Cracker Barrel Kicks-Off 2026 with New Winter Menu

Cracker Barrel Unveils Winter Menu: Classics Return as New Items Join the Lineup

In a move designed to deliver comfort and value during the cold months, Cracker Barrel is rolling out a winter menu that brings back fan favorites while adding new crowd-pleasers. The brand also touts a new Meals For Two option, offering an all-included meal pair for a friendly price.

Hamburger Steak Returns to the lineup

The iconic Hamburger Steak, a staple sence Cracker Barrel’s early days, is back this winter. The dish features a seasoned beef patty cloaked in a savory garlic butter sauce and accompanied by a choice of two or three classic sides. Diners can opt to smother it with onions and brown gravy for a traditional Southern experience.

Eggs in The Basket Returns

Eggs in The Basket, a nostalgic breakfast favorite, is back on the menu. It showcases two slices of sourdough bread grilled to a golden brown with an egg centered in the middle, served with bacon or sausage and a standard side. Company leadership framed the return as part of a broader winter revival of beloved classics.

The Breakfast Burger debuts to Fan Acclaim

the Breakfast Burger, launched during the holiday season, has become a standout. It pairs a juicy beef patty with crispy bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, melted American cheese, and Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole on a toasted bun.

Southern BBQ Ribs Return

Also back on the winter menu are Southern BBQ ribs. These slow-cooked ribs are finished with a tangy, sweet brown sugar barbecue sauce and come with a choice of two or three traditional sides, plus buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.

grandma’s Sampler Keeps Breakfast Classics Alive

Grandma’s sampler remains a hearty option, offering a choice of two buttermilk pancakes or two slices of french toast, plus two eggs, bacon, sausage, sugar-cured or country ham, and a classic side. The platter is served with Cracker Barrel’s signature butter and syrup.

Steak & Eggs Satisfies Morning Cravings

The Steak & Eggs plate features a grilled New York strip steak topped with a garlic butter sauce,paired with two eggs,a traditional side,and warm buttermilk biscuits,delivering a robust morning choice.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole is Back with a Spicy Twist

The Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes a return, offering broccoli and rice in a rich cheese sauce topped with crushed crackers. A new Spicy Maple sauce debuts alongside the classic dish, bringing a bold, warm flavour twist to this comforting staple.

Winter Menu Highlights at a Glance

Item	What It Is	notable Twist	Availability
Hamburger Steak	Seasoned beef with garlic butter sauce	Smothered option with onions and gravy	Winter menu
Eggs in The basket	Egg-centered on sourdough with sides	Returning fan-favorite	Winter menu
The Breakfast Burger	All-beef patty, bacon, egg, cheese, Hashbrown Casserole	New holiday favorite continue	Winter menu
Southern BBQ Ribs	Slow-cooked ribs with BBQ sauce	Two or three sides, biscuits or corn muffins	Winter menu
Grandma’s Sampler	Pancakes or French toast with eggs and meats	Classic breakfast assortment	winter menu
Steak & Eggs	Grilled NY strip with garlic butter, eggs	Pairs with a classic side	Winter menu
Broccoli Cheese Casserole	Broccoli, rice, cheese sauce	Spicy Maple sauce addition	Winter menu

In addition to these dishes, Cracker Barrel is promoting a value-forward approach with its Meals For two offer, featuring a starter or dessert, plus two entrées, all for 19.99 dollars. The deal is available all day Monday through Friday, aiming to make comfort-food favorites more accessible during the season.

Cracker Barrel’s winter menu reflects a broader trend in family dining: lean into the nostalgia of beloved classics while weaving in flavorful twists to keep menus fresh. The emphasis on value, with a meals-for-two option, aligns with consumer demand for affordable, shareable meals. expect othre chains to monitor this balance between comforting familiarity and new, crave-worthy additions as winter menus roll out nationwide.

What readers are saying

Two questions for readers: which winter menu item would you order first, and would you take advantage of the Meals For Two deal to share with a friend or loved one?

Practical notes: Menu availability and pricing can vary by location. For the most accurate details, check with your local Cracker Barrel before visiting.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which dish you’re most excited to try this winter.

2026 Winter menu Highlights

• Launch date: January 1 2026 (press release,Cracker Barrel corporate)
• core theme: “Southern comfort meets winter warmth” – farm‑fresh ingredients,slower‑cooked proteins,and spice‑infused sides.
• seasonal focus: Root vegetables, stone‑fruit, smoked meats, and house‑made breads.

Signature Soups and starters

Dish	Main Ingredients	Winter Twist	Approx. Calories
Smoky Chipotle Pumpkin Soup	Pureed pumpkin, chipotle pepper, roasted pepitas	Served with a drizzle of maple‑infused cream	210
Apple‑Cinnamon Buttermilk Biscuits	Buttermilk biscuit dough, caramelized apples, cinnamon	Topped with a spiced apple compote	320
Cranberry‑Walnut Chili	Grass‑fed beef, cranberry sauce, toasted walnuts	Hint of orange zest for brightness	380

Tip: Ask for a “soup flight” (small servings of all three) to sample the full winter flavor profile.

hearty Entrées for Cold Weather

1. Maple‑Glazed Turkey & stuffing

• Oven‑roasted heritage turkey breast, maple‑brown sugar glaze, sage‑wild rice stuffing.
• Served with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet‑potato mash.

2. Braised Short Rib & barley Stew

• 48‑hour slow‑braised short rib, pearl barley, carrots, parsnips, and a red‑wine reduction.
• Garnished with fresh thyme and a dollop of horseradish cream.

3. Cedar‑plank Salmon with Autumn Glaze

• Wild‑caught salmon, cedar plank grill, orange‑cranberry glaze.
• Accompanied by quinoa‑wild rice blend and sautéed kale.

Benefit: Each entrée offers ≥ 30 % more protein than the 2025 menu, aligning with the company’s 2026 “Heart‑Healthy Southern” initiative.

Seasonal Sides and Comfort Desserts

• Roasted Root Veggie Medley – carrots, parsnips, turnips, tossed in herb‑butter.
• Cinnamon‑Spiced Sweet‑Potato Casserole – topped with toasted pecans and marshmallow fluff.
• Pear & Pecan Bread Pudding – served warm with bourbon‑caramel sauce (alcohol removed for non‑alcoholic version).

Quick tip: Pair the bread pudding with a house‑made espresso shot for a “dessert‑after‑dinner” boost.

Nutritional and Dietary Considerations

• Gluten‑Free Options: Braised Short Rib Stew (served without barley) and Cedar‑Plank Salmon (no bread).
• Low‑Sodium Adaptations: Request “reduced‑salt” preparation on any entrée.
• Calorie Transparency: All winter items are listed on the Cracker Barrel app with macro breakdowns.

How to Order the New Winter Items

1. In‑Restaurant: Use the tabletop QR code to pull up the digital menu; select “Winter 2026” tab.
2. Mobile app: pre‑order up to 24 hours in advance for “Ready‑When‑You‑Are” pickup.
3. Drive‑Thru: Say “Winter menu” to the speaker; the attendant will guide you through the list.

Pro tip: Ordering through the app unlocks a 5 % discount on the first winter entrée.

Pricing and Value Comparison

• Average entrée price: $13.99 (up $0.50 from 2025)
• Combo Savings: Winter combo (entrée + side + dessert) = $27.99 vs.a la carte total $32.50 – saves $4.51.
• loyalty Points: Cracker Barrel’s “Contry Club” card awards 2 × points on winter menu purchases.

Alex Reed Feedback and Early Reviews

• Food bloggers from Southern Eats (January 3 2026) praised the “Braised short Rib” for “deep,melt‑in‑your‑mouth flavor without excess fat.”
• tripadvisor rating for the new menu averaged 4.6/5 after the first week, with “Best winter soup” as a recurring comment.
• Family surveys (conducted via the Cracker Barrel app) indicated 78 % of respondents would order the Maple‑Glazed Turkey for a holiday gathering.

Availability and Regional Variations

• Nationwide rollout: All 660 locations receive the winter menu by the week of January 5.
• Regional specialties:
• Pacific Northwest sites add smoked salmon crostini.
• Southern locations feature a “Hush‑Puppy‑Style” cornbread topping on the sweet‑Potato Casserole.

Pairing Recommendations

Beverage	Ideal Pairing
Southern Sweet Tea (iced)	Apple‑Cinnamon Biscuits
Hot Apple Cider (spiced)	Pumpkin Soup
Peach‑Infused Iced Coffee	Cedar‑Plank Salmon
House‑Made Bourbon (non‑alcoholic)	Pear & pecan Bread Pudding

Tip: Add a splash of “house‑made vanilla syrup” to any hot drink for an extra comfort note.

Loyalty Benefits and Promotions

• Winter warm‑Up Challenge: Earn a free “Winter soup Flight” after purchasing three winter entrées within a calendar month.
• AR Experience: Scan the “Winter Menu” QR code for an augmented‑reality tour of each dish’s farm origins – unlocks an exclusive collectible badge on the app.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Cracker Barrel Winter Experience

1. Arrive early (8 am – 10 am) for the freshest brunch‑style winter specials.
2. Ask for a “to‑go” tin if you plan to enjoy leftovers; the tin retains heat for up to 4 hours.
3. Bring a reusable container to qualify for a “zero‑Waste” discount on side orders.
4. Combine loyalty points with the “Winter Combo” for double savings on family meals.
5. Check the app for “daily Winter Feature,” which rotates a surprise seasonal side at no extra cost.