Cracker Barrel serves up a menu filled with hearty portions of comfort food classics. While many items have earned their reputation as beloved favorites, some selections might deserve a second thought before ordering. Understanding what goes into these dishes can help inform better menu choices during your next visit to this Southern-style restaurant chain.
The grandpa’s country fried breakfast
The Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast stands as one of the more substantial morning offerings at Cracker Barrel. This breakfast combines multiple heavy items into a single plate, including country fried steak smothered in gravy, three eggs cooked to order, and your choice of grits, gravy n’ biscuits, or hashbrown casserole. Adding to this already hefty plate are three buttermilk pancakes.
When broken down, this breakfast contains over 2,000 calories. The country fried steak alone contributes significantly to this count, while the addition of gravy adds extra weight to an already dense meal. The three eggs provide protein but also add considerable cholesterol to the plate.
The side options don’t offer much relief from the caloric density. The hashbrown casserole, a popular choice, adds another layer of heavy ingredients to the mix. The grits might seem like a lighter option, but when prepared with butter and cheese, they become another rich component of this overwhelming breakfast combination.
Consider splitting this breakfast with someone else if you’re determined to try it. Another option would be to modify the plate by selecting fresh fruit as a side or requesting eggs whites instead of whole eggs. These small changes can make a significant difference in the overall impact of the meal.
Double chocolate fudge coca cola cake
This signature dessert combines multiple forms of sweetness into a single slice. The cake itself incorporates both Coca-Cola and rich chocolate, creating an intensely sweet base. The fudge topping adds another layer of concentrated sugar and fat, while the overall portion size exceeds what most people might expect from a typical dessert serving.
Breaking down the components reveals why this dessert might overwhelm even dedicated sweet lovers. The combination of regular sugar, corn syrup from the soda, and additional sweeteners in the fudge topping creates a sugar content that surpasses many other dessert options on the menu.
The richness of this cake means that most diners struggle to finish a full portion, especially after a complete meal. The dense texture and concentrated sweetness can be particularly challenging for those who prefer more balanced dessert options or have any sensitivity to sugar. Many diners report feeling uncomfortable after attempting to finish a full slice.
If you’re interested in trying this famous dessert, consider sharing it with several people at your table. Another approach would be to request a half portion or take part of it home for later. Some locations might offer a smaller portion size if requested, though this isn’t guaranteed at all restaurants.
Sunday homestyle chicken portions
The Sunday Homestyle Chicken represents a traditional comfort food favorite at Cracker Barrel. However, the portion size of this dish often surprises first-time orderers. The plate arrives with four massive pieces of fried chicken, each coated in a thick layer of seasoned breading and fried until golden brown. This generous serving typically provides enough food for two meals.
Each piece of chicken comes with a substantial coating of breading that absorbs oil during the frying process. When combined with the accompanying sides, this meal can contain over 1,500 calories. The breading alone contributes significantly to the overall calorie and sodium content.
The preparation method involves deep frying, which means each piece absorbs a considerable amount of oil. While this creates the crispy exterior that many people enjoy, it also adds to the meal’s heaviness. The chicken itself, while high in protein, becomes a vehicle for excess oil and breading when prepared this way.
Consider ordering the grilled chicken option instead, which provides similar protein content without the heavy breading and excess oil. If you’re set on trying the Sunday Homestyle Chicken, plan to share it with others at your table or take portions home for another meal. Some locations offer a smaller portion size upon request.
Stuffed cheesecake pancake breakfast
The Stuffed Cheesecake Pancake Breakfast combines two indulgent dishes into one overwhelming morning meal. This creation features buttermilk pancakes stuffed with a cheesecake filling, topped with strawberry sauce, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. The breakfast also includes eggs and a breakfast meat choice, creating a sharp contrast between sweet and savory components.
The combination of ingredients in this breakfast results in a sugar content that exceeds recommended daily limits. The cheesecake filling alone contains concentrated sugars and fats, while the strawberry topping adds another layer of sweetness. The powdered sugar and whipped cream further contribute to the sugar overload.
Many diners report feeling overwhelmed by the sweetness of this breakfast combination. The rich cheesecake filling, when paired with traditional pancake batter, creates a dense texture that can be difficult to finish. Adding eggs and breakfast meat to this already heavy plate often leads to significant portions being left uneaten.
For those interested in trying this unique breakfast item, consider ordering it for the table to share as a breakfast dessert. Another option would be to skip the additional breakfast meat and eggs, focusing instead on a smaller portion of the pancakes themselves. Some customers request the toppings on the side to control the sweetness level.
Loaded hashbrown casserole side
The Loaded Hashbrown Casserole takes the classic side dish and adds multiple rich toppings. This enhanced version includes shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and green onions mixed throughout the already creamy potato base. While these additions create a more complex flavor profile, they also transform a simple side into a much heavier dish.
The original hashbrown casserole already contains considerable cheese and cream. Adding extra cheese and bacon increases both the calorie and sodium content significantly. The combination of multiple dairy products and processed meats makes this side dish particularly heavy.
The portion size of this side dish often surprises customers, as it’s substantial enough to serve as a main course for some diners. The rich ingredients and generous serving make it challenging to pair with other menu items without overwhelming the meal. Many people find themselves unable to finish their main course after consuming this loaded side dish.
Consider ordering the regular hashbrown casserole instead, which provides similar satisfaction with fewer heavy toppings. Another option would be to request a half portion of the loaded version or share it with others at your table. Some diners opt to order the toppings on the side, allowing for better portion control.
Mommas pancake breakfast stack
Momma’s Pancake Breakfast presents an imposing stack of three buttermilk pancakes accompanied by two eggs and a choice of breakfast meat. While pancakes remain a breakfast favorite, this combination creates a particularly dense meal. The pancakes alone form a substantial base, with each one being notably larger than typical restaurant servings.
The pancakes in this breakfast contain significant amounts of refined flour and sugar. When topped with butter and syrup, the sugar content increases dramatically. The addition of eggs and breakfast meat, while providing protein, adds another layer of richness to an already heavy meal.
Many customers find themselves struggling to finish this breakfast combination. The pancakes absorb butter and syrup, becoming increasingly dense as the meal progresses. The protein components, while intended to balance the meal, often go unfinished due to the filling nature of the pancake stack.
If you’re craving pancakes, consider ordering a single pancake with your eggs and meat. Another option would be to skip the breakfast meat entirely, focusing on the pancakes and eggs. Some locations offer a short stack option that provides a more manageable portion while maintaining the essential elements of the breakfast.
Country fried pickles appetizer
The Country Fried Pickles appetizer takes tangy dill pickle slices and coats them in a thick layer of seasoned breading before deep frying. While this preparation method creates a crispy exterior, it also transforms a relatively light vegetable into a much heavier starter. The portion size typically provides enough for several people to share.
The breading process adds significant calories and sodium to the pickles. The deep-frying method means each piece absorbs oil, further increasing the calorie content. The accompanying ranch dipping sauce adds another layer of calories and fat to this appetizer.
The combination of fried breading and pickles can create a particularly salty taste profile. Many diners find themselves consuming multiple glasses of water after eating this appetizer. The rich nature of this starter can also impact appetite for the main course, leading to food waste or overindulgence.
If you’re interested in trying this appetizer, consider sharing it with several people at your table. Another approach would be to request a half portion or save some for later. Some customers ask for the ranch dressing on the side to control the additional calories from the dipping sauce.
Pecan pancakes create morning sugar rush
The Pecan Pancakes offer a nutty twist on traditional buttermilk pancakes, but this modification adds more than just flavor. The addition of pecans and sweet toppings transforms these pancakes into a dessert-like breakfast option. Each serving includes three large pancakes studded with pecan pieces and topped with butter and syrup.
While pecans provide healthy fats and protein, their preparation in this dish involves additional sugar and butter. The pancake batter itself contains sugar, and when combined with syrup and butter, the sweetness level becomes intense. Many customers find themselves experiencing a sugar rush followed by an energy crash.
The portion size of these pancakes tends to be generous, with each pancake covering most of the plate. The density of the pecan-studded batter makes these pancakes particularly filling. Adding syrup makes them even heavier, as the pancakes absorb the sweet topping quickly.
Consider ordering a single pecan pancake instead of the full stack. Another option would be to request sugar-free syrup or have the syrup served on the side. Some diners choose to share this breakfast or save portions for later, treating it more like a special occasion dish than a regular breakfast option.
Southern fried chicken salad misleads expectations
The Southern Fried Chicken Salad might appear to be a lighter option at first glance, but this dish requires closer examination. While it starts with a base of fresh mixed greens, the addition of fried chicken strips, shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and creamy dressing transforms this salad into one of the heavier menu options available.
The fried chicken strips that top this salad contribute significant calories through their breading and frying process. The bacon adds extra sodium and fat, while the cheese and dressing further increase the calorie content. Many people choose this thinking it’s a lighter option, not realizing its true impact.
The portion size of this salad often surprises customers, as it comes with multiple large pieces of fried chicken. The combination of heavy toppings can overwhelm the fresh vegetables that form the base of the dish. Some diners report feeling less satisfied than expected, despite the high calorie content.
Consider substituting grilled chicken for the fried version to maintain the protein while reducing the overall heaviness. Another option would be to request the dressing on the side and use it sparingly. Some customers choose to skip the bacon or cheese to create a more balanced meal while still enjoying the basic concept.
Biscuit benny breakfast bends breakfast rules
The Biscuit Benny presents an indulgent twist on traditional eggs Benedict, replacing the English muffin with a buttermilk biscuit. This modification, while creative, significantly changes the character of the dish. The biscuit base absorbs more of the rich hollandaise sauce than a traditional English muffin would, creating a notably heavier breakfast option.
This breakfast item combines multiple rich elements into a single dish. The buttermilk biscuit itself contains considerable butter and refined flour. When topped with eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce, the dish becomes particularly dense. The hollandaise sauce, made primarily from egg yolks and butter, adds another layer of richness.
Many diners find this breakfast choice particularly filling, often unable to finish the complete serving. The combination of the dense biscuit and rich toppings can create a heavy feeling that lasts well into the day. The portion size, while appropriate for the price point, might be too substantial for a single sitting.
If you’re interested in trying this breakfast option, consider sharing it with another person. Another approach would be to request the hollandaise sauce on the side, allowing for better portion control. Some customers opt to remove one of the eggs or request less sauce to create a more manageable breakfast.
Making informed choices at Cracker Barrel doesn’t mean avoiding these menu items entirely. Instead, consider portion sizes, sharing options, and possible modifications to create a more balanced dining experience. Many of these dishes can be enjoyed in moderation or with thoughtful adjustments to better suit individual preferences and needs.
