach.
Cookout chili on everything. Fills you up quickly, absorbs alcohol, ready to eat in the parking lot. Water helps rehydration. Classic late-night Cookout order among Carolina college students.
For late-night dessert-craving customers. BLT as a lighter entrée that pairs with the milkshake. Peanut Butter shake is Cookout's most-ordered late-night shake. Comfort food combination.
Junior Tray configurations for kids ages 4-10. The $${menuStats.trayPriceRange.junior} price point beats every competitor kids meal on portion and value.
For kids who refuse most fast food. Cheese Quesadilla (basically melted cheese in a tortilla) + nuggets covers both cheese-lovers and chicken-lovers. Universally accepted kids order.
The classic kid-appropriate Junior Tray. Chicken strips are almost universally kid-approved. Water swap for the healthiest drink option. Under-$${menuStats.trayPriceRange.junior} complete kids meal.
Since every Tray includes two sides, choosing well matters. Here's how the sides rank by regular-customer popularity, calorie count, and best use case:
| Rank | Side | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hushpuppies | 590 cal | Regional Southern side, cult favorite among regulars |
| #2 | Fries (Regular) | 350 cal | Standard fast-food fries, universal appeal |
| #3 | Cheese Fries | 390 cal | Fries + cheese sauce, most-ordered paid-upgrade side |
| #4 | Chicken Quesadilla | 390 cal | Second-entrée-quality side, popular value pick |
| #5 | Onion Rings | 260 cal | Lightest fried side, crunchy texture |
| #6 | Slaw | 170 cal | Coldest, lightest side, Southern-traditional pairing |
| #7 | Chicken Nuggets (5pc) | 130 cal | Lightest protein-based side, kid-appropriate |
The go-to sides combination for regulars: Hushpuppies + Slaw. This pairing covers both hot fried and cold creamy dimensions, and both are regionally Southern. If you're unsure what sides to pick on your Tray, this is the safe default.
If none of the 15 combos above fit your situation, here's the framework Cookout regulars use to build custom Trays:
The Tray combos above pull from the full Cookout menu. Browse individual categories for detailed item pricing, calorie information, and customization options.
← Back to the full Cookout menu Cookout Tray menu overview → Burgers menu →