Cracker Barrel Lunch Menu: Prices, Calories & More
You’re here to see the cracker barrel lunch menu with prices and calories so you can order confidently in the United States.
In short: this guide lists popular items, sample prices from Knoxville, Tennessee, and calorie counts so you know what to expect before you order.
This listicle-style guide highlights lunch hours, top entrées, sides, all-day breakfast picks, family bundles, drinks, and desserts. Prices vary by location; the Knoxville examples help set context.
What to expect: clear, scannable tables with Item, Price, Calories, Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free options, and common allergens. You’ll also get tips for building a balanced meal and side swaps for lower calories.
Cracker Barrel began in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1969 and now has about 663 US locations. Ordering is flexible with dine-in, carry-out, curbside, and delivery. Timing matters for the lunch window versus later availability.
Cracker Barrel lunch menu highlights to know right now
Heading to Cracker Barrel around noon? Know which comfort classics and lighter choices are served. Expect hearty Southern plates like meatloaf, chicken n’ dumplins, roast beef, and country fried steak alongside sides such as hashbrown casserole and fried apples.
What a typical midday lineup looks like
Most U.S. locations serve familiar “Sunday dinner” flavors fast enough for a work break. Guests can also order breakfast during the same hours, so you’ll see pancakes and biscuits mixed with classic plates.
Homestyle classics vs. lighter picks
Homestyle classics are gravy-forward, fried, or slow-cooked comfort dishes that tend to be higher in calories.
Lighter picks include salads and grilled chicken options for a lower-calorie dish and a leaner choice.
Quick price expectations and reading the menu
Individual entrées often range about $10–$13. Family bundles and add-ons raise the total.
- Tip: look for meals that include sides automatically to compare real value per item.
- Calories vary widely—dumplings and salads can be mid-range; country-fried plates are higher.
- Daily specials and regional items can shift availability, but the comfort-food identity stays true.
| Item | Typical Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Meatloaf | $10–$13 | Mid–High |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | $10–$12 | Mid |
| Chicken n’ Dumplins | $10–$13 | Mid–High |
Build-your-plate: pick an entrée, add two sides, and a drink or dessert. Check dietary notes to avoid surprise allergens and make a choice that fits your day and hours.
Cracker Barrel lunch hours and when the menu switches
Planning a midday stop? Know the exact hours so your order fits the schedule.
Standard service window
Cracker Barrel hours for lunch are commonly 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day in the United States. Use this to plan weekday or weekend visits.
Why menus overlap
Breakfast typically flips to the main lineup around 11:00 AM, but many breakfast items stay available all day. Likewise, lunch and dinner offerings mirror each other.
If you arrive after 4:00 PM, you’ll often still find favorite plates on the dinner list because core homestyle dishes sell consistently throughout the day.
Online ordering and delivery timing
Pickup and delivery windows usually begin around 11:30 AM and run until about 4:00 PM, depending on store policies and platform rules. Use the website or app, or a delivery partner, to check live times for your location.
- Quick tip: Verify the specific hours cracker barrel at your local store page before you order.
| Service | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch counter service | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Daily; main plates served |
| Breakfast availability | All day (varies) | Some breakfast items remain on the final list |
| Online pickup & delivery | ~11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Starts later on some platforms; check local times |
Now that you know the best time to visit, next up are the most popular entrées with price and calorie details.
Most popular lunch entrées with prices and calories
Want a fast comparison of favorites? Below are the most ordered entrées with price and calorie snapshots so you can pick quickly.
Below is a scannable list that shows price, calories, dietary options, and common allergens. Use it to compare value and portion impact at a glance.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan / Keto / GF Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meatloaf | $11.99 | 880 | Not typically (not vegan/keto) | May contain egg, dairy, gluten |
| Chicken n’ Dumplins | $10.99 | 450 | Not typically (not gluten-free) | May contain dairy, wheat |
| Country Fried Steak | $12.99 | 1,120 | Not typically (higher carbs) | Wheat/gluten, dairy from gravy |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | $10.49 | 600 | Can be lower-cal by swapping dressing | May contain dairy (cheese), dressings vary |
| Homestyle Chicken BLT | $9.99 | 850 | Not typically (breaded or bun) | Gluten (bun), possible dairy if cheese/ranch used |
Quick note: prices vary by location. Swapping sides, sauces, or bread changes calories and allergen profiles.
Comfort-food classics that define the Cracker Barrel menu
Comfort food draws people back: slow-cooked meats, creamy gravies, and crisp fried chicken make every plate feel like a country dinner.
Roast beef is slow roasted up to about 14 hours until it becomes “fork-tender.” That means the meat twists apart easily and stays juicy.
Sawmill gravy is the signature sauce that upgrades fried items. It’s rich and creamy and often contains dairy and gluten, so check allergens.
Chicken Fried Chicken arrives topped with sawmill gravy. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a green vegetable to get the full country-plate feel.
Southern Fried Chicken is fried golden and finished with a honey drizzle. Choose this when you want a sweet-and-savory bite that balances crisp and tender textures.
| Item | What to expect | Dietary note |
|---|---|---|
| Roast beef | Slow-roasted (~14 hrs), fork-tender | Not keto/gluten-free as served |
| Chicken Fried Chicken | Breaded, topped with sawmill gravy | High calories; gravy contains dairy/gluten |
| Southern Fried Chicken | Golden fried, honey drizzle | Sweet finish; not keto/gluten-free as served |
Many of these classics appear at dinner too, so you can order them beyond midday if your schedule runs late.
Chicken choices for lunch, from fried to grilled
Choose your chicken wisely to match hunger and health goals. Options range from hand-breaded tenders to simply seasoned grilled chicken. Each choice changes calories, textures, and flavors.
Hand-breaded tenders and saucy options
Hand-breaded tenders are crispy and golden. They pair well with dips like ranch and tangy sauces.
For a saucy pick, try the sweet-and-smoky glazed tenders tossed in maple bacon-style glaze. Sauces add sugar and may include allergens, so they’re best for cravings rather than strict low-carb plans.
Grilled tenders for a lighter plate
Grilled chicken tenders keep things lean. Pair them with broccoli and fresh fruit to stay under 400 calories.
This choice fits gluten-free needs better, though cross-contact can occur in the kitchen.
- Swap strategy: choose vegetables over mac cheese and skip creamy dips to cut calories.
- Order & delivery note: chicken tenders travel well for carryout and delivery and keep texture and flavor on the way home.
| Item | Price (example) | Calories | Dietary / Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-breaded Tenders | $10.99–$12.99 | High (with dips) | Contains gluten; may contain dairy |
| Saucy Maple-Glazed Tenders | $12.99 | High (sugar in glaze) | Contains sugar; possible bacon allergens |
| Grilled Chicken Tenders | $10.49–$11.99 | Under 400 (with broccoli & fruit) | Lower gluten risk; cross-contact possible |
Country sides you’ll want to add to any lunch order
Sides make every plate more satisfying. Choose a creamy, sweet, or fresh option to match your entrée. Mix textures and flavors for a fuller meal without extra fuss.
Hashbrown casserole and loaded hashbrown options
The hashbrown casserole is creamy, cheesy, and very potato-forward. Expect dairy as a key allergen and a rich, comforting texture. A single side example price is $4.54.
Loaded hashbrown casserole adds extra cheese and toppings. Treat it as a richer add-on that pushes calories higher fast. Share it or swap it for a lighter vegetable side if you want to balance the plate.
Fried apples and other sweet-and-savory sides
Fried apples are the signature sweet-and-savory side that pairs well with salty, fried entrees. Example price: $3.89. They add a warm, fruity contrast to crispy or heavy mains.
Mac & cheese pairings for classic Southern plates
Mac & cheese is the classic companion to fried chicken and meatloaf. Rich in cheese and dairy, it is not keto-friendly. Choose it when comfort is the priority.
Vegetable sides and the Country Vegetable Plate idea
Vegetable sides include broccoli, green beans, carrots, and seasonal fruit. They help you build a more balanced plate and lower calories.
The Country Vegetable Plate lets you pick multiple sides as an entree alternative. It’s ideal for variety or a plant-forward lunch.
- Dietary guide: Choose vegetables and fruit for gluten-free-leaning builds. Casseroles and mac are the most allergen-dense picks.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan / Keto / Gluten-Free Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashbrown Casserole | $4.54 | High | Not vegan / Not keto / Not GF | Dairy, potatoes, possible gluten |
| Loaded Hashbrown Casserole | $5.49 (example) | Very High | Not vegan / Not keto / Not GF | Extra cheese, dairy, potatoes |
| Fried Apples | $3.89 | Moderate | Can be GF if prepared simply | May contain added sugars |
| Mac & Cheese | $4.29 (example) | High | Not vegan / Not keto / Not GF | Dairy, wheat |
| Country Vegetable Plate (3 sides) | $8.99 (example) | Varies (Lower) | Good vegan/gluten-free options | Depends on chosen sides |
All-day breakfast you can order at lunch
Breakfast favorites stay available all day, so you can order pancakes at noon without regret.
The big advantage is simple: your morning cravings meet your midday schedule. Order classic breakfast items any time during open hours at your location.
- Old Timer’s Breakfast: eggs, grits, a side choice (fried apples or hashbrown casserole), a meat choice, biscuits, and sawmill gravy. It’s hearty and easy to share.
- Grandma’s Sampler: a sweet-and-savory plate with pancakes, eggs, and multiple meats—ideal when you want variety in one order.
- Pancake combos: customize with fruit, nuts, or syrups. Extras raise calories and add dairy/gluten allergens.
- Biscuits n’ gravy: a budget-friendly comfort pick (example price $5.58). Expect high gluten and dairy content.
- Eggs + add-on meats: build a protein-forward plate by adding bacon, sausage, or ham for a lower-carb choice than pancakes.
| Item | Price (example) | Calories | Vegan/Keto/GF Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Timer’s Breakfast | $11.69 | High | Limited | Dairy, gluten, eggs |
| Grandma’s Sampler | $12.99 (example) | Very High | Not typically | Gluten, dairy, eggs |
| Gravy N’ Biscuits | $5.58 | High | Not keto / Not GF | Gluten, dairy |
Tip: breakfast is offered all day at most stores, but check local hours and pricing for your exact location before ordering.
Family Meal Baskets and group-friendly lunch bundles
When you need one order to satisfy many, family-style baskets take the guesswork out of feeding a crowd. These bundles pack main dishes, sides, and shareables so you can focus on the people, not dozens of choices.
Homestyle Chicken n’ French Toast Family Meal Basket
Sweet-savory crowd-pleaser: this option is built for groups and is priced around $57.19. It pairs hand-breaded chicken with French toast and classic sides—ideal for a road-trip stop or a casual work lunch.
All-Day Pancake Family Sampler picks
Choose from protein options like bacon, sausage, or ham. Prices start near $51.99+ so you can match tastes and portion sizes without extra fuss.
Shareable add-ons and how to order
- Table starters: Corn Muffins $8.44 and Buttermilk Biscuits $10.39 add warm sides for the whole group.
- Lighter balance: Fresh Fruit (family) $25.99 helps offset richer plates for guests who want something lighter.
- How to order: Place bundle orders via the cracker barrel website or app, then pick pickup, curbside, or delivery where available.
- Planning note: Check your local location for availability and exact pricing before you confirm.
- Dietary tip: Label items that contain dairy or gluten and add fruit or vegetables for guests seeking lighter options.
| Item | Example Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Chicken n’ French Toast Basket | $57.19 | Sweet & savory; serves multiple people |
| All-Day Pancake Family Sampler | $51.99+ | Choose bacon, sausage, or ham |
| Family Shareables (Fruit / Biscuits / Muffins) | $8.44–$25.99 | Mix to balance heavy plates |
Drinks and desserts that round out a Cracker Barrel lunch
Round out the experience with fountain favorites, crafted coffee, or one of the iconic desserts. These choices add a sweet or refreshing finish to a hearty plate and are easy to share or take home.
Sweet tea, lemonade, and fountain favorites
Sweet Iced Tea ($3.89) and Old-Fashioned Lemonade ($4.28) are classic pairings. Refill policies vary by location and by fountain versus specialty drinks.
Choose unsweetened tea or water to cut sugar. Some locations offer half-gallon take-home sizes for busy groups.
Crafted coffee: latte and mocha options
Latte and mocha drinks come hot or iced and often have caramel or vanilla flavors. Example price: $4.54. Dairy is the primary allergen for these crafted picks.
Iconic sweets: chocolate cake, peach cobbler, and beignets
The desserts are rich and shareable. The Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, Peach Cobbler, and Biscuit Beignets are each listed at $6.49. Expect wheat, egg, and dairy allergens.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/GF Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Iced Tea | $3.89 | Varies | Unsweetened option | None typical |
| Old-Fashioned Lemonade | $4.28 | Varies | Not keto | None typical |
| Latte / Mocha (crafted) | $4.54 | ~180–300 | Can use alternative milk (location-dependent) | Dairy |
| Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake | $6.49 | High | Not vegan / Not keto | Wheat, egg, dairy |
| Peach Cobbler | $6.49 | High | Not vegan / Not keto | Wheat, dairy |
- Tip: Desserts and many drinks are available for carryout and delivery, but hot sweets may travel differently—plan your order accordingly.
Conclusion
Here’s a concise wrap-up so you can plan what to eat, when to go, and how to order.
You now have the key Cracker Barrel menu details: typical lunch hours are 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, breakfast is served all day, and many midday favorites carry into dinner. Use the website or app for pickup, curbside, or delivery windows at your local Cracker Barrel restaurant.
When deciding, pick a signature entrée (meatloaf, Chicken n’ Dumplins, or Country Fried Steak) or a lighter salad. Then build your meal: choose an entrée, add the country sides you crave, and finish with a drink or dessert that fits your sweet or caffeine preference.
Finally, scan the tables for gluten and dairy notes and opt for fruit or vegetables to lighten the plate. Whether you dine in, grab curbside, or order delivery, this structure helps you enjoy satisfying food without guesswork.
