If you are a fan of bold Southern flavors, big portions, and serious customization, Cook Out trays are your go to. With over 40 menu items and shake combinations topping 60 flavors, Cook Out is a fast-food haven for those who love variety and value. In this article, we explore the Best Cook Out Tray Combinations (Expert Picks) — complete with expert recommendations, flavor profiles, visual comparisons, and insider tips to upgrade your next tray.
What Is a Cook Out Tray?
Cook Out trays are value-packed meal deals offered by the Southern U.S. fast-food chain Cook Out. For around $5.99 $6.79, you can mix and match a main dish, two sides, and a drink or upgrade to a milkshake for a small fee.
Related Post: What Is a Cook Out Tray?
How to Build a Cook Out Tray
- Choose a Main Entrée
- Options: Big Double Burger, Chicken Strip Sandwich, BBQ Sandwich, Cajun Chicken, Hot Dogs, BLT, etc.
- Pick Any Two Sides
- Fries, Onion Rings, Hushpuppies, Chicken Nuggets, Chili, Slaw, Quesadilla, Corndog, Cheese Bites
- Select Your Beverage or Upgrade
- Free Drink (Soda, Tea) or Upgrade to any Milkshake for ~$1.00–$1.79 extra
Table: Popular Tray Building Blocks
| Category | Top Picks |
|---|---|
| Mains | Big Double Burger, Chicken Strips, BBQ |
| Sides | Cajun Fries, Hushpuppies, Nuggets |
| Drinks | Cheerwine, Sweet Tea, Oreo Milkshake |
Best Cook Out Tray Combinations (Expert Picks)
Let’s jump into the top 10 expert recommended Cook Out tray combos, curated for flavor, value, and satisfaction.
Top 10 Cook Out Tray Combos
| Combo Name | Main Entrée | Sides | Drink/Milkshake | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Classic | BBQ Sandwich | Hushpuppies, Coleslaw | Sweet Tea | Smoky, Tangy, Southern |
| Bacon Blast | Big Double w/ Bacon | Fries, Chicken Nuggets | Cheerwine | Savory, Crispy, Rich |
| Cajun Heat | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Cajun Fries, Cheese Bites | Lemonade | Spicy, Creamy, Zesty |
| Midnight Crave | BLT | Onion Rings, Quesadilla | Chocolate Milkshake | Crunchy, Smoky, Indulgent |
| Backyard BBQ | BBQ Plate | Chili, Slaw | Coke | Charred, Classic, Bold |
| Meat Lover’s Mix | Chicken Strips | Corndog, Chicken Nuggets | Vanilla Shake | Hearty, Crunchy, Filling |
| Veggie Delight | Cheese Quesadilla | Fries, Onion Rings | Sweet Tea | Cheesy, Crispy, Light |
| Budget Boss | Regular Hot Dog | Fries, Hushpuppies | Free Water | Simple, Value-Heavy |
| Sweet Tooth Special | Nuggets | Cajun Fries, Hushpuppies | Oreo Mint Milkshake | Crunchy, Sweet, Spicy |
| Late Night Fix | BBQ Chicken Wrap | Nuggets, Onion Rings | Banana Fudge Shake | Smoky, Sweet, Salty |
Visual Flavor Breakdown of Top Combos
Radar Chart: Flavor Profiles of Top 5 Combos
| Combo | Smoky | Spicy | Sweet | Crunchy | Savory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Classic | 3 star | 1 star | 1 star | 2 star | |
| Cajun Heat | 3 star | 2 star | 2 star | ||
| Sweet Tooth Special | 1 star | 3 star | 2 star | 1 star | |
| Midnight Crave | 2 star | 2 star | 2 star | 2 star | |
| Meat Lover’s Mix | 1 star | 1 star | 3 star | 3 star |
Category Based Best Cook Out Tray Combinations
1. Best Combo for Meat Lovers
- Main: Chicken Strips
- Sides: Corndog, Chicken Nuggets
- Drink: Vanilla Shake
- Why It Works: Heavy protein content with crunchy satisfaction. A carnivore’s dream tray.
2. Best Vegetarian Friendly Combo
- Main: Cheese Quesadilla
- Sides: Fries, Onion Rings
- Drink: Sweet Tea
- Why It Works: Crispy sides + gooey cheese = guilt-free indulgence.
Related Post: Best Cookout Order Guide
3. Best Spicy Combo
- Main: Spicy Chicken Sandwich
- Sides: Cajun Fries, Cheese Bites
- Drink: Lemonade
- Why It Works: Zingy flavors balanced with creamy sides.
4. Best Combo for Sweet Tooths
- Main: Chicken Nuggets
- Sides: Cajun Fries, Hushpuppies
- Drink: Oreo Mint Milkshake
- Why It Works: Sweet and savory with a crunchy bite.
5. Best Budget Friendly Combo
- Main: Regular Hot Dog
- Sides: Fries, Hushpuppies
- Drink: Water or basic tea
- Why It Works: Big flavor, low cost. Perfect for students or budget-conscious eaters.
Expert Tips for Building the Perfect Tray
- Double Up on Protein: Get double meat for just ~$1 extra.
- Upgrade to a Milkshake: With 60+ options, it’s worth the price.
- Mix Crunch & Cream: Balance textures for a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Use the Wrap Hack: Combine Cook Out Wraps with sides for added value.
- Try Hidden Favorites: Not on the menu? Ask for a “Cook Out-style” burger or bacon-wrapped dog.
Also see: Cook Out Bacon Wrap
What Fans Love: Top Reddit/Facebook Tray Picks
Based on food communities and review threads, these user combos stand out:
- “All-Day Crunch”: Chicken Strips, Cajun Fries, Onion Rings, Oreo Shake
- “Hangover Cure”: BLT, Nuggets, Quesadilla, Cheerwine
- “Cheesy Bacon Bash”: Big Double with Cheese & Bacon, Cheese Bites, Fries
“Cook Out trays are the only fast food meals I crave every week.” – Reddit user r/fastfoodies
Cook Out Trays vs Other Fast Food Combos
Comparison Table
| Feature | Cook Out Trays | McDonald’s Value Meal | Wendy’s Biggie Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customization Level | High | Low | Medium |
| Price | $5.99 avg | $7.49 avg | $6.00 avg |
| Drink Upgrade | 60+ Shakes | Limited | Limited |
| Sides Variety | Extensive | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flavor Depth | Southern Rich | Fast Food Classic | Balanced |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute a drink for a milkshake?
Yes, you can upgrade to any shake flavor for around $1.00–$1.79 depending on your location.
Explore the full shake list: Cook Out Milkshake Flavors
Are Cook Out trays available for delivery?
Most Cook Out locations now support delivery through platforms like DoorDash and UberEats.
Learn more: Cook Out Delivery Options
What’s the healthiest Cook Out tray?
Opt for grilled chicken or a BLT, sides like slaw or onion rings, and a diet tea or water.
Are there limited-time tray items?
Yes Items like the Easter Cookout Specials or seasonal shakes come and go, so always ask!
Final Thoughts
Cook Out trays offer unbeatable flexibility, flavor, and value. Whether you’re craving Southern BBQ, loaded fries, spicy bites, or indulgent milkshakes, there’s a tray combination to match your mood and budget. These Best Cook Out Tray Combinations (Expert Picks) were chosen not just for taste, but for texture, balance, and overall satisfaction.