Cracker Barrel is famous for its hearty, Southern-style comfort food. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s no shortage of deliciously filling options. However, many of the most popular menu items are loaded with calories, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, making them some of the unhealthiest choices on the menu. If you’re trying to make healthier decisions, here are five Cracker Barrel dishes you might want to steer clear of.
1. Country Boy Breakfast
The Country Boy Breakfast is a heavy hitter on the Cracker Barrel menu, offering a hearty start to your day, but it comes at a major nutritional cost. This massive meal includes three eggs, fried apples, hashbrown casserole, your choice of country ham, pork chops, or steak, plus grits, biscuits, and gravy. Depending on your protein choice, this breakfast can exceed 1,500 calories, 60 grams of fat, and over 3,000 milligrams of sodium, which is more than the recommended daily intake of sodium for most adults.
Why it’s bad for you: The Country Boy Breakfast is essentially a calorie bomb, thanks to the large portions and a mix of fatty meats, buttery sides, and creamy gravy. With such a high sodium content, this meal can easily push you over the daily recommended limit in one sitting, leading to possible blood pressure spikes and water retention. If you’re watching your waistline or your sodium intake, it’s best to avoid this dish or opt for a lighter version.
2. Sunday Homestyle Chicken
Cracker Barrel’s Sunday Homestyle Chicken is a deep-fried, crispy classic that many diners love, but it’s one of the worst choices for your health. The meal consists of two large, breaded, and fried chicken breasts, served with your choice of two country sides and either biscuits or corn muffins. Just the chicken alone contains around 1,200 calories, 60 grams of fat, and over 2,000 milligrams of sodium, not counting the sides.
Why it’s bad for you: The breading and deep-frying process add significant calories and unhealthy fats to this dish, which are high in saturated fats and trans fats that contribute to heart disease. If you add sides like mashed potatoes with gravy or macaroni and cheese, the calorie and fat count can quickly soar even higher. For those trying to maintain a balanced diet or avoid high-fat meals, this option should be avoided or modified for a lighter alternative.
3. Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast
If you think the Country Boy Breakfast is hefty, Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast takes things to a whole new level. This breakfast features a choice of country fried steak or fried chicken tenders smothered in sawmill gravy, paired with eggs, hashbrown casserole, grits, and biscuits (with more gravy). Depending on the protein you choose, this meal can easily top 1,300 calories, with 70 grams of fat and over 2,500 milligrams of sodium.
Why it’s bad for you: Like many Southern comfort foods, this dish is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. The deep-fried steak or chicken, combined with gravy and butter-heavy sides, can overwhelm your daily nutritional limits in a single meal. The saturated fats from the fried foods and gravy can elevate cholesterol levels and negatively impact heart health, making it a poor choice for anyone looking to eat a balanced meal.
4. Macaroni n’ Cheese
Cracker Barrel’s Macaroni n’ Cheese may seem like a simple side dish, but it’s surprisingly calorie-dense and unhealthy. A single serving of this classic comfort food contains over 500 calories, 30 grams of fat, and a hefty amount of sodium due to its rich cheese sauce and butter-heavy preparation. The creamy texture and indulgent flavors come at a significant nutritional cost.
Why it’s bad for you: While comforting, the high calorie, fat, and sodium content make this side dish more of a heavy indulgence than a healthy addition to your meal. The saturated fat found in the cheese sauce and butter contributes to weight gain and can increase your risk of heart disease. If you’re looking to enjoy Cracker Barrel’s sides, consider lighter options like steamed vegetables or fresh fruit instead.
5. Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
If you’re craving something sweet to end your meal, the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake might be calling your name. This rich dessert, while delicious, is packed with sugar and fat. A single slice contains over 800 calories, 40 grams of fat, and a staggering 90 grams of sugar. If you add ice cream to this treat, the calorie count can easily exceed 1,000 calories.
Why it’s bad for you: The extreme amount of sugar and fat in this cake makes it one of the least healthy desserts on the menu. The high sugar content can contribute to weight gain, spikes in blood sugar, and an increased risk of diabetes. Plus, the saturated fat in the cake and frosting can contribute to heart disease when eaten regularly. While it’s fine to treat yourself occasionally, this is certainly not a dessert you should make a regular part of your diet.
The Bottom Line
While Cracker Barrel offers a variety of delicious dishes that may bring comfort and nostalgia, many of their most popular menu items are not the best choice for those seeking to maintain a healthy diet. Meals like the Country Boy Breakfast, Sunday Homestyle Chicken, and Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast are loaded with calories, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium. Likewise, sides like the Macaroni n’ Cheese and desserts like the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake should be enjoyed sparingly, as they pack in excessive sugar and fat.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, consider choosing lighter options like grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, or a salad with dressing on the side. Moderation is key when enjoying Southern comfort food, but knowing which menu items to avoid will help you make smarter choices while dining at Cracker Barrel.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
