Cracker Barrel Secret Menu: The Hidden Gems
Think of Cracker Barrel, and you might picture warm biscuits and savory meatloaf. Their menu focuses on comfort food like fried chicken and pancakes. Yet, there’s a secret menu that offers exclusive delights, like a special milkshake known only to a few.
Unlike In-N-Out or Five Guys, Cracker Barrel’s secret items aren’t widely promoted. This makes them even more special. The secret menu adds a unique touch to their regular offerings, which include favorites starting at $10.99.
A hidden gem is the Cracker Barrel milkshake. It’s not on the official menu but you can ask for it. Made with vanilla ice cream and topped with grated chocolate, it’s a treat. Fans in Nashville and Orlando rave about it on Tripadvisor and Foursquare.
There’s also the Salted Caramel Nut Ice Cream introduced in 2018. It features salted caramel nut ice cream, a chocolate chip blondie, caramel drizzle, and popcorn. This dessert blends rich, mouthwatering flavors.
In spring 2022, the strawberry shortcake made a comeback. It combines pound cake, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream. These seasonal items add excitement for regular visitors.
For breakfast lovers, secret offerings make mornings special. The Country Boy Breakfast might offer unlimited hash brown casserole. Rumors suggest traditional meals come with endless grits, gravy, and biscuits. This adds great value to your breakfast.
Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a go-to for Southern comfort food. With cozy vibes and nostalgic charm, it’s a favorite for many. Seasonal specials, like the pumpkin pie latte and peanut butter cup mocha, keep guests returning.
Discovering Cracker Barrel’s hidden menu is exciting. Whether it’s a milkshake or unlimited breakfast sides, these secret items enhance the experience. Knowing what to ask for makes your meal even more memorable.
Introduction to Cracker Barrel Secret Menu
The Cracker Barrel secret menu brings excitement with its comfort food twists. It shows secret dishes not found on the main menu. With over 650 locations in 45 states, it’s a treat to discover these hidden options.
One secret favorite is their milkshakes, hidden from the regular menu. The biscuit beignets are a treat, made from biscuit dough, perfect as an appetizer or dessert. You can also upgrade your basket with apple butter, adding a special touch to your biscuits and cornbread muffins.
The pancake tacos are another unique find. They are available all day, offering two tacos filled with bacon, eggs, and cheese per order.
But the secret menu isn’t all about hidden items. It also includes exciting customizations. Changing the Homestyle Grilled Chicken BLT to grilled chicken instead of fried is one healthier option. These special items make each visit to Cracker Barrel a new adventure.
On Wednesdays, diners can enjoy the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole, a limited-time dish. The fish fry platter is another special twist, featuring four cod filets with two sides. These unique dishes turn a visit to Cracker Barrel into a memorable experience with comfort food.
History and Concept Behind the Secret Menu
The Cracker Barrel history started in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Its goal was to recreate the feel of an old country store. By blending Southern comfort food with a nostalgic shop, Cracker Barrel stood out.
Origins of Cracker Barrel
Dan Evins founded Cracker Barrel with a dream to make a welcoming place. It aimed to bring back the essence of simpler times. Today, there are over 600 Cracker Barrels, each keeping the original spirit and flavors alive.
Why Secret Menus Exist
Secret menus make dining at places like Cracker Barrel extra special. Created by staff or fans, they offer dishes not seen on the main menu. This idea makes eating out more exciting for those wanting unique meals.
At Cracker Barrel, secret menu options include the Double Meat Breakfast and Loaded Hashbrown Casserole. Finding these hidden gems gives regular guests a thrill. From classic favorites to new tastes, there’s always something different to try.
Cracker Barrel also customizes these items based on local tastes. This approach not only makes customers happy but shows Cracker Barrel’s dedication to a memorable meal.
How To Access Cracker Barrel’s Secret Menu
If you want to try Cracker Barrel’s secret menu, you need some insider knowledge and to be polite. Wondering how to order secret menu items? Follow these Cracker Barrel ordering tips. The key is knowing what to ask for.
Begin by asking your server about the hidden dishes. For example, you can order Grandma’s Breakfast, which brings together pancakes, eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, and hash browns. It’s not on the standard menu but is available if asked for. You can also get extra sides like the famous hashbrown casserole without paying more, as former servers have mentioned.
The best time to inquire about secret menu items is when it’s not too busy. Cracker Barrel is busiest in the mornings and early afternoons. Try coming in the mid-afternoon or evening for better chances at full staff attention. Servers are more likely to share secret menu tips during these times.
Don’t forget to ask about customizing your meal, especially if your favorite items are no longer available. You could recreate the Sunrise Sampler by choosing your sides. This way, you get exactly what you crave and service is quicker because it’s easier for the kitchen.
One last tip on how to order secret menu items is to be friendly and show you’re interested. People find that being warm and eager to learn more about Cracker Barrel’s menu helps in discovering more options. Keep these Cracker Barrel ordering tips in mind, and you’ll discover many delicious choices not listed on the menu.
- Check with your server about hidden dishes like Grandma’s Breakfast.
- Visit during non-peak times for better chances of secret menu access.
- Request customizable options to substitute discontinued items.
- Engage politely and show genuine interest.
Pro-tip: Always ask for the free bread options. They include biscuits, cornbread, and toast. They’re perfect with any secret menu dish you find.
Popular Secret Menu Items
Cracker Barrel always has surprises with hidden menu items. You can find special dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This makes every visit new and exciting.
Classic Breakfast Options
The secret breakfast menu at Cracker Barrel has hidden gems. There’s a Double Meat Breakfast with lots of bacon and sausage. Plus, an Egg Sandwich with tasty eggs, cheese, and meat on a biscuit. These secret items make breakfast more fun.
Lunch and Dinner Delights
Cracker Barrel has amazing secret items for lunch and dinner too. The Grilled Reuben Sandwich has corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing on rye. For a bigger meal, try the Country Fried Steak. Knowing these secret dishes makes dining even better.
| Items | Vegan | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Meat Breakfast | No | Yes | No | Dairy |
| Egg Sandwich | No | No | Yes (without bread) | Dairy, Gluten |
| Grilled Reuben Sandwich | No | No | No | Dairy, Gluten |
| Country Fried Steak | No | No | No | Dairy, Gluten |
With Cracker Barrel’s secret menus, there’s always something special to try. Explore these hidden gems and enjoy being in the know.
Unique Milkshake: The Sweet Secret
Cracker Barrel’s secret menu hides a gem: their vanilla milkshake. This isn’t just any shake. It’s made with the same top-notch vanilla ice cream used in their famous peach cobbler and apple pie. Order one and you dive into a world of rich, creamy delight that steps well beyond their regular menu.
What Makes It Special
The magic of the Cracker Barrel milkshake is in its making. Customers love the extra scoops of vanilla ice cream and grated chocolate. You can even ask for more milk to make it sweeter. This isn’t your everyday shake. It’s creamier, richer, and makes any meal complete.
How To Order It
Though you won’t find these shakes listed on the menu, they’re not off-limits. To indulge, just ask your server to add a milkshake to your order. By specifying your likes, like extra chocolate or more scoops, you make it uniquely yours. It’s this secret that keeps fans coming back and fills pages with praise on Yelp and TripAdvisor.
Customer Favorites on the Secret Menu
Over the years, Cracker Barrel’s secret menu has grown. It offers dishes that many love. These choices add a surprise to meals, making dining out even better.
Fan Recommendations
The “Country Boy Breakfast” is a huge hit for its steak, eggs, and grits combo. The “Southern Fried Chicken” is also loved for its crispy taste and often comes with mac and cheese.
- Fried Apples: A sweet treat that’s often paired with breakfast items.
- Biscuit Beignets: These delicious bite-sized pastries are a must-try.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins: Tender white meat chicken with strips of dough, simmered in creamy chicken broth, with over 11 million orders annually.
Top-rated Dishes
The “Mama’s Pancake Breakfast” is highly praised. It includes three buttermilk pancakes, two eggs, and bacon or sausage. Another favorite is the “Old Timer’s Breakfast,” which offers eggs with grits, Fried Apples or Hashbrown Casserole, and meat options.
| Items | Vegan | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Boy Breakfast | No | Yes | No | Dairy |
| Southern Fried Chicken | No | No | No | Gluten |
| Local Salmon | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Grilled Chicken Tenders | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Fried Apples | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Biscuit Beignets | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Chicken n’ Dumplins | No | No | No | Gluten |
| Mama’s Pancake Breakfast | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Old Timer’s Breakfast | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Sawmill Gravy and Chicken Fried Chicken | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
Healthier Secret Menu Options
If you’re watching what you eat but still love Cracker Barrel, good news! They offer low-calorie and gluten-free items on their secret menu. You can enjoy great taste without losing track of health goals.
Low-calorie Choices
Cracker Barrel’s secret menu has tasty, low-calorie options. For a light breakfast, try the Build Your Own Homestyle Breakfast. You can make it healthier with a side of fresh fruit (60 calories) or go for thick-sliced bacon (190 calories).
For a meal later in the day, think about the House Salad (160 calories). You can pick a low-calorie dressing, like Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette (210 calories). If you’re really hungry, the Grilled Chicken Tenders or Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout are great options. They have 320 and 410 calories, respectively. The Country Vegetable Plate is another excellent choice for a flavorful, low-calorie meal.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
It can be tough finding good gluten-free meals. Thankfully, Cracker Barrel has you covered. They offer tasty gluten-free items, like the Grilled Catfish (260 calories) and a special breakfast that uses gluten-free ingredients.
Enjoy the Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken (380 calories) or the Chicken n’ Dumplin Soup. The soup’s calories vary from 130 to 260, based on the size. You can also pick sides like fresh fruit, turnip greens, or roasted broccoli to keep your meal balanced.
| Items | Vegan | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | Yes | No | Yes | None |
| House Salad | Yes (without cheese) | No | Yes (with gluten-free dressing) | Possible Dairy |
| Grilled Chicken Tenders | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Grilled Catfish | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Steamed Broccoli | Yes | No | Yes | None |
| Turnip Greens | Yes | No | Yes | None |
| Roasted Carrots | Yes | No | Yes | None |
Seasonal and Limited-time Offers
The Cracker Barrel seasonal menu changes with the seasons and holidays. It offers special dishes that you can’t get all year. This gives diners a special chance to try unique, limited-time flavors.
Holiday Specials
Cracker Barrel brings out special dishes for the holidays. For Thanksgiving, there’s a turkey and dressing plate that feels like home. At Christmas, they serve a festive ham with all the trimmings. It makes family gatherings warm and welcoming. These specials change with the holidays throughout the year, always offering something new.
Regional Variations
Cracker Barrel includes regional secret recipes in its menu. In the South, you might find Southern-style barbecue, full of rich flavors. In the North, they might serve hearty stews for the cold weather. These dishes celebrate local tastes and keep the menu fresh for regulars.
- Southern Barbecue: A dish rich in smoky flavors from the South.
- Pumpkin Pie Latte: A fall drink that captures the essence of the season.
- Green Chile Cornbread: Spicy cornbread offered during peak chile season.
- Turkey and Dressing Plate: A Thanksgiving favorite, offering a taste of home.
- Festive Ham with Trimmings: A traditional Christmas meal, complete with all the trimmings.
The Cracker Barrel seasonal menu shows the brand’s dedication to evolving and exciting culinary experiences. Whether it’s a holiday special or a limited-time dish based on regional secret recipes, you’ll always find something new and exciting at Cracker Barrel.
Special Breakfast Creations
Cracker Barrel’s secret menu is famous for its amazing breakfast options. It brings a new twist to morning meals. One must-try is the loaded hashbrown casserole. It’s filled with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. With 350 calories and 21 grams of fat, it kicks off your day with a bang.
Another gem is the Biscuit & Sausage Gravy. It combines sausage gravy and soft buttermilk biscuits. This plate has 400 calories and costs $3.99. For something slightly different, try it with sawmill gravy. It’s 380 calories but keeps the same affordable price.
Looking for something lighter? The seasonal fruit cup is a fresh choice at 80 calories for $3.49. Or pick the yogurt parfait. It mixes creamy yogurt with fresh fruit at 260 calories, costing $4.29. These are great for enjoying Cracker Barrel’s unique breakfasts while keeping health in mind.
You can also create your own Cracker Barrel breakfast special. Maybe the New York Strip Steak N’ Eggs is for you, with 810 calories and 85 grams of protein. Or pick the Homestyle Breakfast and enjoy a big serving of hashbrown casserole. It’s all about what you like!
Below is a table that summarizes some of the nutritional and allergen information for Cracker Barrel’s special breakfast creations:
| Items | Vegan | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loaded Hashbrown Casserole | No | No | No | Dairy |
| Buttermilk Biscuit | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Sausage Gravy | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Sawmill Gravy | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Biscuit & Sausage Gravy | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Biscuit & Sawmill Gravy | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Seasonal Fruit Cup | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
| Yogurt Parfait | No | No | No | Dairy |
| Steel Cut Oats | Yes | No | No | Gluten |
These breakfast specials showcase Cracker Barrel’s unique approach to the first meal of the day. Mixing traditional Southern tastes with modern diet needs, there’s something tasty for everyone.
Off-menu Customizations
Cracker Barrel lets guests get creative with off-menu options. You can choose from pancakes, eggs, and various meats. This lets you craft meals that are uniquely yours.
Creating Your Own Dish
Picking your favorite ingredients lets Cracker Barrel cook up something special for you. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, you have endless choices. Add some extra cheese to eggs, pick different sausages, or mix fruits with pancakes. Every meal becomes a custom creation just for you.
Popular Ingredient Combinations
Here are some favorite combos enjoyed by other guests:
- Extra Cheddar Cheese and Sausage with Eggs
- Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup
- Hash Brown Casserole with Sawmill Gravy
- Country Ham with Fried Apples
- Biscuits with Grits and Fried Apples on the side
These mixes show off the many ways to enjoy meals at Cracker Barrel.
| Items | Vegan | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pancakes | No | No | No | Dairy, Gluten |
| Eggs | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Grits | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
| Sausage | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Fried Apples | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
| Hash Brown Casserole | No | Yes | No | Dairy, Gluten |
| Country Ham | No | Yes | Yes | None |
| Biscuits | No | No | No | Gluten, Dairy |
| Wild Maine Blueberries | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
| Fried Apples | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
Secret Dessert Items
The secret dessert menu at Cracker Barrel ends your meal perfectly. It has rich ice cream treats and classic Southern sweets. These special items are always a hit.
Ice Cream-Based Desserts
Ice cream rules the Cracker Barrel special dessert menu. It offers nostalgic and unique tastes. Picture enjoying creamy vanilla ice cream with crunchy caramel popcorn or butterscotch caramel. It’s an unforgettable treat.
Other Sweet Treats
The secret menu includes pies, cakes, and seasonal delights. Cracker Barrel’s Buttermilk Pie is famous. It combines the tangy flavors of buttermilk and lemon, topped with strawberries and whipped cream.
They offer different fruit cobblers through the year. You can enjoy strawberries and rhubarb in spring or blueberries in summer. Apples are for fall and preserved fruits warm the winter. This variety means there’s always something new and exciting.
Here’s a look at the dietary info for these yummy desserts:
| Items | Vegan | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk Pie | No | No | No | Dairy, Eggs |
| Fruit Cobbler (Varies) | No | No | No | Wheat, Dairy |
| Ice Cream with Caramel Popcorn | No | No | No | Dairy, Nuts |
| Apple Dumpling | No | No | No | Wheat, Dairy |
| Seasonal Cakes | No | No | No | Wheat, Dairy, Nuts |
Discovering the secret dessert menu at Cracker Barrel is like finding treasure. It offers unique ice cream delights and homemade treats. There’s always something amazing to try.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s menu has some hidden secrets that make dining even more fun. You might try a classic Country Boy Breakfast with as much hash brown casserole as you want. Or, discover the creamy delight of their secret milkshake. These surprises add a unique twist to their well-loved comfort food.
With around 663 locations, Cracker Barrel is a favorite for those who love hearty meals. It’s not just about what’s on the menu. You can ask for extra biscuits or mix ingredients in a new way. This means every visit can be a new experience. Cracker Barrel makes sure you leave happy and satisfied.
The secret menu at Cracker Barrel does more than offer hidden dishes. It shows the restaurant values its customers by letting them personalize their meals. Trying these off-menu options makes dining there unique and memorable. For new visitors or regulars, using these tips can turn a simple meal into an amazing food adventure. Cracker Barrel does its best to ensure you enjoy every bite.
