Cookout Burgers Menu with Prices, Styles, and Secrets

Whether you’re a North Carolina native or a traveler from passing through the Southeast, the words “Cookout” evoke a specific kind of nostalgia. It’s the smell of a charcoal grill at 2:00 AM, the sound of a crackling intercom, and the impossible choice between 40 different milkshake flavors. But at the heart of the legendary Cookout Menu is the burger.

The Char-Grilled Difference: Why Cookout Burgers menu Stand Out

Most fast-food chains use flat-top griddles to steam or sear their patties. Cook Out takes a different approach. Since its founding in 1989 in Greensboro, NC, the brand has remained committed to char-grilling.

This method involves cooking the meat over an open flame, allowing the fat to drip away and the smoke to infuse the beef. The result is a “backyard BBQ” flavor profile that is rare in the world of quick-service restaurants. Every patty is fresh, never frozen, and hand-formed daily—a quality standard that has helped the chain grow to over 300 locations.

Cookout Burger Size Breakdown

One of the most confusing parts of the Cook Out menu for newcomers is the sizing. Unlike other chains where you simply order a “Single” or “Double,” Cook Out uses specific names that denote the weight and stack of the beef.

The Small Burger (1/8 lb.)

Commonly known as the “Jr. Burger,” this is the entry-level choice. It is perfect for those with a light appetite or as part of a Jr. Tray.

• Calories: ~240 Cal (Plain)
• Best For: Kids or light snacks.

The Regular Burger (1/4 lb.)

This is the standard single-patty burger. It offers a thick, juicy bite that balances perfectly with the bun-to-meat ratio.

• Calories: ~330 Cal (Plain)
• Best For: Traditional burger lovers who want a solid meal.

The Big Double Burger (1/4 lb. Total)

Don’t let the name “Big” fool you into thinking it’s more meat than the Regular. The Big Double consists of two 1/8 lb. patties rather than one single 1/4 lb. patty.

• Why order this? Two thin patties mean more “sear” surface area. If you love the crispy, charred edges of a burger, the Big Double is superior to the Regular.
• Calories: ~330 Cal (Plain)

The Huge Burger (1/2 lb. Total)

The heavyweight champion of the menu. This beast features two 1/4 lb. patties. It is massive, messy, and designed for serious hunger.

• Calories: ~520 Cal (Plain)
• Best For: High-protein diets or those looking for a challenge.

Signature Burger Styles: Decoding the Toppings

At Cook Out, you don’t just “add toppings.” You choose a Style. Each style is a curated set of ingredients that defines the flavor profile of the burger.

Cook Out Style

This is the North Carolina classic. If you want to eat like a local, this is your order.

• Toppings: Homemade chili, creamy coleslaw, yellow mustard, and diced onions.
• Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet from the slaw, and tangy.

Cheddar Style

For many, this is the gold standard. It replaces standard American cheese with a rich cheddar cheese sauce.

• Toppings: Melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, grilled onions, and mayo.
• Flavor Profile: Creamy, smoky, and indulgent.

Out West Style

Inspired by Western BBQ traditions, this style brings a smoky tang to the char-grilled beef.

• Toppings: Tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, mayo, pickles, and raw onions.
• Flavor Profile: Sharp, sweet, and crunchy.

Steak Style

A sophisticated take on fast food, using bold sauces to mimic a steakhouse experience.

• Toppings: A1 Porterhouse Steak Sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
• Flavor Profile: Umami-rich and savory.

The Famous Cook Out Tray: The Best Value in Fast Food

The Cook Out Tray is more than a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon. For a single price (usually under $8.00), you get:

1. One Main Entrée (e.g., Big Double Burger, Spicy Chicken, or 2 Hot Dogs)
2. Two Sides (e.g., Fries, Hushpuppies, Quesadilla, or even a Corn Dog)
3. One Large Drink (Upgrade to a Milkshake for $1.00)

Optimization Tip: The “Side” Secret

Unlike other restaurants where a side is just fries or a salad, Cook Out allows you to pick “main items” as sides. You can literally order a burger with a side of a Corn Dog and a side of a Chicken Quesadilla. This makes the Cook Out Tray one of the highest-calorie-per-dollar values in the industry.

Customization & The “Secret” Menu

If the standard Styles don’t suit you, the menu is fully customizable. All “basic” toppings are free.

• Free Toppings: Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Pickles, Onions (Raw or Grilled), Lettuce, Tomato.
• Premium Add-ons: Bacon, Extra Cheese, Chili, Slaw.

The Secret Menu Hacks:

• The “Everything” Burger: This includes every free topping plus the premium ones (if you’re willing to pay the small upcharge).
• Cajun Style: You can ask for “Cajun Seasoning” on any burger patty or your fries. It adds a spicy, peppery kick that isn’t officially listed as a “Style.”
• The Walking Taco Style: While usually for hot dogs, you can ask for your burger to be topped with chili, cheese sauce, and crushed crackers for a unique texture.

Cookout Burgers Menu Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

While Cook Out is famous for indulgence, transparency is key for health-conscious diners.

Vegetarian Options:

Cook Out does not currently offer a plant-based burger patty (like Beyond or Impossible). However, vegetarians often order a “Cheese Quesadilla Tray” with sides like fries, hushpuppies, or onion rings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Cookout has earned its “cult status” by refusing to compromise on three things: Freshness, Variety, and Price. Whether you’re getting a simple Small Burger or a massive Huge Burger “All the Way,” you’re participating in a Southern tradition that hasn’t changed much in three decades.

Next time you see the glowing double-drive-thru sign, pull in and try a Big Double Cheddar Style—your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.