Close your eyes and imagine the smoky aroma of sizzling burgers on the grill, the crunch of crispy fries, and the sweet creamy bliss of a handmade milkshake. For over 50 years, Cook Out has built a cult following turning these classic cookout cravings into an all American fast food phenomenon.
This guide will explore all the festive eats and treats that have made Cook Out’s menu a backyard barbecue bash for every meal.
What Makes the Perfect Cookout Menu?
While grilled hotdogs and hamburgers may come to mind first, the Cook Out menu stretches beyond the basics with chicken, plant-based options, dozens of milkshake flavors, and sides perfect for sharing.
Their commitment to big flavor and good times on a budget has allowed Cook Out to expand to over 280 locations across 10 states, with new outposts opening all the time. Read on to discover the full CookOut lineup from old fashioned hand-pattied burgers to Dreamsicle shakes.
Grill Master’s Choice: Best BBQ and Grilling Recipes
The Cook Out kitchen grills up fresh never-frozen beef burgers to order and seasons them with just a touch of salt and pepper letting the quality of ingredients shine. For those liking some spice, try the spicy chicken topped with pickled jalapeños.
More adventurous diners can sample limited-time and regionally inspired specials when available, often featuring trendy flavors like Sriracha mayo, ghost pepper relish, or habanero queso sauce.
And for the plant-based fans, the veggie burger with grilled onions and mushrooms satisfies. With Cook Out’s dedication to authentic cookout flavor, meatless never means tasteless.
Delicious and Easy Burger Variations
While the straight-up hamburger remains a top seller, Cook Out menu reveals it doesn’t stop there. Adventurous burger lovers can explore stacked varieties like:
- The Big Double Burger with two patties and melted American cheese
- The Char-Grill Chicken sandwich with Swiss cheese and honey mustard
- The Texan Burger featuring bacon and pico de gallo
Customize your sandwich further by adding extras like chili, slaw, cheese sauce, ranch and more to menu items. Or keep it simple with ketchup and mustard (or try their signature spicy ketchup!).
Cookout Menu Shakes: Classic To Adventurous
No cookout meal feels complete without something cold and sweet alongside the savory. That’s where Cook Out’s nearly 40 flavors of hand-dipped shakes come in.
Expect classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and Oreo cookies & cream. Then venture into new taste bud territory with rotating creations like Brownie Blast, Limeade, Dreamsicle, Banana Pudding and seasonal Pumpkin Spice.
With these indulgent shakes plus Cheerwine and fruit punch floats on tap, the only challenge is deciding on just one refreshingly cool treat!
Cookout Sauces: Adding More Flavor to Every Bite
Just as plentiful as the shakes are Cook Out’s wide variety of signature sauces for topping and dipping. Ketchup and mustard seem almost boring with choices like:
- Spicy Fry Sauce with a kick of heat
- Zesty Barbeque Sauce loaded with tangy tomato flavor
- Ranch, Honey Mustard, and Hickory Sauce
And new flavors emerge all the time like the sweet and spicy Thai Sauce. Feel free to grab extra condiments to try while you wait in line or to take home.
Cookout Lunch Menu: Fuel Up With Fan Favorites
Lunchtime often calls for quick and satisfying options to power through the rest of the day. That’s why Cookout restaurant specially highlights their most convenient drive-thru fare as the “Lunch Menu”. Expect all the classics like burgers and hot dogs joined be quicker bites like:
- Corn Dogs – hand dipped and fried crispy
- Chicken Tenders – choose from 3 or 5 juicy tenderloins
- Chicken Quesadilla – stuffed with melted cheddar jack
Items from the regular menu also make speedy choices. Polish off a bacon wrap burger or Cajun chicken sandwich in minutes flat. With lone Cook Out cues moving fast, these filling yet portable picks prove perfect for grabbing lunch on the go.
Cookout Dessert Menu: Sweet Treats To Share
Every backyard bash needs a sweet final course; Cookout provides plenty of options. Of course 50+ dreamy shake flavors hold court and get even better whipped up into a concrete mixer with crumbled candy or cake blended in.
Giant 24 ounce shakes mean plenty to pass around among friends. But for those craving even more decadence, there’s the Cheerwine Float Cake Shake – three huge scoops of ice cream blended with Cheerwine soda and yellow snack cake.
Other sugary menu treats include old-fashioned banana pudding, fried Oreo cookies, and pecan log or apple fruit pies to give that comforting homemade feel.
Cookout Beverage Menu: Signature Drinks
Such bountiful eats require something refreshing to wash it all down.Look no further than Cook Out’s fountain which spotlights their iconic Cheerwine soda.
This bubbly cherry flavored beverage stirs up smiles across the South as the perfect accompaniment to salty, smoky BBQ flavor. Enjoy Cheerwine as a float or the star of the Milky Cheerwine shake.
Beyond the sweet cherry soda, typical fast food fountain drinks and lemonade round out the roster. But don’t discount creative milkshake innovations as ways to quench thirst too!
The Art of the Perfect Cookout Chicken
Fried chicken may rule the roost at Cook Out, but grilled chicken plays an important role in balancing flavorful healthier options. Expect chargrilled chicken breast seasoned with signature spices as a main dish or chopped up in items like the BBQ sandwich or Cheesy Chicken Wrap.
For those craving crunch, try the Chicken Tender Plate, Crispy Chicken Sandwich or 3 Piece Crispy Chicken Strips meal. Each choice comes classic Southern-style battered and fried to crispy edge. Buttermilk Ranch dipping sauce cools the heat.
Innovative Vegetarian Options for the Grill
Just because burgers take center stage doesn’t mean non-meat eaters go hungry at Cook Out. Explore satisfying plant-based picks like:
- The Veggie Plate with hummus and veggies
- Veggie or Black Bean Burger topped with grilled onions and mushrooms
- Bad A** Veggie Burrito rolled with rice, cheese, beans and pico
- Loaded Veggie Wrap stuffed with a creamy medley
With so many veggie loaded sides already like mac and cheese, hush puppies, onion rings and corn nuggets to mix and match, carbless comfort feels only an order away even for herbivores.
Sides to Complement Your Cookout: From Slaw to Fries
No Southern-style cookout feels complete without piping hot sides adding extra flavor, crunch and fun to every meal. Cook Out delivers regional specialties like corn dogs, hush puppies, mac and cheese bites, fried okra and hearty Brunswick stew.
Of course their signature crinkle cut fries hold court hot and salty as the perfect vehicle for dressings and dips. Add crispy onion rings, sweet potato fries, fried pickles and zesty slaw to round out your meal. Fire roasted veggie skewers also impart hearty yet healthy substance when you need an extra serving of greens.
Refreshingly Different Cookout Beverage Options
Any cookout menu must consider fine beverage pairings to wash down the meal. We’ve covered Cook Out’s amazing array of milkshake flavors, but customers also love:
- Cheerwine Float – bubbly cherry Cheerwine soda
- Fruit Smoothies – ranch, strawberry banana, piña colada
- Sweet Tea, Fresh Brewed Tea – quintessential Southern drinks
- Mello Yello, Minute Maid – soda fountain staples
Kids’ Favorites: Ensuring the Little Ones are Happy
Not leaving younger guests out of the fun, Cook Out offers a bargain Kids Meal Menu with six entrees to choose from plus drink and side all for around $4. Selections range from mini corn dogs to grilled cheese and crispy chicken bites sized just right for little tummies. Fried apple pies and dirt sundaes round out the offerings with something sweet. Customizations add to the appeal – want just applesauce instead of fries? No problem!
Desserts: Ending Your Cookout Meal on a Sweet Note
Hopefully you’ve saved room for dessert after feasting because Cook Out dishes up fried indulgences like Oreo cookies and banana pudding everyone craves. Have a bigger group or celebrating something special? Grab a Half Gallon (serves 10) of your favorite shake. And nothing says backyard bash treat like passing around rich slices of Cheerwine float cake or fruit pies.
What are some kid-friendly cookout menu ideas?
Kid-friendly cookout menu ideas include:
- Mini Burgers or Sliders: Perfectly sized for little hands.
- Grilled Hot Dogs: A classic favorite among children.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Easy and always a hit.
- Fruit Kebabs: Fun to eat and healthy.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A comforting side that kids love.
What are some easy & quick cookout dessert ideas?
Easy and quick dessert ideas for a cookout include:
- Grilled Fruit Skewers: Pineapple, peaches, and watermelon grill beautifully.
- S’mores: A classic and beloved campfire treat that’s simple to make.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a selection of ice creams with various toppings.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing and healthy option that’s quick to prepare.
- Cupcakes or Brownies: Bake ahead for hassle-free serving.
What are some must-try grill recipes for my next cookout?
For your next cookout, consider these must-try grill recipes:
- Classic BBQ Chicken: Marinate with your favorite BBQ sauce and grill to perfection.
- Chipotle-Marinated Steaks: Infuse steaks with a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Grilled Veggie Platter: Include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus.
- Cedar Plank Salmon: Grill salmon on a cedar plank for a smoky, flavorful twist.
- Grilled Corn with Herb Butter: A simple yet delicious side that’s always a hit.
Cookout Ordering and Delivery: Planning Your Ideal Menu
With so many locations across 10 states including fast-growing spots in Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia, chances are you’ll find a Cook Out within convenient burger grilling distance. Ordering proves easy whether at the drive-thru speaker or online for pickup through CookOutOwnsTheNight.com.
Third party services like DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats also deliver heaping trays, sacks and shakes to your door in many regions. So skip the backyard cleanup and let Cook Out prepare a complete down home cookout feast for any occasion morning, noon or late night!
FAQs
How can I make my cookout menu stand out?
To make your cookout menu stand out, focus on a mix of traditional favorites and creative twists. Experiment with global flavors and marinades for meats, offer a variety of vegetarian options like grilled tofu or veggie skewers, and introduce unique sides that complement the main dishes. Don’t forget to add a personal touch, like a signature sauce or a family recipe. Presentation also plays a key role – serve your dishes in an appealing and eye-catching manner.
How can online ordering and delivery simplify my cookout planning?
Online ordering and delivery can greatly simplify cookout planning by saving time and reducing stress. You can order bulk supplies, pre-marinated meats, ready-to-grill items, and even complete meal kits from various services. This convenience allows you to focus more on hosting and less on shopping and preparation.
How can I incorporate seasonal ingredients into my cookout menu?
Incorporating seasonal ingredients means selecting fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are fresh and at their peak during the season. For summer, think fresh berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet corn. Use these in salads, as toppings for burgers, or as part of your grilled dishes. Seasonal ingredients not only add freshness and flavor but also support local agriculture.
How do I cater to vegetarian guests at a cookout?
Catering to vegetarian guests involves offering a variety of plant-based options. Include dishes like grilled tofu steaks, veggie burgers, grilled vegetable skewers, and salads loaded with fresh ingredients. Consider also offering dairy-free or vegan options, like vegan mayo or cheese, to accommodate all dietary preferences.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up our exploration of creating an unforgettable cookout menu, let’s revisit the key elements that make your outdoor dining experience both delightful and convenient. Whether you’re planning a summer dinner in your backyard or a large gathering at a park, the essence of a great cookout lies in the variety and quality of the food, coupled with the ease of preparation and service.
