Cracker Barrel is a beloved American chain of restaurants and gift stores that has been serving up classic Southern comfort food for decades. With its cozy atmosphere and extensive menu, it’s no wonder why Cracker Barrel has become a staple for many families and travelers alike. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what to order. In this article, we’ll delve into the dishes you should avoid ordering at Cracker Barrel, and provide you with some valuable insights to help you make the most of your dining experience.
Introduction to Cracker Barrel’s Menu
Before we dive into the dishes to avoid, let’s take a look at Cracker Barrel’s menu. The restaurant is known for its traditional Southern cuisine, which includes a wide range of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. From classic favorites like biscuits and gravy, to more unique options like chicken and dumplings, there’s something for everyone at Cracker Barrel. However, with so many options, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and order something that doesn’t quite live up to your expectations.
Breakfast Items to Avoid
When it comes to breakfast, Cracker Barrel has a lot to offer. From fluffy pancakes and waffles, to hearty omelets and breakfast meats, the options are endless. However, there are a few breakfast items that you should avoid ordering. The Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast is one such item. While it may sound appealing, this dish is essentially just a bunch of fried foods thrown together on a plate. The country fried steak is often overcooked, and the scrambled eggs can be dry and flavorless. Unless you’re a big fan of fried foods, it’s best to avoid this dish altogether.
A Better Alternative
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast dish, consider opting for The Momma’s Pancake Breakfast instead. This dish comes with two pancakes, two eggs, and your choice of bacon or sausage. The pancakes are always fluffy and delicious, and the eggs are cooked to perfection. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a classic combination like bacon and eggs.
Lunch and Dinner Items to Avoid
While Cracker Barrel’s breakfast menu is certainly impressive, the lunch and dinner options are where things can get a bit tricky. With so many sandwiches, salads, and entrees to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, there are a few items that you should avoid ordering at all costs. The Chicken Pot Pie is one such item. While it may sound comforting, this dish is often dry and flavorless. The chicken can be overcooked, and the vegetables are often soggy and unappetizing.
Avoiding Disappointing Sides
In addition to avoiding certain entrees, there are also some sides that you should steer clear of. The Fried Okra is one such side. While it may sound crispy and delicious, this side is often greasy and overpowering. The okra can be soggy and unappetizing, and the breading can be too heavy-handed. Unless you’re a big fan of fried foods, it’s best to avoid this side altogether.
A Better Side Option
If you’re looking for a tasty side dish, consider opting for The Hashbrown Casserole instead. This dish is a classic Cracker Barrel favorite, and for good reason. The hashbrowns are always crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted to perfection. Plus, this side is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your meal.
Desserts to Avoid
No meal is complete without dessert, and Cracker Barrel has a wide range of sweet treats to choose from. However, there are a few desserts that you should avoid ordering. The Peach Cobbler is one such dessert. While it may sound delicious, this dessert is often too sweet and overpowering. The peaches can be canned and flavorless, and the cobbler topping can be too dense and heavy-handed.
A Better Dessert Option
If you’re looking for a delicious dessert, consider opting for The Pecan Pie instead. This dessert is a classic Cracker Barrel favorite, and for good reason. The pecans are always fresh and flavorful, and the filling is rich and creamy. Plus, this dessert is a great way to cap off your meal with a sweet and satisfying treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Cracker Barrel has a lot to offer, there are certainly some dishes that you should avoid ordering. From the Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast to the Chicken Pot Pie, there are plenty of options that just don’t live up to the hype. However, by avoiding these dishes and opting for some of the better alternatives, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal at Cracker Barrel. So next time you’re at the restaurant, be sure to steer clear of these dishes and try something new instead. Your taste buds will thank you.
| Dish | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast | Overcooked country fried steak, dry scrambled eggs |
| Chicken Pot Pie | Dry and flavorless filling, soggy vegetables |
| Fried Okra | Greasy and overpowering, soggy okra |
| Peach Cobbler | Too sweet and overpowering, canned peaches |
By following these tips and avoiding these dishes, you can have a great dining experience at Cracker Barrel. Remember to always opt for the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to try something new. With a little bit of knowledge and planning, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal at Cracker Barrel.
What types of food should I avoid ordering at Cracker Barrel due to high calorie counts?
When it comes to avoiding high-calorie foods at Cracker Barrel, there are several options that you should limit or avoid altogether. The chain’s breakfast items, such as the Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast, can be particularly calorie-dense, with some dishes exceeding 1,000 calories per serving. Additionally, many of the restaurant’s sandwiches and burgers are high in calories, fat, and sodium, making them less-than-ideal choices for health-conscious diners. It’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes and nutritional content when ordering at Cracker Barrel to make informed decisions about your meal.
To make healthier choices at Cracker Barrel, consider opting for smaller portions or selecting items from the menu that are lower in calories and fat. The chain offers several lighter options, such as grilled chicken or fish, that can be paired with healthier sides like steamed vegetables or a side salad. By being aware of the nutritional content of your meal and making a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a satisfying and relatively healthy meal at Cracker Barrel without overdoing it on calories. Be sure to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making healthier choices.
Are there any menu items at Cracker Barrel that I should avoid due to high sodium content?
Yes, many menu items at Cracker Barrel are high in sodium, which can be a concern for diners with high blood pressure or other heart health issues. Some of the chain’s most sodium-rich options include the Chicken ‘n’ Dumplins, the Meatloaf, and the Hashbrown Casserole, all of which contain over 1,000mg of sodium per serving. Additionally, many of the restaurant’s soups and stews are high in sodium, so it’s essential to check the nutrition information before ordering. If you’re watching your sodium intake, it’s crucial to be mindful of these high-sodium options and choose alternative menu items that are lower in salt.
To reduce your sodium intake at Cracker Barrel, consider selecting menu items that are naturally lower in sodium, such as grilled meats or vegetables. You can also ask your server for modifications, such as holding the salt or using herbs and spices for flavor instead. Additionally, be aware of the sodium content of condiments and sauces, which can add significant amounts of salt to your meal. By being mindful of sodium content and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel that is lower in sodium and better for your overall health. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making lower-sodium choices.
Can I avoid ordering foods high in added sugars at Cracker Barrel?
Yes, it is possible to avoid ordering foods high in added sugars at Cracker Barrel, but it requires some careful menu planning. Many of the chain’s desserts, such as the Pecan Pie and the Apple Pie, are high in added sugars, with some containing over 50 grams of sugar per serving. Additionally, some of the restaurant’s breakfast items, such as the Pancakes and the French Toast, contain significant amounts of added sugar. To avoid these high-sugar options, consider selecting menu items that are naturally lower in sugar, such as eggs, meats, and vegetables.
To make lower-sugar choices at Cracker Barrel, be sure to check the nutrition information for each menu item and opt for items that are lower in added sugars. You can also ask your server for modifications, such as holding the syrup or honey, or selecting fruit as a side instead of a sugary dessert. Additionally, consider choosing smaller portions or sharing a dessert with a friend to reduce your overall sugar intake. By being mindful of added sugars and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel that is lower in sugar and better for your overall health. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making lower-sugar choices.
Are there any menu items at Cracker Barrel that I should avoid due to high saturated fat content?
Yes, many menu items at Cracker Barrel are high in saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. Some of the chain’s most saturated fat-rich options include the Biscuit ‘n’ Gravy, the Country Fried Steak, and the Chicken ‘n’ Dumplins, all of which contain significant amounts of saturated fat. Additionally, many of the restaurant’s sides, such as the Hashbrown Casserole and the Fried Okra, are high in saturated fat, so it’s essential to check the nutrition information before ordering. If you’re watching your saturated fat intake, it’s crucial to be mindful of these high-fat options and choose alternative menu items that are lower in saturated fat.
To reduce your saturated fat intake at Cracker Barrel, consider selecting menu items that are naturally lower in saturated fat, such as grilled meats or vegetables. You can also ask your server for modifications, such as holding the gravy or using a smaller amount of oil for cooking. Additionally, be aware of the saturated fat content of condiments and sauces, which can add significant amounts of saturated fat to your meal. By being mindful of saturated fat content and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel that is lower in saturated fat and better for your overall health. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making lower-fat choices.
Can I avoid ordering foods high in cholesterol at Cracker Barrel?
Yes, it is possible to avoid ordering foods high in cholesterol at Cracker Barrel, but it requires some careful menu planning. Many of the chain’s breakfast items, such as the Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast, are high in cholesterol, with some containing over 200mg of cholesterol per serving. Additionally, some of the restaurant’s meats, such as the Country Fried Steak and the Meatloaf, are high in cholesterol, so it’s essential to check the nutrition information before ordering. To avoid these high-cholesterol options, consider selecting menu items that are naturally lower in cholesterol, such as grilled chicken or fish.
To make lower-cholesterol choices at Cracker Barrel, be sure to check the nutrition information for each menu item and opt for items that are lower in cholesterol. You can also ask your server for modifications, such as holding the eggs or using a smaller amount of cheese, or selecting a side salad instead of a high-cholesterol side dish. Additionally, consider choosing smaller portions or sharing a meal with a friend to reduce your overall cholesterol intake. By being mindful of cholesterol content and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel that is lower in cholesterol and better for your overall health. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making lower-cholesterol choices.
Are there any menu items at Cracker Barrel that I should avoid due to high carbohydrate content?
Yes, many menu items at Cracker Barrel are high in carbohydrates, which can be a concern for diners with diabetes or those who are watching their carb intake. Some of the chain’s most carb-rich options include the Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy, the Pancakes, and the Hashbrown Casserole, all of which contain significant amounts of carbohydrates. Additionally, many of the restaurant’s sides, such as the Fried Apples and the Cornbread Dressing, are high in carbohydrates, so it’s essential to check the nutrition information before ordering. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, it’s crucial to be mindful of these high-carb options and choose alternative menu items that are lower in carbohydrates.
To reduce your carbohydrate intake at Cracker Barrel, consider selecting menu items that are naturally lower in carbohydrates, such as grilled meats or vegetables. You can also ask your server for modifications, such as holding the biscuits or using a smaller amount of gravy, or selecting a side salad instead of a high-carb side dish. Additionally, be aware of the carbohydrate content of condiments and sauces, which can add significant amounts of carbohydrates to your meal. By being mindful of carbohydrate content and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel that is lower in carbohydrates and better for your overall health. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making lower-carb choices.
Can I avoid ordering foods high in trans fats at Cracker Barrel?
Yes, it is possible to avoid ordering foods high in trans fats at Cracker Barrel, as the chain has made efforts to reduce the amount of trans fats in their menu items. However, some menu items may still contain small amounts of trans fats, so it’s essential to check the nutrition information before ordering. Some of the chain’s fried foods, such as the Fried Chicken Tenders and the Fried Okra, may contain trans fats, so it’s crucial to be mindful of these options and choose alternative menu items that are lower in trans fats. To avoid these high-trans fat options, consider selecting menu items that are naturally lower in trans fats, such as grilled meats or vegetables.
To make lower-trans fat choices at Cracker Barrel, be sure to check the nutrition information for each menu item and opt for items that are lower in trans fats. You can also ask your server for modifications, such as holding the fried foods or using a smaller amount of oil for cooking, or selecting a side salad instead of a high-trans fat side dish. Additionally, consider choosing smaller portions or sharing a meal with a friend to reduce your overall trans fat intake. By being mindful of trans fat content and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel that is lower in trans fats and better for your overall health. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s nutrition information online or ask your server for guidance on making lower-trans fat choices.