Every Cracker Barrel Side Dish, Ranked and Reviewed
Explore all 25 Cracker Barrel side dishes in ranked order, from overlooked veggies to Southern comfort food classics.
Every Cracker Barrel Side Dish, Ranked & Reviewed
Few roadside restaurants have become as iconic as Cracker Barrel. Known for Southern-inspired comfort food and a menu filled with Americana, Cracker Barrel’s sides are more than just meal accents—they are a point of pride and nostalgia. With a selection of over two dozen homey, humble, and sometimes surprising side dishes, deciding which to order is a rite of passage for fans. We bring you a definitive ranking and review of every single Cracker Barrel side, from bland veggies to fried, fluffy favorites. Consider this your go-to guide for building the perfect meal.
How We Ranked the Sides
- Taste & Satisfaction: Did it evoke homemade comfort or cafeteria letdown?
- Texture: Is it crispy where it should be, or too mushy to enjoy?
- Flavor Balance: Does it stand out on its own or get lost on the plate?
- Pairing Potential: How well does it complement Cracker Barrel’s entrées?
Cracker Barrel Side Dishes Ranked: From Worst to Best
25. Broccoli
Verdict: Steamed within an inch of its life, broccoli is the obligatory healthy option but lacks the seasoning or flair to make you want seconds. It’s a vitamin delivery system, not a comfort-food staple.
24. Green Beans
Despite being a classic Southern side, these green beans are often soft and salty but can come off limp or even canned in taste. While some enjoy the nostalgic flavor, others find them underwhelming.
23. Fresh Fruit
Cracker Barrel’s fruit is a rotating cast, usually featuring cantaloupe, grapes, pineapple, and berries. It’s reliably fresh but lacks the Southern spin or excitement found with other menu items.
22. Carrots
Overcooked and overly sweetened, the carrots have a soft, somewhat unpleasant texture that appeals mostly to fans of sweet, simple vegetable preparations. They’re nostalgic but lack depth.
21. Corn
Corn should be sweet and crisp, but at Cracker Barrel, it sometimes arrives watery, tasting either bland or oddly reminiscent of canned kernels. It’s passable, especially with butter and salt, but not a standout.
20. Steak Fries
Steak fries are chunky cuts of potato—golden, starchy, and capable of soaking up ketchup or gravy. When fresh, they’re crowd-pleasing; when limp or undercooked, their appeal fades quickly.
19. Dumplins
This old-fashioned chicken-and-dumplins side delivers nostalgia more than excitement: tender dough in a thick sauce, but occasionally veers toward being too pale or gluey for some tastes.
18. Turnip Greens
Love them or leave them: turnip greens are distinctly earthy and sometimes bitter, often stewed soft with bacon or ham. Devotees appreciate their authenticity, but newbies may find them too pungent.
17. Fried Apples
This sweet staple features soft apple slices cooked with cinnamon and sugar. While devotees adore their pie-like flavor, the side can sometimes be a bit too syrupy for those expecting something fresh and tart.
16. Fresh Broccoli (Alternative Listing)
Some menus list both steamed and fresh broccoli. While marginally more appealing than the overcooked version, it’s still a utilitarian vegetable side with limited wow-factor.
15. Coleslaw
Always reliable, coleslaw at Cracker Barrel is tangy, cool, and crisp. It balances heavier entrées but tends to be basic in flavor, lacking the homemade zing of a from-scratch recipe.
14. Mashed Potatoes
These creamy, classic mashed potatoes deliver comfort, with or without homestyle gravy. While the texture is generally smooth, some find them a tad bland unless paired with a meaty main.
13. Vegetable Soup
Hearty and warming, Cracker Barrel’s vegetable soup is a classic, stocked with chunks of vegetables and a savory broth. Although not groundbreaking, it’s a wholesome option for colder days.
12. Pinto Beans
This Southern staple is slow-simmered and savory, often with a smoky undertone from bits of ham. Pinto beans pair beautifully with cornbread but may be too subtle in flavor for some.
11. Macaroni n’ Cheese
Rich and comforting, macaroni n’ cheese is a Cracker Barrel favorite. It’s gooey, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing, though occasionally it lands on the milder side of the flavor spectrum.
The Top 10 Cracker Barrel Sides
10. Corn Muffins
Fluffy, warm, and subtly sweet, corn muffins are soulful with a coarse crumb and real corn flavor. The savory, slightly gritty texture outshines many biscuits and makes a perfect match for beans or soup.
9. Hashbrown Casserole Tots
These bite-sized spins on the classic are crispy on the outside and tender within. Hashbrown casserole tots combine nostalgic hashbrowns with snackable fun, making them a hit for all ages.
8. Fried Okra
Cracker Barrel’s fried okra is crisp, snappy, and avoids the dreaded sliminess that can plague this vegetable. Lightly breaded, they’re golden bites that disappear fast.
7. Loaded Baked Potato
With a classic combination of bacon, cheese, chives, and a dollop of sour cream, the loaded baked potato is comforting and hearty. While it can sometimes feel a bit standard, when fresh and fully loaded, it hits the spot.
6. Loaded Sweet Potato
This fan-favorite features a fresh-baked sweet potato piled high with brown sugar-cinnamon butter, toasted marshmallow, and candied pecans. Loaded sweet potato offers the ideal blend of sweet and savory—a decadent side worth the extra calories.
5. Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Loaded versions of the classic mashed potatoes are topped with cheese, bacon bits, and chives—a creamy, indulgent twist that transforms a staple into a craveable treat.
4. Pancakes (Premium Side)
Yes, pancakes are now available as a side! Their fluffy, buttery goodness offers a unique touch, pairing especially well with fried chicken or breakfast-for-dinner plates.
3. Bacon Mac and Cheese
Bacon mac and cheese marries a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon in a dish that’s both kid-approved and a guilty pleasure for grown-ups.
2. Hashbrown Casserole
The cult classic hashbrown casserole is iconic for a reason. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting with a slightly crispy top. It’s a must-order for breakfast—and every other meal.
1. Biscuits
No Cracker Barrel meal is complete without their flaky, buttermilk biscuits. Served warm, sometimes with honey or jam, they’re the most beloved side for good reason—pillowy, rich, and timeless.
Table: Top 10 Cracker Barrel Sides
| Rank | Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biscuits | Fluffy, rich, and a staple for every meal. |
| 2 | Hashbrown Casserole | Creamy, cheesy, and iconic with a crispy top. |
| 3 | Bacon Mac and Cheese | Cheesy pasta with crispy bacon bits. |
| 4 | Pancakes (Premium Side) | Fluffy, buttery, and nostalgic—a unique addition. |
| 5 | Loaded Mashed Potatoes | Mash topped with cheese, bacon, chives. |
| 6 | Loaded Sweet Potato | Baked with brown sugar, marshmallow, and pecans. |
| 7 | Loaded Baked Potato | Bacon, cheese, chives, and sour cream. |
| 8 | Fried Okra | Light breading, crispy, and never slimy. |
| 9 | Hashbrown Casserole Tots | Snackable, crispy potato bites. |
| 10 | Corn Muffins | Hearty, slightly sweet cornbread with true corn flavor. |
Honorable Mentions and Sides to Skip
- Pinto Beans: Wonderfully authentic, especially when paired with corn muffins.
- Coleslaw: Reliable but nothing to write home about. A solid palate cleanser.
- Fried Apples: Great as a treat, but very sweet and best enjoyed with something savory.
Tips for Ordering the Best Sides at Cracker Barrel
- Pair biscuits or corn muffins with gravies, beans, and soups for the classic Southern experience.
- If you crave crispy textures, go for fried okra, hashbrown casserole tots, or steak fries.
- Opt for loaded versions of potatoes if you want more flavor and indulgence.
- Balance out heavy mains with coleslaw or fresh fruit for a lighter touch.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cracker Barrel Sides
Q: What are the most popular sides at Cracker Barrel?
A: The most beloved include biscuits, hashbrown casserole, fried okra, macaroni n’ cheese, and loaded potatoes. Hashbrown casserole especially has a cult following among fans.
Q: Can I substitute any side with my meal?
A: Yes, most entrees allow you to choose from the wide range of sides. For a slight upcharge, premium sides like loaded potatoes, pancakes, or bacon mac and cheese are available.
Q: Are there vegetarian-friendly side options?
A: Absolutely. Options like macaroni n’ cheese, hashbrown casserole, fried apples, and most vegetables are suitable for vegetarians. Always confirm with your local restaurant, as preparation may vary.
Q: Which sides are considered ‘premium’?
A: Loaded baked potato, loaded mashed potatoes, hashbrown casserole tots, loaded sweet potato, pancakes, and bacon mac and cheese typically fall under ‘premium’ and incur a slight extra charge.
Q: What side dish best represents Southern comfort food?
A: The biscuits and hashbrown casserole are classic representations of Southern comfort, both hearty and made with love according to tradition.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have a soft spot for nostalgia or crave a new comfort food favorite, Cracker Barrel’s sides offer a cross-section of Southern dining—cozy, filling, and always crowd-pleasing. Use this ranking next time you sit down at those checker-cloth tables and build a plate that feels like home, wherever your travels take you.
References
- https://blog.crackerbarrel.com/the-top-20-most-popular-cracker-barrel-side-dishes/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-all-cracker-barrel-sides-best-and-worst-review-photos-2024-1
- https://www.mashed.com/1418191/cracker-barrel-side-dishes-ranked-worst-best/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS3_N7aQH0Q
- https://www.purewow.com/food/cracker-barrel-sides-ranked
- https://www.purewow.com/food/cracker-barrel-fall-menu
- https://www.tastingtable.com/1994322/cracker-barrel-entrees-ranked-worst-best/
- https://blog.crackerbarrel.com/top-10-most-popular-cracker-barrel-menu-items/
