Cookout Secret Menu Hidden Gems & Combinations (2025)
If you live in the Southeast, you know that Cookout isn’t just a fast-food restaurant; it’s a cultural institution. Known for its “Trays,” low prices, and over 40 milkshake flavors, it is the go-to spot for late-night cravings. However, beyond the glowing outdoor menu boards lies a world of “off-menu” customizations and hidden combinations known as the Cookout Secret Menu.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what the Cookout secret menu is, how you can “hack” your next tray, and the must-try items that only the regulars know about.
What is the Cookout Secret Menu?
Strictly speaking, Cookout doesn’t have a printed “Secret Menu” like a corporate handbook. Instead, the “secret menu” is a collection of customizations, substitutions, and clever combinations of existing ingredients.
Because Cookout’s kitchen is designed for high-volume customization (offering dozens of side items and burger styles), the staff is usually happy to accommodate unique requests—provided they have the ingredients on hand. Whether it’s putting a burger patty inside a quesadilla or mixing three different milkshake flavors into one cup, the secret menu is limited only by your imagination and the cashier’s patience.
5 Hidden Gems of Cookout Secret Menu Items You Need to Try
1. The Quesadilla Burger
This is perhaps the most famous “secret” item. It combines two of Cookout best worlds: the charbroiled burger and the cheesy quesadilla.
- How to order: Ask for a burger “quesadilla style.” The kitchen will place a burger patty (or two) inside a flour tortilla with melted cheese and Cookout signature quesadilla sauce (a creamy, zesty kick).
- Pro Tip: You can also do this with a chicken breast for a “Quesadilla Chicken Sandwich.”
2. “Cheddar Style” Everything
“Cheddar Style” is a specific preparation on the official menu for burgers (featuring cheddar cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and mayo). However, the “secret” is that you can apply this to almost anything.
- Cheddar Style Chicken: Upgrade your grilled or spicy chicken sandwich with these toppings.
- Cheddar Style Fries: Ask for your fries to be topped with the cheddar cheese sauce and grilled onions.
3. The Taco Style Burger
Long-time fans remember when “Taco Style” was on the main menu. It involves topping a burger with chili, lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese.
- How to order: Ask for your burger “Taco Style.” If the staff is new and doesn’t recognize the name, just ask for a burger with chili, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
4. Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake
While Cookout has a massive list of 40+ shakes, the “PB&J” isn’t always listed explicitly.
- How to order: Ask for a Peanut Butter milkshake and ask them to add Strawberry (or Grape, if available) fruit topping. It tastes exactly like a liquid lunch from your childhood.
5. The “Walking Taco” Hack
While not an official item, many fans create a makeshift walking taco.
- How to order: Order a side of Chili and a side of Doritos (when available) or Fritos. Open the chip bag and pour the chili and cheese sauce inside.
Mastering the Cookout Tray: Cookout Secret Menu Tips
The Cookout Tray is the backbone of the menu. For one low price, you get an entrée, two sides, and a large drink (which can be upgraded to a milkshake). The “secret” to the tray is the sheer variety of substitutions allowed.
Secret Side Combinations
Most people order fries and hushpuppies. But did you know you can order “Double Sides” or even use “Main Items” as sides?
The Quesadilla Side:
You can choose a Chicken or Beef Quesadilla as one of your sides. This means you could technically have a tray with a Big Double Burger as the entrée and two quesadillas as the sides.
The hot Dog Side:
Yes, a whole hot dog can be one of your side items.
Chicken Nuggets Side:
You get a 3-piece nugget as a side option.
The “Double Side” Strategy
If you really love one specific item, you can “double up.”
- Example: Order a Spicy Chicken Tray with “Double Quesadillas” or “Double Cajun Fries.”
The Legendary Milkshake Hacks
With over 40 base flavors, the combinations are endless. The staff will generally mix any two (or even three) flavors for you.
- The “Snickers” Shake: Mix Peanut Butter, Chocolate, and Caramel.
- The “Banana Split” Shake: Mix Banana, Pineapple, and Strawberry with Chocolate drizzle.
- The “Mocha” Shake: Mix Coffee and Chocolate.
- The “Cheerwine Float”: While not a shake, asking for a Cheerwine (the legendary NC cherry soda) with a scoop of vanilla soft serve is a local favorite.
How to Order from the cookout Secret Menu Safely
To ensure you get exactly what you want without confusing the staff, follow these “Secret Menu” rules:
- Be Specific with Ingredients: Instead of saying “Give me that secret burger I saw on TikTok,” say “Can I get a burger with quesadilla sauce and cheese inside a tortilla?”
- Go During Off-Peak Hours: Cook Out lines can be incredibly long. If you want a complex “triple-mixed” shake or a highly customized tray, try going in the mid-afternoon rather than the 1:00 AM rush.
- Know the Surcharges: Adding bacon or upgrading a drink to a milkshake usually costs a small extra fee. Don’t be surprised when your “hack” adds $1.50 to the bill.
- Use the “Styles” Vocabulary: Learn the menu “styles” (Original, Out West, Steak, Cheddar). Knowing these makes it easier to ask for those toppings on other items.
Why is Cookout So Popular?
The “Secret Menu” allure is part of the brand’s DNA. Cookout thrives on a “choose your own adventure” dining experience. Unlike other fast-food giants that have streamlined menus to limit choices, Cookout has leaned into the chaos of variety. Whether you want a “Steak Style” burger (A1 sauce, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce) or a “Corn Dog” side dish, the restaurant rewards those who know how to navigate the menu. You can can also try sub menu in which you can get multiple sandwiches flavours visit menu.
Conclusion: Is the Secret Menu Worth It?
Absolutely. The Cookout Secret Menu isn’t just about feeling “in the know”—it’s about maximizing value and flavor. By understanding how to swap sides and layer “Styles” onto different proteins, you can turn a standard $7–$9 meal into a custom feast that you can’t get anywhere else.
Next time you pull up to the double drive-thru, skip the standard cheeseburger. Ask for a Quesadilla Burger, double up on the Cajun Fries, and finish it off with a Banana Pudding-Oreo Shake. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.