Cracker Barrel Gluten Free: Your Complete Guide to Safe Dining in 2025
If you’re following a gluten-free diet and craving that classic American comfort food experience, you might be wondering: “Does Cracker Barrel have gluten-free options?” The answer is yes, but navigating the menu requires some knowledge and careful ordering. This comprehensive guide will help you enjoy a safe and delicious meal at Cracker Barrel while staying gluten-free.
Understanding Gluten-Free Options at Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, the beloved American chain known for its Southern-style comfort food and charming country store, has become increasingly accommodating to guests with dietary restrictions. While Cracker Barrel doesn’t offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, they do provide allergen information and have several naturally gluten-free options available.
Important Note: Cracker Barrel does not have a completely gluten-free kitchen, which means cross-contamination is always a risk. If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, always inform your server about your dietary needs before ordering.
Cracker Barrel Gluten-Free Breakfast Options
Breakfast is the most accommodating meal at Cracker Barrel for gluten-free diners. Here are your safest bets:
Safe Breakfast Choices
| Menu Item | Gluten-Free Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | ✓ Safe | Seasonal fruit cup or side of fruit |
| Grits | ✓ Safe | Plain grits without seasoning packets |
| Hash Brown Casserole | ✓ Safe | Confirm no flour is added |
| Eggs (any style) | ✓ Safe | Scrambled, fried, poached, or boiled |
| Bacon | ✓ Safe | Verify no gluten in seasoning |
| Sausage Patties | ✓ Safe | Check for fillers; most locations safe |
| 100% Pure Natural Syrup | ✓ Safe | Better choice than flavored syrups |
Breakfast Items to Avoid
- Pancakes and waffles (contain wheat flour)
- Biscuits and toast (obviously contain gluten)
- Gravy (typically contains wheat flour as thickener)
- French toast (made with bread)
- Oatmeal (risk of cross-contamination)
Building Your Perfect Gluten-Free Breakfast
Create a satisfying plate by combining:
- Two eggs (any style)
- Bacon or sausage patties
- Hash brown casserole
- Fresh fruit
- Plain grits with butter
Cracker Barrel Gluten-Free Lunch and Dinner Options
Lunch and dinner require more careful navigation, but there are still plenty of delicious options available.
Safe Main Dishes
| Menu Item | Gluten-Free Status | Customization Required |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Tenderloins | ✓ Safe | Request without breading or seasoning containing gluten |
| USDA Choice Steak | ✓ Safe | Plain grilled, no marinades |
| Grilled Pork Chops | ✓ Safe | Request plain seasoning |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | ⚠ Careful | Remove croutons, check dressing |
| Chicken & Rice | ⚠ Careful | Confirm no gluten ingredients |
| BBQ items | ⚠ Careful | Some BBQ sauces contain gluten |
Gluten-Free Side Dishes
Cracker Barrel’s country sides are where you’ll find most of your gluten-free options:
Definitely Safe Sides:
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Apple slices
- Green beans
- Baby carrots
- Sweet whole baby carrots
- Pinto beans (check preparation)
- Turnip greens
- Country green beans
- Cole slaw (verify dressing)
- Baked potato
- House salad (no croutons)
Sides to Approach with Caution:
- Mashed potatoes (may contain gluten in instant versions)
- Mac and cheese (contains wheat pasta)
- Fried items (okra, apples, etc.)
- Corn muffins and biscuits
Cracker Barrel Gluten-Free Salads and Dressings
Salads can be an excellent gluten-free choice at Cracker Barrel, but you need to be strategic:
Salad Modifications
| Salad Type | How to Make It Gluten-Free |
|---|---|
| House Salad | Remove croutons; choose safe dressing |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | Remove croutons; use plain grilled chicken |
| Country Vegetable Salad | Typically safe; verify ingredients |
Gluten-Free Dressing Options
Most vinaigrettes are gluten-free, but creamy dressings may contain gluten:
- Safe choices: Oil and vinegar, balsamic vinaigrette, Italian dressing (check ingredients)
- Check first: Ranch, honey mustard, and other creamy dressings
Beverages: Gluten-Free Drink Options
The beverage section is straightforward for gluten-free diners:
Completely Safe:
- Coffee and tea (hot or iced)
- Soft drinks and sodas
- Lemonade and fruit juices
- Milk
- Hot chocolate (verify no malt)
Avoid:
- Regular beer (contains gluten from barley/wheat)
- Drinks with malt flavoring
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Cracker Barrel
1. Communicate Clearly with Your Server
Always inform your server about your gluten-free needs at the beginning of your order. Ask them to notify the kitchen about cross-contamination concerns.
2. Download the Allergen Menu
Cracker Barrel provides allergen information upon request. Ask your server for the current allergen guide or check Cracker Barrel’s website before visiting.
3. Ask About Preparation Methods
Question how foods are prepared:
- Are items fried in shared oil?
- Do seasonings contain gluten?
- Are surfaces cleaned between orders?
4. Keep It Simple
The simpler your order, the safer it typically is. Grilled meats with steamed vegetables are usually your best bet.
5. Avoid Peak Hours
Visiting during less busy times may reduce cross-contamination risk, as the kitchen has more time to accommodate special requests.
Cross-Contamination Concerns
For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, understanding cross-contamination risks is crucial:
High-Risk Areas:
- Shared fryers: Many items are fried in the same oil
- Griddles: Pancakes and other gluten items may be cooked on the same surface
- Utensils: Shared serving utensils can transfer gluten
- Preparation surfaces: Flour can become airborne and settle on surfaces
What You Can Request:
- Fresh gloves for food handlers
- Clean preparation area
- Separate cooking utensils
- Food cooked in clean pans
Regional Menu Variations
Keep in mind that Cracker Barrel locations may have slight menu variations depending on the region. Some seasonal items or regional specialties might be available, so always verify ingredients with your server.
What’s NOT Gluten-Free at Cracker Barrel
To help you avoid common pitfalls, here’s what you should definitely skip:
Always Contains Gluten:
- Biscuits and cornbread
- Pancakes and French toast
- Breaded chicken items (unless specially requested grilled)
- Fried fish
- Country fried steak
- Dumplins and noodles
- Most desserts (pies, cobblers, etc.)
- Gravy (uses wheat flour as thickener)
Cracker Barrel Gluten-Free Dessert Options
Unfortunately, dessert options are extremely limited for gluten-free diners at Cracker Barrel. Most of their famous desserts contain flour:
Limited Options:
- Fresh fruit (if still hungry)
- Sugar-free or regular applesauce
- Some locations may have ice cream (verify cone-free serving)
Pro Tip: Consider bringing your own gluten-free dessert or planning to enjoy a treat from a dedicated gluten-free bakery after your meal.
Sample Gluten-Free Meal Plans at Cracker Barrel
Breakfast Meal Plan
Main: Two eggs over easy + bacon strips + sausage patty
Sides: Hash brown casserole + fresh fruit
Beverage: Coffee or orange juice
Estimated: Safe and satisfying
Lunch/Dinner Meal Plan
Main: Grilled chicken tenderloins (no breading)
Sides: Green beans + baby carrots + baked potato with butter
Salad: House salad (no croutons) with oil and vinegar
Beverage: Iced tea
Estimated: Hearty and completely gluten-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cracker Barrel have gluten-free bread or buns?
A: Currently, Cracker Barrel does not offer gluten-free bread, buns, or biscuits at most locations.
Q: Can I trust the allergen menu completely?
A: While the allergen menu is a helpful guide, always verify with your server as recipes and preparations can change.
Q: Is Cracker Barrel safe for celiacs?
A: Due to the high risk of cross-contamination in a non-dedicated gluten-free kitchen, celiacs should exercise extreme caution and clearly communicate their needs.
Q: Are the grits gluten-free?
A: Plain grits are naturally gluten-free, but always ask about added seasonings or preparation methods.
Q: Can I order anything fried?
A: Most fried items share oil with breaded products, making them unsafe for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Cracker Barrel Experience
Dining gluten-free at Cracker Barrel is definitely possible with the right knowledge and communication. While the restaurant doesn’t cater specifically to gluten-free diets with dedicated menus or preparation areas, their naturally gluten-free options can still provide a satisfying meal.
The key to success is:
- Planning ahead by reviewing menu options
- Communicating clearly with staff about your dietary needs
- Sticking to simple, naturally gluten-free foods
- Being aware of cross-contamination risks
For those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities, you’ll need to weigh the risks carefully and decide if dining at Cracker Barrel aligns with your comfort level regarding cross-contamination.
Remember, when in doubt, ask questions. A good server will be happy to check with the kitchen about ingredients and preparation methods. With careful ordering and clear communication, you can enjoy Cracker Barrel’s down-home cooking while maintaining your gluten-free lifestyle.
Have you successfully dined gluten-free at Cracker Barrel? Share your experiences and favorite menu combinations in the comments below!