Few fast-food deals in the American South have a following like the Cook Out Tray. If you’ve ever pulled up to a Cook Out drive-thru in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia or Tennessee, you know the pitch: pick a main, pick two sides, add a drink, and walk away full for less than you’d pay for a combo meal almost anywhere else. But with food costs rising across the industry, many customers are wondering what a tray costs in 2026 and whether it’s still the bargain it used to be.
This guide covers the typical cookout tray price, what’s included, the full range of options, and how to get the most out of every order.
A Quick Note on Pricing
Cook Out doesn’t publish a full national price list online, and prices vary by state, city and even individual franchise-style location. The figures below are based on community-reported estimates and menu roundups from 2025 and 2026, so treat them as a guide rather than a guarantee. Sales tax is added at the register, so your final total will differ slightly from the menu board. Always check the board at your local restaurant before ordering.
What Is a Cook Out Tray?
The tray is the heart of the Cook Out menu. For one fixed price, you get:
- One main entrée (burger, sandwich, chicken, quesadilla, barbecue and more)
- Two sides from a list of roughly a dozen options
- One drink, including a fountain drink or sweet tea
The format is what makes it so popular. You’re not locked into a preset combo. You build your own meal, and the price changes mainly based on which entrée you choose.
How Much Does a Cook Out Tray Cost in 2026?
Reported figures vary, but most sources put the entry-level tray, such as a cheeseburger or hot dog tray, in the range of about $5.50 to $7. Premium entrées like a Big Double burger or a barbecue plate generally push the total toward $7 to $9, and a few sources report averages near $10 in higher-cost markets.
So the typical cookout tray price in 2026 falls somewhere between $6 and $9 before tax, depending on your location and your entrée. That’s a modest increase from a few years ago, when many trays sat between $4.50 and $6, but it still undercuts most national chains by a comfortable margin.
Tray Options and Estimated Price Tiers
Here’s a general breakdown of how tray options tend to stack up. Treat these as relative tiers rather than exact prices.
Lower-priced trays (roughly $5.50 to $6.50)
- Cheeseburger or Cook Out Style burger tray
- Hot dog tray
- Two chicken strips tray
Mid-priced trays (roughly $6.50 to $7.50)
- Chicken sandwich tray (grilled or crispy)
- Quesadilla tray
- Chicken strip tray with larger portions
- Jr. burger trays with extra toppings
Higher-priced trays (roughly $7.50 to $9+)
- Big Double or Huge burger tray
- Barbecue sandwich or plate tray
- Double-meat specialty trays
The jump between tiers is usually only a dollar or two, which is why many regulars choose to upgrade the entrée rather than settle for the cheapest option.
The Side Options
Sides are where the tray shines. Customers get to choose any two from a list that typically includes:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Hushpuppies
- Cole slaw
- Cheese quesadilla
- Chili
- Baked beans
- Corn nuggets
- Chicken nuggets
- Barbecue slaw
- Chili cheese fries
Some sides, like fries with chili and cheese, can occasionally carry a small upcharge depending on the location, so ask if you’re unsure.
Drinks and the Milkshake Upgrade
Every tray includes a drink, usually a fountain soda or sweet tea. But Cook Out is just as famous for its milkshakes, with dozens of flavors ranging from classic vanilla to creations like Oreo cheesecake, peanut butter fudge and banana pudding.
Swapping your drink for a shake generally adds a few dollars, and a standalone shake runs roughly $3 to $5 depending on size and location. If you’re feeding a group, ordering one shake to share is a popular way to add dessert without blowing the budget.
Other Menu Items Beyond the Tray
Not everyone wants a full tray. Cook Out’s à la carte menu offers plenty of cheaper options:
- Hot dogs typically run about $1.50 to $3, with styles including the Cook Out Style dog, slaw dog and chili cheese dog
- Burgers and sandwiches often land in the $3.50 to $5 range on their own
- Sides such as fries, hushpuppies and onion rings usually cost a couple of dollars each
- Barbecue items, including Lexington-style pulled pork, are priced individually or as part of a tray
If you’re only mildly hungry, ordering a burger and a side separately can occasionally cost less than a full tray, though you’ll lose the drink and the second side.
Is the Cook Out Tray Still a Good Value?
For most customers, yes. Even with inflation, the tray remains one of the cheapest full meals in fast food. When you compare the cookout tray price to a typical combo at a major burger chain, you’re often getting an extra side, a bigger portion and a more customizable meal for a few dollars less.
A few things drive the value:
- Portion size. The Big Double and Huge burgers are legitimately large.
- Customization. Two sides of your choice means you can tailor the meal to your appetite.
- Late hours. Many locations stay open into the early morning, making the tray a go-to late-night meal.
- No fancy upcharges. The base price covers the entrée, sides and drink.
Tips for Saving Money at Cook Out
Choose your entrée wisely. The entrée is the main price driver, so if you’re watching costs, a cheeseburger or hot dog tray is the cheapest route.
Skip the shake upgrade. Order a milkshake separately only if you really want one, since swapping drinks adds up.
Share and split. Large trays can be filling enough to split a side or dessert between two people.
Check your local location. Prices in major metro areas can run higher than in smaller towns, so don’t be surprised by regional differences.
Remember tax. Budget an extra 5 to 9 percent depending on your local sales tax rate.
What to Expect in the Future
With food and labor costs still climbing, it’s reasonable to expect gradual price increases through 2026 and beyond. Cook Out has historically kept its pricing aggressive compared with competitors, which is a big part of its loyal following. Even so, the days of a sub-$5 tray are mostly behind us in most markets.
Final Thoughts
The Cook Out Tray endures because it’s simple, filling and affordable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or a midnight meal, the typical cookout tray price in 2026 of roughly $6 to $9 still delivers more food per dollar than most of the competition. Since prices vary by location and aren’t officially published online, the best approach is to check the menu board at your nearest restaurant, pick your favorite entrée and sides, and enjoy one of the South’s best fast-food bargains.
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