Best Cookout Tray Combos in 2026 — Ranked by a Loyal Regular

I’ve been ordering Cookout Trays for over a decade. At this point I’ve probably tried every meaningful combination at least once, and I’ve definitely argued about milkshake rankings more times than I’d like to admit. So, when people ask me what to order at Cookout, I don’t just say ‘the tray’ — I give them the full breakdown.

Here are the seven best Cookout Tray combos I keep coming back to, ranked and explained. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular looking to mix things up, there’s something here for you.

What makes a Great on best Cookout Tray combos?

Before the rankings: a good tray balances the main with your two sides so nothing feels redundant. If you get a heavy burger, lighter sides like coleslaw or onion rings balance it out. If you go with grilled chicken, you have more calorie budget for richer sides like hush puppies or cheese fries.

The drink choice also matters more than people think. Upgrading to a milkshake ($1.60 extra on the tray) is almost always worth it — Cookout milkshakes are genuinely one of the best things on the menu, and you’d pay $4+ for one standalone.

1. Big Double Burger + Cajun Fries + Hush Puppies + Oreo Milkshake

This is the quintessential Cookout Tray and it’s the first thing I recommend to anyone who hasn’t been before. The Big Double Burger is two patties, char-grilled over an open flame, at a price that makes you question every other fast-food burger you’ve ever paid $8+ for. The Cajun Fries have a subtle spice that adds character without being overwhelming, and the Hush Puppies at Cook Out are soft, savory, and completely addictive.

The Oreo milkshake ties it together. It’s thick, loaded with real cookie pieces, and sweet enough to work as dessert. Total cost with the milkshake upgrade: around $9. Unbeatable.

Best for: First-timers, burger fans, anyone who wants the full Cookout experience in one order.

2. Spicy Chicken Sandwich + Cheese Fries + Chicken Nuggets + Banana Pudding Shake

This is my personal go-to when I want something with a little more heat. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich at Cookout packs a genuinely good kick — not the mild ‘spicy’ that some chains offer, but real heat that builds. Pair it with Cheese Fries (crispy, with a generous cheese sauce) and Chicken Nuggets as your second side, and you’ve got a satisfyingly indulgent meal.

The Banana Pudding shake is the best on the menu in my opinion. It tastes like the actual Southern dessert — not artificial banana flavouring — and it’s thick enough to eat with a spoon. The sweetness of the shake balances the spice of the sandwich perfectly.

Best for: Spice fans, people who want variety across the whole tray, shake enthusiasts.

3. BBQ Chicken Breast + Coleslaw + Onion Rings + Fresh Brewed Tea

For days when you want something lighter but still satisfying, this combo delivers. Cook Out’s BBQ Chicken Breast is one of the most underrated items on the menu — marinated, char-grilled, and finished with a sweet BBQ sauce that doesn’t overwhelm the natural flavour of the chicken.

Coleslaw at Cookout is house-made and noticeably better than the bagged stuff you get elsewhere. Creamy, slightly tangy, and a good contrast to the BBQ. Onion Rings are crispy and not too greasy. Skip the milkshake upgrade here and go with a large Fresh Brewed Tea to keep the meal feeling balanced. This comes in around 700–750 calories depending on your tea choice.

Best for: Health-conscious customers, people who want protein without a heavy meal.

4. North Carolina BBQ Sandwich + Hush Puppies + Walking Taco + Cheer wine Float

This is the most ‘Southern’ tray you can build at Cook Out, and it’s a must-try at least once. The North Carolina BBQ is slow-cooked pulled pork — the real deal, not a generic BBQ beef patty. It’s smoky, tender, and authentic. Hush Puppies are the natural pairing.

The Walking Taco is an underrated side — Fritos topped with chili, cheese, and sour cream, served in the bag. It sounds weird but it works. And the Cheerwine Float is a rite of passage if you’ve never had one. Cheerwine is a cherry soda native to North Carolina, and the float version with ice cream is one of the most unique things you can order at a fast-food restaurant.

Best for: People who want to try authentic Southern BBQ, first-timers from outside the Southeast.

5. 3 Chicken Strips + Cajun Fries + Corn Dog + Caramel Milkshake

If you’re someone who struggles to pick just one main, this tray gives you variety without complication. Three Chicken Strips are crispy, well-seasoned, and big enough to feel like a proper main. Add a Corn Dog as your second side (yes, Cookout lets you order a corn dog as a side item, which is both absurd and brilliant), and Cajun Fries for the savory base.

The Caramel Milkshake is the sleeper hit of the menu. It’s not as flashy as Oreo or Banana Pudding but it’s consistently excellent — smooth, not too sweet, and a good complement to salty fried food.

Best for: Chicken fans, people who want variety, kids and adults alike.

6. Fish Sandwich + Okra + Onion Rings + Vanilla Milkshake

The Fish Sandwich doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It’s a properly sized piece of breaded fish on a soft bun — not the thin, sad fish fillet you get at some chains. If you’re avoiding red meat or just want something different, this is a solid choice.

Fried Okra is a Southern classic that Cookout does well. Combined with Onion Rings, you get two crunchy, savory sides that complement the fish perfectly. Vanilla milkshake keeps things simple and lets the food speak for itself.

Best for: Seafood fans, people looking for a lighter fast-food option, Southern food curious eaters.

7. BLT Sandwich + White Cheddar Cheese Bites + Chicken Nuggets + Peach Cobbler Shake

The BLT Sandwich is the best budget option in the Cookout lineup at $3.49. Bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted bun — nothing revolutionary, but well executed. It’s a great junior tray main if you want to keep the total price down.

White Cheddar Cheese Bites are a newer addition and absolutely worth trying — crispy breaded bites with a gooey cheddar centre. Chicken Nuggets as the second side keeps things simple. The Peach Cobbler milkshake is the star here: a seasonal-Ish flavour that tastes genuinely like the dessert, with a warm spiced sweetness that’s unlike anything else on the menu.

Best for: Budget-conscious orders, people who want to try the newer menu items, peach cobbler fans.

Final Tips for Ordering

• Always upgrade to a milkshake on the tray — $1.60 for a Cookout shake is one of the best deals in fast food.

• If you want to mix milkshake Flavors, just ask. Most locations are happy to do it.

• The Junior Tray is worth it if you’re not very hungry — same side options, just a smaller main.

• Cookout is open late (most locations until 3–4am). The drive-thru tends to be fastest after midnight.

• Prices shown are approximate for 2026. Exact prices vary slightly by location.