The Cookout Tray is one of the brand’s most iconic offerings, combining a main item with two sides and a drink at a value price. The concept is simple: Pick 1 Main + Pick 2 Sides + Pick 1 Drink. Unlike other chains where sides are just fries, Cook Out lets you choose quesadillas, corndogs, and wraps as your sides. This guide breaks down pricing, menu options, calorie info, customization tips, and popular combos for 2026.
What Is a Cookout Tray?
A Cookout Tray is a complete meal served at a modest price, perfect for lunch, dinner, or late night eats. Each tray comes with one main item, two sides, and a drink and can often be upgraded with a milkshake.
Base Tray Pricing
Cookout tray prices vary based on the main entrée you choose. Prices below are typical U.S. averages actual pricing depends on location.
| Tray Category | Typical Price Range |
| Standard Trays (Burger, Hot Dog, Chicken) | $7.39–$8.49 |
| Premium Trays (Cajun, BBQ, Wrap Variations) | $8.49–$9.99 |
| Large / Combo Trays | $9.99–$11.49 |
| Milkshake Upgrade | +$1.00–$2.00 |
- Note: Tray prices may vary by Cookout location and regional pricing.
- Value Hack: If you order a tray and upgrade to a shake, you are getting a full meal for only ~$1.50 more than the price of a shake alone.
Main Tray Entrées
Cookout trays allow a wide variety of main entrée options from burgers to hot dogs to wraps. You pick one main item per tray before adding two sides and a drink.
| Main Entrée | Description |
| Cookout Style Burger Tray | Classic burger with chili, slaw, mustard & onions |
| Big Double Burger Tray | Double patty burger with choice of toppings |
| Steak Style Burger Tray | A1 sauce + grilled onions + lettuce/tomato |
| Hot Dog Tray | Char-grilled hot dog with bun |
| Chili Dog Tray | Hot dog covered in chili |
| Cajun Chicken Tray | Grilled Cajun-seasoned chicken |
| Chicken Strip Tray | Breaded chicken strips |
| BBQ Sandwich Tray | Pulled pork BBQ |
| Wrap Tray | Cajun, Ranch, or custom wraps |
Side Options with Trays
When you choose a Cookout Tray, you get two sides from a broad selection of classic and savory options. Sides are one of the biggest reasons trays feel like a full meal.
| Side Item | Est. Calories |
| Regular Fries | ~350 |
| Cajun Fries | ~350 |
| Hushpuppies | ~300 |
| Onion Rings | ~260 |
| Coleslaw | ~100–170 |
| Chili (Cup) | ~170–200 |
| Chicken Nuggets | ~350 |
| Cheese Quesadilla | ~260 |
| Corn Dog | ~220 |
| White Cheddar Bites | ~400 |
Drink Options Included
Cookout trays come with a drink of your choice, including fountain sodas and teas. Milkshake upgrades are available for an extra charge, making trays extra indulgent.
| Drink | Typical Calories |
| Coca-Cola | ~140 (12 oz) |
| Diet Soda | 0 |
| Sweet Tea | ~120 (16 oz) |
| Unsweet Tea | 0 |
| Lemonade | ~180 |
| Milkshake (Upgrade) | ~600–800 |
Tray Value & Pricing Chart
This chart compares rough price tiers for different types of trays in 2026. It shows how price rises with more premium main items or upgrades.
Standard Tray (Hot Dog/ Burger) ██████████ $7.39–$8.49
Wrap or Chicken Tray ████████░░ $8.49–$9.49
Premium / BBQ Tray ███████░░░ $9.49–$10.49
Shake Upgrade █████░░░░░ +$1.00–$2.00
Best Tray Combinations (Popular Picks)
Certain tray builds are fan favorites because of flavor balance and portion size. These combos appear frequently in Cookout orders and social recommendations.
| Tray Build | Why It’s Popular |
| Cookout Style Burger + Fries + Tea | Classic, balanced flavors |
| Chicken Strip Tray + Hushpuppies + Shake | Crispy, savory, creamy |
| Cajun Chicken + Cajun Fries + Lemonade | Spice forward, refreshing |
| BBQ Tray + Coleslaw + Root Beer Float | Sweet, smoky contrast |
| Wrap Tray + Onion Rings + Sweet Tea | Portable + crunchy combo |
Customizing Your Tray
Cookout allows customization on most trays add extra toppings or swap sides. Upgrades like double meat, cheese cup, or extra sauces may incur extra charges.
Customization Examples
- Add bacon to burger tray
- Extra cheese or cheese sauce
- Swap fries for onion rings
- Mix flavors in wraps
Note: Ask staff about available customization in your area.
Tray Nutrition Insights (Estimates)
Tray meals vary widely in calories based on main, sides, and drink choices. These numbers are approximate and depend on actual portions and customizations:
| Tray Type | Est. Calories |
| Standard Tray (no shake) | ~900–1200 |
| Premium Tray (savory sides) | ~1100–1400 |
| Tray + Milkshake Upgrade | ~1500–1900 |
Note: Adding shakes and cheese sauces significantly increases calorie totals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are drinks always included in a Cookout Tray?
A: Yes a standard drink (soda or tea) is included with every tray.
Q: Can I upgrade to a milkshake in a tray?
A: Yes most locations offer milkshake upgrades for an additional charge.
Q: Can sides be swapped between trays?
A: Yes you can choose any two sides available when ordering your tray.
Q: Do tray prices vary by location?
A: Yes prices listed are estimates; local markets may have different rates.
Final Thoughts
Cookout trays represent excellent value and variety, especially for big appetites or group meals. Customize wisely and pair your sides and drinks for balanced flavor and satisfaction.
Note: Exact prices, portions, and menu availability vary by location always check at the store or online before ordering.