How to Navigate the CookOut Tray Menu Easily

If you've ever driven past a CookOut and seen the long line at the drive-thru, there's a reason for it. CookOut is one of the most beloved fast-food chains in the southern United States, and much of its fame comes from its unbeatable *CookOut tray menu *. For first-timers, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. But don’t worry — this guide will help you understand the CookOut menu, pick the best tray combos, and get the most value for your money.

 What Is the CookOut Tray Menu?

The CookOut tray is a customizable meal deal that offers incredible value. For around \$6 to \$7 (depending on your location), you can build a tray that includes:

* **One main entrée**

* **Two sides**

* **A drink (or upgrade to a CookOut milkshake)**

This type of meal combo is hard to beat in both price and variety. With dozens of possible combinations, you can try something new every time you visit.

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### Choosing Your Main Entrée

Start by picking your main item. Here are some of the most popular options on the CookOut tray menu:

* **Char-grilled hamburger** (customizable with toppings like chili, slaw, mustard, onions, etc.)

* **Two hot dogs**

* **BBQ sandwich**

* **Chicken sandwich (regular or spicy)**

* **Chicken strips**

* **Corn dog**

* **Cheese quesadilla**

If you’re a burger fan, you can’t go wrong with the CookOut-style burger. It’s flame-grilled for that backyard cookout flavor and comes with a tangy house sauce that makes it stand out from the typical fast-food burger.

 Pick Your Favorite CookOut Sides

Once you've chosen your main, it's time to select **two sides**. CookOut gives you way more than just fries. Here’s a list of popular tray sides:

Cajun fries

Regular fries

Hushpuppies

Chicken nuggets

Corn dog

Cheese bites

Onion rings

Slaw

Chili

Quesadilla (counts as a side!)**

Many regulars recommend doubling up on sides like nuggets and hushpuppies or mixing crispy fries with something cheesy like cheddar bites. It's also totally fine to get creative — for example, fries and a corn dog are a surprisingly satisfying combo.

 Upgrade Your Drink to a CookOut Milkshake

Here’s the real secret to maximizing your CookOut experience: **upgrade your drink to a CookOut milkshake**. For a little extra cost (usually around \$1.50 more), you can enjoy one of the best milkshakes in fast food. CookOut offers **over 40 flavors**, including:

Classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry

Candy flavors like Oreo, Reese’s, and Snickers

Fruit flavors like banana, peach, and cherry

Seasonal favorites like eggnog and watermelon

You can even **combine flavors** — try a peanut butter banana or chocolate cherry blend. CookOut milkshakes are thick, rich, and often considered a must-have item even if you skip the tray.

 Sample Tray Combos for First-Timers

Not sure where to start? Here are a few tried-and-true combinations:

1. **CookOut-style burger + Cajun fries + hushpuppies + Oreo milkshake**

2. **Chicken strips + onion rings + nuggets + chocolate milkshake**

3. **BBQ sandwich + cheese bites + slaw + Cheerwine float**

4. **Hot dogs (chili and slaw) + fries + quesadilla + banana pudding milkshake**

These tray combos give you a full sampling of CookOut’s most popular foods and are perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience a little bit of everything.

 Understanding CookOut Menu Prices

One of the biggest draws of CookOut is the pricing. **CookOut tray prices** are incredibly affordable considering how much food you get. A standard tray with a soft drink typically costs around **\$6**, and even with a milkshake upgrade, you’ll likely spend **under \$8**.

Compared to other fast-food chains, this level of value is hard to match. Whether you're a college student, a traveler on a budget, or just someone looking for a quick, hearty meal, the tray deal is one of the best you’ll find.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

Here are some quick tips to help you maximize your first CookOut experience:

* **Order at the walk-up window if available** – It gives you more time to scan the full menu.

* **Check the local menu** – Some locations offer different sides or milkshake flavors.

Always consider upgrading to a milkshake** – It’s a fan favorite and worth the extra cost.

Try something new each time** – With so many options, it’s easy to find a new favorite.

 Final Thoughts

The CookOut tray menu is a fast-food gem that offers unbeatable variety, value, and flavor. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, crispy fries, or one of the 40+ legendary CookOut milkshakes, there's something for everyone. As a first-timer, use this guide to build a tray that hits all the right notes — and don’t be afraid to mix and match each time you go back. With CookOut menu prices staying budget-friendly and flavors that deliver every time, it won’t be long before you’re a regular.