Cracker Barrel Barrel Bites Menu: Complete Guide to Portions and Prices
The Cracker Barrel Barrel Bites menu offers smaller portion sizes of the restaurant’s most popular dishes at reduced prices. This menu category caters to guests seeking lighter meals, budget-friendly options, or those who want to sample multiple items without overindulging.
What Are Barrel Bites at Cracker Barrel?
Barrel Bites are scaled-down versions of Cracker Barrel’s signature entrees, designed to provide the same authentic country cooking experience in more manageable portions. These smaller plates typically contain 20-30% less food than standard menu items while maintaining the same quality and flavor profiles that have made Cracker Barrel a roadside dining staple since 1969.
The concept addresses a growing consumer demand for portion control and flexible dining options. Rather than committing to a full-sized meal, guests can choose Barrel Bites for lunch, lighter dinners, or when dining with children who might share.
Popular Barrel Bites Menu Items
Cracker Barrel’s Barrel Bites selection includes scaled versions of their most requested dishes:
| Menu Item | Description | Approximate Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel Bite Chicken n’ Dumplins | Tender chicken in dumplings with choice of side | $7.99 – $8.99 |
| Barrel Bite Meatloaf | Homestyle meatloaf with brown gravy and sides | $7.99 – $8.99 |
| Barrel Bite Grilled Chicken | Grilled chicken breast with vegetables and sides | $7.99 – $8.99 |
| Barrel Bite Country Fried Steak | Breaded steak with white pepper gravy | $8.49 – $9.49 |
Note: Prices vary by location and are subject to change
Breakfast Barrel Bites
The breakfast menu features several Barrel Bite options available during morning hours:
| Breakfast Item | Components | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Sampler | Eggs, meat choice, biscuit or toast | $6.99 – $7.99 |
| Momma’s Pancake Breakfast | Two pancakes with bacon or sausage | $6.49 – $7.49 |
| Oatmeal n’ Fruit | Steel-cut oatmeal with seasonal fruit | $5.99 – $6.99 |
Nutritional Considerations
Barrel Bites provide a more calorie-conscious alternative to standard menu items. While Cracker Barrel doesn’t prominently advertise calorie counts in all locations, the reduced portions naturally contain fewer calories, typically ranging from 400-700 calories per meal depending on selections and modifications.
Guests managing dietary restrictions should note that many Barrel Bites can be customized. Most locations accommodate requests for no butter, light gravy, or substituting vegetables for higher-calorie sides like fries or mac and cheese.
Side Dish Options with Barrel Bites
Each Barrel Bite entree includes choice of sides. The variety ensures guests can customize their meals according to preferences:
Available Side Dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Cole slaw
- Fried apples
- Steak fries
- Mac and cheese (additional charge at some locations)
- Corn
- Turnip greens
- Pinto beans
Comparison: Barrel Bites vs. Regular Menu Portions
Understanding the difference between Barrel Bites and standard portions helps guests make informed ordering decisions:
| Feature | Barrel Bites | Regular Menu Items |
|---|---|---|
| Portion Size | 60-70% of regular | Full portion |
| Price Point | $6.99 – $9.49 | $9.99 – $14.99 |
| Calorie Range | 400-700 calories | 800-1,400+ calories |
| Side Dishes | Usually 1-2 sides | 2-3 sides included |
| Availability | Select items only | Full menu variety |
Best Value Barrel Bites
For guests seeking maximum value, certain Barrel Bites offer better cost-to-portion ratios. The Barrel Bite Chicken n’ Dumplins consistently ranks as a customer favorite due to its generous serving size relative to price. The breakfast Barrel Bites also provide excellent value, particularly the Momma’s Pancake Breakfast, which includes protein and carbohydrates at a competitive price point.
Senior guests should inquire about combining Barrel Bites with senior discount programs where available, potentially reducing costs by an additional 10-15%.
Ordering Strategies and Tips
Maximize your Barrel Bites experience with these practical ordering approaches:
For Light Eaters: Barrel Bites portions align perfectly with moderate appetites, eliminating food waste and the uncomfortable feeling of overindulgence.
For Families: Parents can order Barrel Bites for younger children instead of kids’ menu items, providing more substantial meals for growing appetites while maintaining budget consciousness.
For Variety Seekers: Consider ordering multiple Barrel Bites to share family-style, allowing everyone to sample different menu items without committing to full-sized portions.
Customization Options: Don’t hesitate to request modifications. Most locations accommodate substitutions, extra vegetables, or sauce on the side without additional charges.
Regional Availability and Menu Variations
While Barrel Bites appear on menus at most Cracker Barrel locations across 45 states, specific offerings may vary by region. Franchises in different areas occasionally test region-specific Barrel Bites featuring local ingredients or regional specialties.
Before visiting, customers can check the Cracker Barrel website or call ahead to confirm current Barrel Bites availability at their preferred location. Some restaurants may temporarily suspend certain items due to supply chain considerations or seasonal menu rotations.
Takeout and To-Go Considerations
Barrel Bites translate well to takeout orders. The smaller portions maintain temperature and quality during transport better than oversized entrees. When ordering for pickup or delivery:
- Request sauces and gravies packaged separately to prevent sogginess
- Specify heating instructions if you won’t eat immediately
- Consider ordering extra biscuits or cornbread (small additional charge)
- Ask about family meal bundles that include multiple Barrel Bites at package pricing
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel Barrel Bites menu successfully addresses modern dining preferences for portion control, value pricing, and menu flexibility. These scaled-down versions of classic comfort food favorites allow guests to enjoy authentic country cooking without the commitment of full-sized portions. Whether you’re seeking a lighter meal, managing a budget, or simply wanting to try multiple dishes, Barrel Bites provide a practical solution while maintaining the quality and taste that has defined Cracker Barrel for decades.