Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Menu
Cracker Barrel offers convenient Thanksgiving dining solutions for families who want to enjoy a traditional holiday meal without the extensive preparation. Their Thanksgiving menu combines classic Southern comfort food with the convenience of restaurant dining or heat-and-serve options for home celebrations.
Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Dining Options
Cracker Barrel provides two primary ways to enjoy Thanksgiving: dine-in at their restaurants or order heat-and-serve meals to enjoy at home. Both options feature traditional Thanksgiving favorites with their signature homestyle preparation.
Dine-In Thanksgiving Menu
Cracker Barrel restaurants remain open on Thanksgiving Day, serving guests from morning through evening. The dine-in experience includes their traditional menu alongside special Thanksgiving offerings.
| Thanksgiving Meal Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Roasted turkey breast with gravy |
| Dressing | Cornbread dressing with herbs |
| Sides | Choice of three country sides |
| Bread | Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread muffins |
| Dessert | Optional pumpkin pie or pecan pie |
The dine-in Thanksgiving meal typically includes generous portions of roasted turkey with all the traditional fixings. Guests can select from Cracker Barrel’s extensive list of country sides, including mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, mac and cheese, and more.
Heat N’ Serve Thanksgiving Meals
The Heat N’ Serve option allows families to enjoy Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving meal at home. These fully prepared meals require minimal effort—simply heat and serve. Orders must be placed in advance, typically by early November, with pickup available the day before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving morning.
Heat N’ Serve Meal Sizes and Pricing
| Meal Size | Serves | Approximate Price Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 4-6 people | $110-$130 | Turkey, dressing, gravy, 3 sides, rolls, dessert |
| Large | 8-10 people | $160-$180 | Turkey, dressing, gravy, 3 sides, rolls, dessert |
| Family Dinner | 4-6 people | $90-$110 | Choice of meat, 3 sides, biscuits or rolls |
Pricing varies by location and year, so contact your local Cracker Barrel for current rates. The meals come in disposable aluminum pans that can go directly into the oven for heating.
What’s Included in Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Meals
Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving offerings feature their classic preparation methods and signature recipes. The meals are designed to taste homemade while eliminating hours of kitchen work.
Main Course Options
The centerpiece of Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving meal is their roasted turkey breast, prepared with traditional seasonings. The turkey arrives fully cooked and sliced, ready to heat and serve. Each meal includes turkey gravy made from real pan drippings.
Side Dish Selections
Cracker Barrel offers multiple side dish options to customize your Thanksgiving meal. Standard selections include:
- Cornbread dressing with sage and herbs
- Mashed potatoes (real, not instant)
- Sweet potato casserole with pecans
- Green beans
- Cranberry relish
- Mac and cheese
- Corn
- Cole slaw
- Fried apples
Bread and Dessert
Every Thanksgiving meal includes Cracker Barrel’s famous buttermilk biscuits or cornbread muffins. Dessert options typically feature pumpkin pie or pecan pie, both signature items on their regular menu.
How to Order Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Meals
Planning ahead is essential when ordering Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving offerings. The restaurant chain typically begins accepting orders in October, with deadlines in early November.
Ordering Process
- Visit Your Local Restaurant: Stop by your nearest Cracker Barrel location to place an order in person
- Call Ahead: Phone orders are accepted at most locations
- Online Options: Some locations offer online ordering through the Cracker Barrel website
- Confirm Deadline: Ask about the order cutoff date, usually 5-7 days before Thanksgiving
- Select Pickup Time: Choose between pickup on Thanksgiving Eve or Thanksgiving morning
Payment and Pickup Details
Most locations require full payment when placing your order. On pickup day, meals are packaged and ready to go, typically in insulated bags. Staff provide heating instructions for each component to ensure optimal results.
Comparing Cracker Barrel to Traditional Home Cooking
| Aspect | Cracker Barrel | Home Cooking |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30-60 minutes heating | 8-12 hours total |
| Cleanup | Minimal (disposable pans) | Extensive |
| Cost Per Person | $18-$22 | $15-$25 (varies) |
| Customization | Limited to menu options | Unlimited |
| Stress Level | Low | Moderate to high |
The convenience factor makes Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving menu attractive for busy families, those hosting out-of-town guests, or anyone who prefers to avoid extensive cooking.
Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving Experience
Order Early: Popular meal sizes sell out quickly. Place your order as soon as reservations open in October.
Check Heating Times: Review the provided instructions before guests arrive. Plan backward from your desired serving time to ensure everything is hot simultaneously.
Add Personal Touches: Supplement the meal with homemade items like fresh salad, additional appetizers, or special family recipe dishes.
Coordinate Pickup: Thanksgiving morning pickup slots fill fast. Request an early time to avoid crowds.
Consider Restaurant Dining: If your party is small (2-4 people), dining in may be more economical than purchasing a heat-and-serve meal.
Store Hours and Availability
Cracker Barrel restaurants open early on Thanksgiving Day, typically around 6:00 AM, and remain open through evening hours. Hours vary by location, so call ahead to confirm timing. Not all locations offer the same Heat N’ Serve options, making advance inquiry essential.
Final Considerations
Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving menu provides a practical solution for holiday meals without sacrificing traditional flavors. The combination of quality ingredients, familiar recipes, and minimal preparation makes it ideal for busy families, elderly hosts, or anyone wanting to simplify Thanksgiving while maintaining tradition. Whether dining in or heating at home, Cracker Barrel delivers consistent, satisfying holiday meals that let families focus on togetherness rather than kitchen stress.