Cookout’s sides are famous for being hearty, flavorful, and great value, whether added to trays or enjoyed individually. From classic fries to snackable bites, these sides round out any meal perfectly and are crowd favorites year after year.
Classic Fried Sides
These are the standard side items available individually or as part of a meal.
| Item | Description | Est. Calories | Approx. Price |
| Regular Fries | Classic crinkle-cut fries | 350 cal | $2.39 |
| Cajun Fries | Topped with bold Cajun spice | 350 cal | $2.39 |
| Onion Rings | Crispy, golden-fried rings | 260 cal | $2.69 |
| Hushpuppies | 5-6 sweet cornmeal bites | 590 cal | $1.99 |
| Cook Out Rounds | Crispy fried potato bites | 298 cal | $2.00 |
Premium & Unique Sides
These items are often treated as mini meals and are fan favorites for those looking to maximize their Tray value.
| Item | Highlights | Est. Calories | Approx. Price |
| White Cheddar Bites | Fried white cheddar cheese curds | 380 cal | $3.39 |
| Chicken Nuggets | 3-5 crispy nuggets | 240 cal | $2.49 |
| Corn Dog | A full-sized honey-battered dog | 220 cal | $2.49 |
| Walking Taco | Chili, cheese, & lettuce in a Doritos bag | 370 cal | $3.39 |
| Cheese Quesadilla | A folded flour tortilla with melted cheese | 350 cal | $2.49 |
How Sides Work in a Cook Out Tray
The Cook Out Tray is the best way to experience the sides menu. You choose one main entrée and two sides.
The Double Up Strategy
You are not required to pick two different sides. You can double up on your favorite item to get a massive portion.
- Example: 1 Big Double Burger + Double Cajun Fries (Two servings of fries).
- Example: 1 Spicy Chicken Sandwich + Double Nuggets (A mountain of nuggets).
Side Compatibility Chart
| Side Item | Available in Tray? | Count as… |
| Fries / Onion Rings | ✅ Yes | 1 Side |
| Hushpuppies | ✅ Yes | 1 Side |
| Chicken Nuggets | ✅ Yes | 1 Side |
| Corn Dog | ✅ Yes | 1 Side |
| Quesadilla | ✅ Yes | 1 Side |
| Beef/Chicken Wrap | ✅ Yes | 1 Side |
Classic Fries — Crispy & Staple
Regular fries are Cookout’s most ordered side, crisp on the outside and tender inside. Available in standard and Cajun seasoning, they’re perfect alone or as a tray choice.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Regular Fries | $2.39–$2.79 | ~350 |
| Cajun Fries | $2.39–$2.79 | ~350 |
Note: Fries are available in trays or as standalone sides, with Cajun adding a spicy kick.
Hushpuppies — Sweet & Crunchy
Golden hushpuppies offer a slightly sweet, crunchy bite with fluffy centers. They pair well with savory mains and are a longtime Southern favorite.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Hushpuppies | $2.39–$2.79 | ~300 |
Note: Hushpuppies are especially popular with BBQ and chicken entrees.
Onion Rings — Crispy & Golden
Onion rings are battered and deep-fried to a crunchy perfection every time. They balance sweet onion flavor with a satisfying crisp coating.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Onion Rings | $2.50–$2.99 | ~260 |
Note: Best paired with burgers and sandwiches for extra texture and flavor.
Corn Dog — Classic Bite
Cookout corn dogs are a quick, nostalgic side that’s fun to snack on. They’re battered, golden, and a favorite for kids and adults alike.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Corn Dog | $2.19–$2.99 | ~220 |
Note: Works great as a quick side or with dipping sauces.
Cheese Quesadilla — Melty & Easy
The cheese quesadilla is a simple, cheesy side that’s hot and share-able. It’s a great addition for kids’ meals or appetizer sharing.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Cheese Quesadilla | $2.69–$3.29 | ~260 |
Note: Add jalapeños or extra cheese for an easy upgrade.
Chicken Nuggets — Bite Sized Protein
Chicken nuggets are breaded, golden, and perfect for dipping or mixing with other sides. They satisfy kids and adults alike as a sharable or tray side.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Chicken Nuggets (5 pc) | $2.39–$2.99 | ~350 |
Note: Pair with ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
Slaw & Chili — Cool or Savory
Slaw brings a cool, crunchy contrast; chili adds hearty, meaty savor. Both are ideal as tray sides or toppings on hot dogs and burgers.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Coleslaw | $1.29–$1.79 | ~100–170 |
| Chili (Cup) | $1.79–$2.29 | ~170–200 |
Note: Chili adds depth to fries or dogs; slaw refreshes richer mains.
Other Savory Sides
Cookout also rotates seasonal or location specific sides that expand choice. These are great for variety or unique flavors at different times of the year.
| Side Item | Est. Price | Notes |
| Bacon Wrap | $2.99–$3.49 | Smoky wrapped bite |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | $2.99–$3.59 | Cheesy poppables |
| Chips | $1.29–$1.79 | Classic salty snack |
Note: Check your local menu for any limited-time or regional sides in 2026.
Side Popularity Chart
This chart reflects overall ordering trends among Cookout sides in 2026. Fries and hushpuppies consistently rank highest for satisfaction and frequency.
Regular Fries ██████████
Hushpuppies ████████░░
Cajun Fries ███████░░░
Onion Rings ██████░░░░
Chili ██████░░░░
Coleslaw █████░░░░░
Chicken Nuggets █████░░░░░
Cheese Quesadilla ████░░░░░░
How Sides Fit Into Cookout Trays
Cookout Tray meals include two sides plus a main and a drink great value. Sides can be swapped based on preference at most locations.
| Tray Component | What It Includes |
| Main | Burger, hot dog, chicken, BBQ |
| Side 1 | Choice of any side |
| Side 2 | Choice of any side |
| Drink | Soda, tea, shake (upgrade option) |
Note: Sides make trays filling and balanced with texture and flavor variety.
Best Pairings: Sides + Mains
Matching sides to mains enhances flavor harmony and meal satisfaction. Here are some popular combinations based on 2026 trends.
| Main | Best Side Pairing |
| Burgers | Fries + Onion Rings |
| Hot Dogs | Cajun Fries + Slaw |
| BBQ Plates | Baked Beans + Hushpuppies |
| Chicken Sandwich | Coleslaw + Cheese Quesadilla |
| Wraps | Chips + Nuggets |
Note: These combinations balance savory, crunchy, and refreshing elements.
Pro Tips for the Sides Menu
- Hushpuppy Sauce: Always ask for a side of “Cook Out Sauce” or Honey Mustard to dip your hushpuppies in—it changes the experience entirely.
- Cheese Fries Hack: You can order regular fries and ask for a Cup of Cheese on the side (~$1.00) if you want to control the dip rather than having them smothered.
- The Protein Tray: If you are looking for high protein, order 3 Chicken Strips as your main and Chicken Nuggets and a Corndog as your two sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Cookout sides included with Tray meals?
Yes Tray meals come with any two sides of your choice.
Do side prices vary by location?
Yes prices above are nationwide estimates and may differ locally.
Are there vegetarian side options?
Yes fries, onion rings, slaw, chips, and cheese quesadillas can be vegetarian.
Can I order sides individually?
Absolutely sides can be ordered individually or in trays.
Final Thoughts
Cookouts sides menu in 2026 combines classic favorites with bold bites that satisfy every appetite. Whether simple or loaded, these sides enhance meals and give you flexibility on flavors and textures.
Note: Exact prices, calories, and availability vary by location always check your local Cookout menu.