Cracker Barrel is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and country-style meals, but when it comes to nutrition, some of their dishes fall short. We spoke to dietitians and nutrition experts to compile a list of the absolute worst dishes you can order at Cracker Barrel. These meals were evaluated based on calories, sodium, saturated fat, and more. So, if you're watching your blood sugar, concerned about heart health, or simply trying to make healthier choices, here are the dishes you should avoid at Cracker Barrel.
Sunday Homestyle Chicken and French Toast
Chicken and waffles is a classic southern dish, but at Cracker Barrel, the Homestyle Chicken n' French Toast is a nutritional red flag. With a whopping 1,500 calories, 96 grams of fat, and 33 grams of saturated fat, this dish is best consumed in moderation. It also contains a concerning 2,190 milligrams of sodium and 26 grams of sugar. So, while it may be tempting, it's not the healthiest choice on the menu.
Country Fried Shrimp with Hushpuppies and Cocktail Sauce
If you're in the mood for fried shrimp, Cracker Barrel's Country Fried Shrimp is not the best option. This dish comes with hushpuppies, cocktail sauce, and two sides, but it also packs a nutritional punch. With 900 calories, 36 grams of fat, and a staggering 2,140 milligrams of sodium, it's far from a wise choice for those seeking a balanced and healthy meal.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a comfort food favorite, but Cracker Barrel's version is not the healthiest choice. With nearly 3,000 milligrams of sodium and 29 grams of saturated fat, it's best to consume this dish sparingly. If you're watching your sodium intake, this dish is definitely one to avoid.
Country Fried Pickles
While ordering Country Fried Pickles at Cracker Barrel may seem harmless, the nutritional facts tell a different story. These fried pickles alone contain 880 calories, 56 grams of fat, and 3,440 milligrams of sodium. When you add the side of ranch dressing, the numbers increase to 1,070 calories, 76 grams of fat, and 3,860 milligrams of sodium. So, if you're looking for a healthier option, it's best to skip this dish.
Steak n' Egg Hashbrown Casserole
Steak and eggs may be a hearty breakfast choice, but Cracker Barrel's Steak n' Egg Hashbrown Casserole is not the healthiest option. With 1,080 calories, 67 grams of fat, and 2,340 milligrams of sodium, it's a calorically dense dish that doesn't offer much in terms of nutritional value. If you're looking to make healthier dietary decisions, it's best to choose a different breakfast option.
Country Fried Pork Chops
The Country Fried Pork Chops at Cracker Barrel are one of the highest calorie options on the menu. With 1,040 calories and served with two sides and either buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins, the total calories add up fast. While it's okay to indulge once in a while, if you're watching your calorie intake, this dish is best shared or enjoyed sparingly.
Stuffed Cheesecake Pancake Breakfast
The Stuffed Cheesecake Pancake Breakfast is one of the least nutritious menu items at Cracker Barrel. With 73 grams of sugar and a high fat content, it's not the best choice if you're trying to consume fewer calories from sugar. Instead, consider opting for traditional pancakes with a serving of eggs or another protein of choice for a healthier breakfast option.
Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots
The Loaded Hashbrown Casserole Tots may be a popular appetizer, but they're loaded with saturated fat and sodium. It's better to skip the tots and save room for your main meal. If you're looking for a pre-meal snack, consider a cup of chicken noodle soup for a healthier option.
Bacon n' Egg Hashbrown Casserole
The Bacon n' Egg Hashbrown Casserole may seem like a protein-packed breakfast option, but it's not the healthiest choice. With 980 calories and over 1,800 milligrams of sodium, it's best to choose a breakfast sandwich with multigrain bread and a side of fruit for a more balanced meal.
Sunday Homestyle Chicken BLT
The Sunday Homestyle Chicken BLT is one of the least nutritious options on the Cracker Barrel menu. With over half of the recommended daily calories, high fat and sugar content, and excessive sodium, it's not a favorable choice for those watching their cardiac and metabolic health. Consider sharing this meal instead of enjoying it on your own.
The Cracker Barrel Country Boy Breakfast
The Country Boy Breakfast at Cracker Barrel is enough food for three people. With multiple eggs, your choice of meat, fried apples, hashbrown casserole, biscuits with butter and jam, and sawmill gravy, it's a calorie-packed meal that should be avoided if you're looking to make healthier choices.
Southern Fried Chicken
While Southern Fried Chicken is a popular dish at Cracker Barrel, it's also high in calories, fat, and sodium. Without the sides, the chicken alone contains 1,640 calories, 100 grams of fat, and 4,730 milligrams of sodium. Consuming high levels of saturated fat and sodium can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. If you choose to indulge, consider splitting it with a friend and adding some steamed veggies or fresh fruit to the meal.
These are the 12 worst dishes to order at Cracker Barrel, according to dietitians. While it's okay to indulge occasionally, it's important to make informed choices about the food you eat. By avoiding these dishes and opting for healthier options, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel without sacrificing your health.