Cracker Barrel Catering Menu
When planning a group gathering, few options deliver authentic Southern comfort food quite like Cracker Barrel catering. Whether you’re organizing a corporate breakfast, family reunion, or holiday celebration, Cracker Barrel catering service brings their signature homestyle cooking directly to your event. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Cracker Barrel catering menus, pricing, and how to make the most of their offerings.
Why Choose Cracker Barrel Catering Menu?
Cracker Barrel has served quality Southern-style meals since 1969, building a reputation for consistency and authentic flavors. Their catering service extends this reliability to group events, offering the same scratch-made recipes that have made their restaurants a roadside staple. Unlike generic catering options, Cracker Barrel specializes in traditional American comfort food that appeals to diverse age groups and dietary preferences.
The catering service is particularly valuable for hosts who want impressive presentation without the stress of cooking for large groups. Each tray is designed to serve 10-15 people, making portion planning straightforward. The food arrives ready to serve, complete with serving utensils and disposable plates when requested.
Cracker Barrel Catering Breakfast Menu
Morning events demand reliable, crowd-pleasing food, and Cracker Barrel’s breakfast catering delivers exactly that. Their breakfast offerings range from complete platters to individual components, allowing customization based on your group’s preferences.
Breakfast Platters & Trays
| Item | Serves | Description | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Sampler Platter | 10 | Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrown casserole, grits, and biscuits | $79.99 |
| Pancake Breakfast Box | 10 | Pancakes, butter, syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon | $74.99 |
| Biscuit Sandwich Tray | 10–12 | Biscuits filled with egg, cheese, and choice of bacon or sausage | $69.99 |
| Fresh Fruit Tray | 10–12 | Assorted seasonal fruit | $39.99 |
| Hashbrown Casserole Tray | 10–15 | Cheesy potato casserole | $34.99 |
The Sunrise Sampler Platter represents the best value for comprehensive breakfast needs, providing a complete meal at under $8 per person. The Biscuit Sandwich Tray offers convenience for on-the-go events or meetings where attendees need handheld options.
Cracker Barrel Catering Lunch & Dinner Menu
The lunch and dinner catering selection showcases Cracker Barrel’s core strengths: hearty entrees, classic Southern sides, and homemade-tasting comfort food. These options work equally well for casual family gatherings and professional corporate events.
Entree Platters
| Item | Serves | Description | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Chicken Platter | 10 | Crispy, breaded chicken breasts served with gravy | $94.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Tender Tray | 10 | Lightly seasoned grilled tenders | $89.99 |
| Fried Chicken Tender Tray | 10 | Golden, hand-breaded tenders | $89.99 |
| Meatloaf Tray | 10 | Classic meatloaf with tomato-brown sugar glaze | $89.99 |
| Roast Beef Tray | 10 | Slow-cooked, tender beef slices | $99.99 |
| Country Fried Steak Tray | 10 | Breaded steak with rich white gravy | $92.99 |
The Roast Beef Tray, while the most expensive option, provides the most substantial protein serving for guests with hearty appetites. For budget-conscious planning, the Grilled Chicken Tender Tray offers a healthier option at a competitive price point.
Sides & Accompaniments
No Southern meal is complete without proper sides, and Cracker Barrel offers all their restaurant favorites in catering portions.
| Side Tray | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Macaroni n’ Cheese | 10–12 | $34.99 |
| Mashed Potatoes with Gravy | 10–12 | $34.99 |
| Green Beans | 10–12 | $29.99 |
| Cornbread Dressing | 10–12 | $34.99 |
| Cole Slaw | 10–12 | $29.99 |
| Baked Apples | 10–12 | $29.99 |
Strategic side selection can significantly impact your catering budget. Pairing one premium side (like Macaroni n’ Cheese) with cost-effective options (Green Beans or Cole Slaw) creates variety while controlling costs.
Bread & Biscuit Trays
| Bread Tray | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk Biscuits | 20 pcs | $15.99 |
| Corn Muffins | 20 pcs | $15.99 |
| Biscuit & Jam Tray | 20 pcs | $19.99 |
These bread options are essential additions, particularly for soaking up gravies and completing the authentic Cracker Barrel experience. The minimal price difference between plain biscuits and the jam-included option makes the latter an attractive upgrade.
Dessert Platters
| Dessert | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake | 10–12 | $34.99 |
| Fruit Cobbler (Apple/Peach) | 10–12 | $29.99 |
| Whole Pies (Pecan, Apple, Pumpkin) | 6–8 | $22.99 |
| Banana Pudding Tray | 10–12 | $29.99 |
The Coca-Cola Cake is Cracker Barrel’s signature dessert and typically receives the strongest guest response. For events requiring multiple dessert options, combining a fruit cobbler with banana pudding provides contrasting flavors and textures.
Beverages (Bulk Orders)
| Beverage | Volume | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Iced Tea | 1 Gallon | $7.99 |
| Unsweet Iced Tea | 1 Gallon | $7.99 |
| Lemonade | 1 Gallon | $8.99 |
| Coffee (Regular/Decaf) | 96 oz (12 cups) | $14.99 |
Beverage planning requires approximately one gallon per 8-10 guests. Ordering both sweet and unsweet tea accommodates regional and personal preferences, as tea sweetness remains a significant consideration for Southern-style catering.
How to Order Cracker Barrel Catering
Most Cracker Barrel locations require 24-48 hours advance notice for catering orders, though larger events may need more lead time. Orders are typically placed directly through your local Cracker Barrel restaurant, either by phone or in-person. Some locations offer online ordering through their website, though availability varies by region.
When ordering, confirm pickup times, serving utensils, and whether disposable plates and cutlery are included. Many locations provide chafing dishes or aluminum pans designed to keep food warm during transport and serving.
Cost Planning and Budgeting
A complete Cracker Barrel catered meal typically costs $15-25 per person, depending on selections. Budget-conscious planners can reduce costs by:
- Selecting grilled proteins over fried or breaded options
- Choosing two sides instead of three
- Skipping premium desserts in favor of pies that serve fewer people but cost less
- Providing your own beverages instead of ordering gallons
For corporate events where professional presentation matters, the slightly higher cost delivers significant value through consistent quality and reduced preparation stress.
Tips for Successful Cracker Barrel Catering
Order Slightly More Than Calculated: Catering portions are generous, but it’s better to have leftovers than run short. Add 10-15% to your headcount estimate.
Consider Dietary Restrictions: While Cracker Barrel excels at traditional Southern food, options for vegetarians are limited. The Green Beans, Cole Slaw, and Baked Apples provide meat-free sides, but vegans will find few suitable choices.
Plan Pickup Timing: Schedule pickup 30-60 minutes before your event starts, allowing time for setup while keeping food at optimal temperature.
Reheating Instructions: Most entrees maintain quality for 2-3 hours in covered pans. If your event runs longer, ask about reheating recommendations when ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance should I place a Cracker Barrel catering order?
Most locations require 24-48 hours notice for standard catering orders. For larger events (serving 50+ people) or holiday periods, place orders at least one week in advance. Corporate events and wedding-related functions should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead to ensure availability.
2. Does Cracker Barrel deliver catering orders, or is it pickup only?
Cracker Barrel primarily operates on a pickup model for catering orders. Some franchise locations may offer delivery for an additional fee, but this varies significantly by region. Contact your local restaurant directly to inquire about delivery options and associated costs.
3. Can I customize catering trays or substitute ingredients?
Limited customization is available depending on the location. You can typically choose between protein options (like bacon versus sausage in breakfast trays) and select which sides to include. However, ingredient substitutions within individual dishes are generally not accommodated due to pre-preparation requirements.
4. What serving equipment comes with Cracker Barrel catering orders?
Standard catering orders include disposable aluminum serving pans. Upon request, many locations provide serving utensils at no additional charge. Some restaurants offer chafing dishes or warming equipment for rent. Disposable plates, napkins, and cutlery may be available for an extra fee—confirm these details when ordering.
5. How long does Cracker Barrel catered food stay fresh and safe to eat?
Hot foods should be maintained at 140°F or above and consumed within 2 hours if left at room temperature. For longer events, use chafing dishes with sterno or electric warming equipment. Cold items like fruit trays should remain refrigerated until service and shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours. Leftover catered food can be refrigerated promptly and typically stays fresh for 3-4 days.