20 Old-School Cracker Barrel Menu Items That Deserve a Comeback in Texas

Generations of Texans grew up with Cracker Barrel as the go-to spot for comfort food and Southern charm.

But not every dish stood the test of time. Some were quietly retired, despite having loyal fans.

Here are the forgotten classics we wish would make a comeback.

Apple Dumplin’

Cracker Barrel’s apple dumpling was a fan-favorite dessert made with sliced apples wrapped in a flaky crust, baked until golden, and served with vanilla ice cream.

It was warm, sweet, and comforting, the kind of dessert that made people linger after their meal.

Many longtime customers still talk about it and ask if it will ever return.

Despite its popularity, it was discontinued and hasn’t appeared in years.

Campfire Meals

For a limited time during the summer, Cracker Barrel offered “Campfire Meals” served in foil packets. They included options like beef, chicken, or pork with hearty vegetables.

They were baked together to create a smoky, savory flavor that reminded people of real outdoor cooking.

These meals were especially loved by regulars looking for something seasonal and filling.

Though successful, the Campfire Meals were rotated out and have yet to make a comeback.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Cracker Barrel’s seasonal sweet potato pancakes were spiced just right and served with butter and syrup.

They were a fall favorite and often replaced the standard pancake for diners wanting something different.

Guests frequently requested them outside of the autumn season, hoping they’d stick around.

Despite customer interest, they haven’t returned in recent years.

Frozen Mug Sundaes

For many years, Cracker Barrel offered classic ice cream sundaes in frozen mugs. They came with vanilla ice cream, chocolate or fruit topping, and a cherry on top.

It wasn’t fancy, but it felt nostalgic and satisfying, especially after a big country meal.

Kids and adults alike looked forward to this simple treat.

The mugs disappeared quietly, replaced by more modern desserts.

Sugar-Cured Ham

Cracker Barrel once served sugar-cured ham as a regular menu item alongside its more popular country ham.

It was milder, slightly sweeter, and often preferred by guests who didn’t want the saltiness of traditional country ham.

Many breakfast platters and dinner plates gave customers the option to choose between the two.

Over time, the sugar-cured version quietly vanished from the menu.

Chicken Salad Plates

Cracker Barrel once offered a cold chicken salad plate that came with fresh fruit and a house-made chicken salad scoop.

It was popular with guests looking for a lighter lunch that still felt homemade.

Served with crackers or bread on the side, it was a go-to for many regulars.

Eventually, it was dropped from the menu as demand shifted toward hot meals.

Apple Cider Slushies

For a limited time, Cracker Barrel offered apple cider slushies during the fall season.

Made with real apple cider, they were a refreshing spin on a classic cold drink with cozy flavor.

They paired well with breakfast or dessert and quickly became a seasonal highlight.

Sadly, they were discontinued and haven’t been brought back in recent years.

Baked Chicken and Dressing

Cracker Barrel’s baked chicken and dressing was a comfort food classic served with a generous portion of homemade-style stuffing.

It came with gravy and your choice of country sides, making it one of the most popular daily specials.

Many guests said it reminded them of holiday meals at home.

Although it was once featured regularly, it has been retired from the menu at most locations.

Blackberry Cobbler

This dessert was once a standout on the Cracker Barrel menu, served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The cobbler had a rich berry filling and a buttery crust that made it one of the most talked-about sweets on the menu.

Customers often asked for it by name, and some were disappointed when it was quietly replaced.

Today, only the peach variety remains, leaving fans of the blackberry version hoping for a return.

Apple n’ Cinnamon Oatmeal

Cracker Barrel offered a hearty bowl of steel-cut oats with baked apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of syrup.

It was a warm, filling breakfast that appealed to guests looking for a healthier or more comforting option.

It also came with milk and a side of fruit, which made it a favorite for many regulars.

Despite positive feedback, it was removed in favor of faster breakfast items.

Breaded Fried Okra

Fried okra is still technically on the Cracker Barrel menu, but many longtime fans say it no longer tastes the same.

The original version used a hand-breaded process that gave it a crunchier texture and more seasoned flavor.

It was once made in-house in small batches, which gave it that old-school Southern flair.

As kitchens changed over time, the prep method was simplified, and some customers still miss how it used to be.

Roast Beef

Cracker Barrel’s roast beef was once a fan favorite on the dinner menu. It was cooked low and slow, served with gravy, and paired perfectly with mashed potatoes.

Customers appreciated that it felt homemade and filled a plate without being overly heavy.

It was one of the most requested items by older guests who remembered it from earlier visits.

Though still served in limited markets at times, many locations no longer carry it.

Fried Catfish Sandwich

The fried catfish sandwich was a simple but satisfying lunch option. It featured a breaded catfish filet served on a bun with lettuce and tartar sauce.

It was lighter than a full fish dinner but still packed with flavor.

Customers loved it for its balance of crispy texture and flaky fish.

It quietly disappeared from most menus as the sandwich lineup was reduced.

Red-Eye Gravy

Red-eye gravy was once a staple Southern offering at Cracker Barrel, typically served with country ham and biscuits.

Made from ham drippings and coffee, it had a salty, bold flavor that regulars either loved or left alone.

Those who appreciated it considered it a true Southern breakfast essential.

Now, it’s rarely seen and has become more of a memory than a menu item.

Fresh Peach Tea

Cracker Barrel offered seasonal flavored teas, and peach was one of the most popular.

Made with real fruit flavor and served over ice, it became a refreshing favorite during the warmer months.

It paired well with most meals and was often chosen over soda or lemonade.

Despite its popularity, it has been replaced with simpler drink options.

Grilled Pork Chop

Cracker Barrel once featured a simple grilled pork chop as part of its hearty dinner offerings. It was lightly seasoned, flame-grilled, and served with traditional sides.

Guests appreciated its balance between flavor and portion size, especially for those wanting something savory but not fried.

It was a solid option for diners looking for a break from chicken or beef.

Over time, it disappeared from most menus as fried and smothered options became more common.

Strawberry Shortcake

This dessert featured layers of biscuit or sponge cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. It was a seasonal favorite, especially in the spring and summer.

Cracker Barrel served it in generous portions that felt homemade and nostalgic.

Many guests looked forward to its return each year and were disappointed when it was removed altogether.

It has not returned as a regular menu item, despite ongoing requests.

Chicken Pot Pie

The classic chicken pot pie was once a comforting Cracker Barrel favorite, filled with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce under a golden crust.

It was a full meal in itself and served piping hot in an individual baking dish.

Guests loved the homemade look and taste, especially during cooler months.

It was quietly phased out and replaced with other chicken-based dishes.

Baked Sweet Potato

At one time, Cracker Barrel offered baked sweet potatoes as a side option alongside regular baked potatoes and mashed.

It came with a pat of butter and cinnamon sugar on request, making it both healthy and flavorful.