Like basically every other restaurant in the world (except for Raising Cane’s), Cracker Barrel frequently makes changes to its menu.
A lot of new items get tried out once, then quietly retired at the end of the “seasonal offering” period and never mentioned again, except in online forums filled with disappointed fans.
I think it’s especially hard to deal with change for people who love Cracker Barrel…because, of course, the big thing Cracker Barrel markets itself on is old-fashioned home cooking.
Tradition.
Recipes that haven’t changed in years.
That sort of thing.
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But let’s face it – it’s 2025, and the restaurant wars have heated up to the point where evern as storied a place as Cracker Barrel can’t just rest on their laurels.
It’s always about finding that new (old-fashioned) thing.
Now, I mentioned earlier that most dishes get tried out, then quietly retired…and there’s not a whole lot fans can do about it.
That’s true – and also, every now and then…there’s an exception.
In this case…
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It’s a pair of dishes that were absolutely LOVED by fans in 2018.
I cannot tell you how many people have complained to me that they were gone, and how much they wanted them back.
Well, Cracker Barrel listened.
And that’s why, for the first time in seven years, their beloved campfire chicken and campfire beef dishes are back for the Summer!
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The idea of the campfire meals is that they should kind of have that look and feel – like you just got them straight from the campfire.
So they come in foil-lined bowls, with everything jumbled together just like at a cookout.
You get either a half chicken or a bunch of beef, plus two pieces of corn on the cob, red potatoes, onions, and tomatoes – all in a buttery broth.
And of course, they’re served with either corn muffins or biscuits (get the biscuits).
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Price point? $15.49 for chicken, $16.99 for beef.
It’s a LOT of food, and to some extent, it’s priced like it.
I’m not sure how long they’re going to be around; my best guess is until the Fall or maybe a little longer if demand is strong.
And demand should be strong. Because…
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This campfire concept, in my head at least, marries all the best things about Cracker Barrel together into one simple straightforward dish:
– good-quality cooking
– nostalgic memories
– straightforward, no-frills
Cracker Barrel’s never tried to be the “fanciest” place – just somewhere warm and welcoming where you can get a good meal without paying an arm and a leg.
And I’m a big fan of their campfire meals for exactly these same reasons.
Of course…
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There’s LOTS more – Cracker Barrel is offering tons of new flavors right now – so if you haven’t had a chance to check it out…
Why don’t you sidle over and give it a try?
I think you’ll be surprised how good it is.
And in the meantime…
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What dish would YOU be most excited to see return to the Cracker Barrel menu?
There are no wrong answers!
Let us know by adding a comment.
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