Cracker Barrel Sides Menu: Complete Guide to Country Sides and Vegetables
Cracker Barrel’s sides menu features over 15 classic Southern comfort food options that can be ordered as individual sides, added to entrees, or combined to create a vegetable plate. Understanding the full range of sides available helps diners customize meals to their preferences and dietary needs.
Complete Cracker Barrel Sides Menu List
Cracker Barrel categorizes their sides into vegetables, starches, and specialty items. Most entrees include a choice of two or three sides, while the Country Vegetable Plate allows diners to select four sides as a complete meal.
Vegetable Sides
| Vegetable Side | Preparation Style | Calories (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Green Beans | Seasoned with country ham | 60 |
| Whole Kernel Corn | Buttered | 180 |
| Pinto Beans | Slow-cooked with ham | 150 |
| Turnip Greens | Traditional Southern style | 35 |
| Cole Slaw | Creamy, sweet-style | 190 |
| Steak Fries | Hand-cut, seasoned | 350 |
| Fried Apples | Cinnamon-spiced | 210 |
| Baby Carrots | Glazed | 80 |
Vegetable sides provide lighter options for those seeking balanced meals. The green beans and turnip greens are particularly popular among health-conscious diners, while fried apples offer a sweet complement to savory entrees.
Starch and Potato Sides
Cracker Barrel’s starch sides represent classic comfort food staples prepared from scratch daily.
| Starch Side | Key Features | Calories (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Real potatoes, never instant | 210 |
| Hashbrown Casserole | Cheese and onion blend | 300 |
| Loaded Hashbrown Casserole | Bacon, cheese, sour cream | 420 |
| Baked Potato | Available after 4pm | 270 (plain) |
| Sweet Potato | With cinnamon butter | 280 |
| Mac and Cheese | Creamy, homestyle | 290 |
| Fried Okra | Cornmeal-battered | 260 |
The hashbrown casserole ranks among Cracker Barrel’s most requested sides, featuring shredded potatoes mixed with cheese and onions, baked until golden. The loaded version adds bacon pieces and sour cream for enhanced flavor.
Premium and Seasonal Sides
Cracker Barrel occasionally features premium sides that may cost extra or appear seasonally.
Premium Side Options
Loaded Baked Potato – Available after 4pm, this side includes butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon. It typically adds $1-2 to the standard side price.
Seasonal Vegetables – Depending on availability, Cracker Barrel may offer seasonal options like fresh tomatoes, squash casserole, or other regional favorites.
Soup Options – While technically not sides, soups can substitute for a side dish with most entrees. Options include chicken and dumplings, vegetable soup, and bean soup.
Country Vegetable Plate
The Country Vegetable Plate serves as Cracker Barrel’s vegetarian-friendly main dish option, allowing diners to choose four sides from the entire sides menu.
Country Vegetable Plate Details
| Component | Details | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sides | 4 sides of your choice | $8.99-$10.99 |
| Bread Included | Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread | Complimentary |
| Customization | Mix any available sides | Full flexibility |
| Portion Size | Standard side portions | Filling meal |
This option appeals to vegetarians, light eaters, or anyone wanting to sample multiple sides without ordering a meat entree. Popular combinations include mac and cheese, fried apples, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
How Sides Work with Cracker Barrel Entrees
Understanding how sides pair with entrees helps maximize value and satisfaction when ordering.
Side Selections by Meal Type
Breakfast Items – Most breakfast entrees include two breakfast sides (grits, hashbrown casserole, fried apples, etc.) or one breakfast side and one fruit.
Lunch and Dinner Entrees – Standard entrees include two or three country sides depending on the dish. Premium entrees like steak typically include three sides.
Kids Meals – Children’s meals include one side and a drink, with kid-friendly options like mac and cheese, fries, and fruit.
A La Carte Side Pricing
Sides can be ordered individually for those wanting extra portions or dining companions sharing meals.
| Side Order Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Single Side | $3.49-$4.29 |
| Premium Side | $4.49-$5.49 |
| Side Salad | $4.49 |
| Soup | $4.99-$5.99 |
Prices vary by location and are subject to change. A la carte sides provide flexibility for customizing any meal.
Most Popular Cracker Barrel Sides
Based on customer preferences and online reviews, certain sides consistently rank as favorites.
Top Five Customer Favorites
- Hashbrown Casserole – The signature side that many guests crave. The combination of shredded potatoes, cheese, and onions creates a rich, satisfying dish that pairs well with any entree.
- Fried Apples – Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples that complement savory breakfast and dinner items. The fruit-based side offers a unique flavor profile.
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy, homestyle mac and cheese made with real cheese. Kids and adults alike favor this comfort food classic.
- Mashed Potatoes – Real mashed potatoes made from scratch, never instant. Served with brown gravy or sawmill gravy upon request.
- Green Beans – A lighter option that provides balance to heavier entrees. Seasoned with country ham for authentic Southern flavor.
Healthier Side Options
For diners watching calorie intake or seeking lighter choices, several sides offer better nutritional profiles.
Lower-Calorie Selections
Turnip Greens – At approximately 35 calories per serving, turnip greens provide nutrients with minimal calories. They’re cooked Southern-style but remain a lighter choice.
Green Beans – Around 60 calories per serving, green beans offer fiber and vitamins while keeping calorie counts low.
Baby Carrots – Glazed carrots provide sweetness and nutrition at roughly 80 calories per portion.
Whole Kernel Corn – While higher in calories at 180, corn provides fiber and serves as a moderate option compared to casseroles and fried items.
Dietary Considerations
Most vegetable sides contain meat seasoning (ham or bacon), which may not suit vegetarian or vegan diets. When ordering, ask staff about preparation methods if you have dietary restrictions. Cracker Barrel can often accommodate requests for sides prepared without meat seasoning.
Tips for Ordering Cracker Barrel Sides
Mix Textures and Flavors – Combine creamy sides like mac and cheese with crisp options like green beans for variety in each bite.
Consider Temperature – Balance hot sides with room-temperature options like cole slaw to create an interesting plate.
Don’t Skip Bread – Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread muffins come with most meals. Use them to complement sides like pinto beans or turnip greens.
Ask About Preparation – Staff can provide information about ingredients, allergens, and preparation methods for any side dish.
Share Premium Sides – When dining with others, order premium sides a la carte to share, allowing everyone to taste more options.
Seasonal and Regional Variations
Some Cracker Barrel locations feature regional sides based on local preferences and seasonal availability. Southern locations may emphasize collard greens and okra, while other regions might highlight different vegetables. Calling ahead or asking your server about location-specific options can reveal special items not listed on the standard menu.
Making the Most of Your Sides Selection
Cracker Barrel’s extensive sides menu provides remarkable flexibility for customizing meals. Whether building a Country Vegetable Plate, selecting sides for an entree, or ordering a la carte options to supplement your meal, understanding the full range of available sides ensures satisfaction.
The combination of traditional Southern preparation, generous portions, and diverse options makes Cracker Barrel’s sides menu a standout feature. From the iconic hashbrown casserole to simple steamed vegetables, each side receives careful preparation that honors old-fashioned country cooking while accommodating modern dietary preferences.