Cracker Barrel Campfire Meals Review
Taste-testing Cracker Barrel's nostalgic campfire meals and desserts
Cracker Barrel Campfire Meals: A Nostalgic Taste of Summer
For many, summer means camping, bonfires, and foil-wrapped dinners cooked over an open flame. But for those who prefer the comfort of air conditioning and a rocking chair, Cracker Barrel has brought back its beloved Campfire Meals. These seasonal favorites, which haven’t appeared since 2018, are once again available at Cracker Barrel locations across the country. As a food editor and longtime fan of the chain, I had the opportunity to sample all three Campfire Meals and the new skillet desserts. Here’s my honest review, complete with photos and insights.
The Return of Campfire Meals
Cracker Barrel’s Campfire Meals have been a staple of the chain’s seasonal promotions since their debut in 1997. Fans have been clamoring for their return, and the brand has delivered. This year, the menu includes three main dishes: Campfire Chicken, Campfire Beef, and Shrimp Skillet. Each meal is designed to capture the essence of outdoor cooking, with hearty ingredients and a nostalgic flavor profile.
Campfire Chicken: A Mixed Bag
The Campfire Chicken is a half chicken wrapped in foil with carrots, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that give it a smoky, buttery flavor. The vegetables are cooked to perfection, with the potatoes and carrots being particularly soft and flavorful. However, some reviewers found the chicken to be a bit dry and lacking in seasoning. While the overall presentation is appealing, the taste may not live up to expectations for everyone.
- Half chicken with carrots, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes
- Smoky, buttery seasoning
- Vegetables cooked to perfection
- Some reviewers found the chicken dry and lacking in seasoning
Campfire Beef: A Hearty Favorite
The Campfire Beef is a slow-cooked beef dish with savory vegetables and a rich, hearty flavor. The beef is tender and falls off the bone, making it easy to eat. The vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, are cooked in the same foil packet, absorbing the flavors of the beef and the seasoning. This meal is a favorite among those who enjoy a hearty, comforting dinner. The portion size is generous, making it a good choice for those with a big appetite.
- Slow-cooked beef with savory vegetables
- Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef
- Vegetables absorb the flavors of the beef and seasoning
- Generous portion size
Shrimp Skillet: A Summer Twist
The Shrimp Skillet is a new addition to the Campfire Meals lineup, inspired by the classic summertime shrimp boil. The dish features succulent shrimp, corn, and potatoes, all cooked in a flavorful broth. The shrimp are tender and juicy, and the corn and potatoes are soft and buttery. The overall flavor is a mix of smoky, buttery, and slightly sweet, making it a refreshing change from the traditional campfire meals. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers and those looking for a lighter option.
- Succulent shrimp, corn, and potatoes
- Cooked in a flavorful broth
- Tender, juicy shrimp
- Soft, buttery corn and potatoes
- Refreshing, summery flavor
Skillet Desserts: Sweet Endings
Cracker Barrel has also introduced two new skillet desserts to complement the Campfire Meals. The first is a batch of cinnamon rolls, which are warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing. The second is the S’mores Brownie Skillet, a rich chocolate brownie topped with roasted marshmallows and melted Hershey’s chocolate, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Both desserts are indulgent and satisfying, making them a great way to end a meal.
- Cinnamon rolls: warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing
- S’mores Brownie Skillet: rich chocolate brownie, roasted marshmallows, melted Hershey’s chocolate, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce
- Indulgent and satisfying
Overall Ranking and Recommendations
After sampling all three Campfire Meals and the skillet desserts, here’s my overall ranking:
- Shrimp Skillet: The standout dish, with its fresh, summery flavors and tender shrimp.
- Campfire Beef: A hearty, comforting favorite that’s perfect for those who enjoy a substantial meal.
- Campfire Chicken: While the vegetables are excellent, the chicken itself is a bit dry and could use more seasoning.
The skillet desserts are both worth trying, especially the S’mores Brownie Skillet, which is a decadent treat.
Photos and Visuals
Here are some photos of the dishes as they appear online and in real life. The Campfire Chicken and Campfire Beef are presented in foil packets, while the Shrimp Skillet is served in a skillet. The skillet desserts are served warm and look as indulgent as they taste.
FAQs
Are the Campfire Meals available all year round?
No, the Campfire Meals are a seasonal promotion and are only available during the summer months.
Can I order the Campfire Meals for takeout?
Yes, the Campfire Meals are available for takeout, making them a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a campfire-style dinner at home.
Are the skillet desserts available all day?
The S’mores Brownie Skillet is available after 11:00 a.m. for a limited time, while the cinnamon rolls are available throughout the day.
Are the Campfire Meals suitable for vegetarians?
No, the Campfire Meals are not suitable for vegetarians as they contain meat and seafood.
Can I customize the Campfire Meals?
While the Campfire Meals are served as a set, you can request additional sides or substitutions, but the main dish cannot be changed.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s Campfire Meals are a nostalgic and comforting addition to the summer menu. While the Campfire Chicken may not be for everyone, the Campfire Beef and Shrimp Skillet are both excellent choices. The skillet desserts are indulgent and satisfying, making them a great way to end a meal. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor cooking or prefer the comfort of indoor dining, these meals are worth a try.
