How Much Is Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving Dinner?
Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving dinner options range in price, with the Heat n’ Serve Feast catering to larger gatherings and costing between $150-$180, while the smaller Heat n’ Serve Family Dinner is priced around $100-$120. Prices may vary slightly by location.
The Thanksgiving Staple: A Cracker Barrel Tradition
For many families, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the comforting, homestyle cooking that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides. Known for its rustic charm, friendly service, and classic Southern cuisine, Cracker Barrel has become a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and delicious Thanksgiving meal without the stress of extensive cooking. Their Heat n’ Serve options, designed to be easily reheated at home, offer a compelling alternative to a fully homemade feast. Understanding the pricing structure and what’s included is crucial for planning your holiday meal.
Deciphering the Heat n’ Serve Options
Cracker Barrel offers two primary Heat n’ Serve Thanksgiving options: the Heat n’ Serve Feast and the Heat n’ Serve Family Dinner. Understanding the difference between these options is the first step to determining the right fit for your needs and budget.
- Heat n’ Serve Feast: This option is designed for larger gatherings, typically feeding 8-10 people. It includes a whole oven-roasted turkey, dressing, gravy, your choice of three sides, sweet yeast rolls, and your choice of a pie.
- Heat n’ Serve Family Dinner: This smaller option is intended for 4-6 people. It includes a boneless ham (instead of a whole turkey), dressing, gravy, your choice of two sides, and sweet yeast rolls.
The availability of specific sides and pies can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Cracker Barrel.
Breaking Down the Costs: What Affects the Price?
Several factors can influence the final price of your Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving dinner. Understanding these variables will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises when you place your order.
- Location: Prices can vary slightly depending on the location of your Cracker Barrel. Larger metropolitan areas might have slightly higher prices compared to smaller towns.
- Sides Selection: While most sides are included in the base price, there might be an upcharge for premium sides, depending on the location.
- Pie Selection: The type of pie you choose might affect the price, especially if you opt for a more premium or seasonal flavor.
- Add-ons: Additional items, such as extra sides, pies, or beverages, will increase the overall cost of your meal.
- Special Offers/Promotions: Cracker Barrel occasionally offers promotions or discounts on their Heat n’ Serve meals, so be sure to check their website or social media pages for any available deals.
Pre-Ordering: Securing Your Thanksgiving Feast
Pre-ordering is highly recommended, especially during peak holiday season. This ensures that you can secure your preferred meal and avoid the disappointment of sell-outs.
- Order Online: Cracker Barrel’s website allows you to easily browse the Thanksgiving menu, select your desired items, and place your order online.
- Call Your Local Store: You can also place your order by phone by calling your local Cracker Barrel store.
- In-Person Ordering: While not always the most convenient option, you can also place your order in person at the store.
Regardless of how you choose to order, be sure to confirm the pick-up date and time, as well as any specific instructions for reheating your meal.
Heating and Serving: From Oven to Table
The Heat n’ Serve meals are designed for easy reheating at home. Cracker Barrel provides detailed instructions for each item, typically involving baking in the oven.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhering to the provided reheating instructions is crucial for ensuring that your meal is cooked properly and tastes its best.
- Allocate Enough Time: Allow ample time for reheating, as the process can take several hours, depending on the size of your meal and the number of items you’re reheating.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For the turkey or ham, using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure that it reaches the proper internal temperature for food safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planning is key to a stress-free Thanksgiving with Cracker Barrel. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Waiting Until the Last Minute: Ordering too close to Thanksgiving can lead to sell-outs or limited availability of your preferred items.
- Not Reading the Reheating Instructions: Failing to follow the instructions carefully can result in undercooked or overcooked food.
- Forgetting to Confirm Pick-Up Details: Confirming the pick-up date and time is crucial for avoiding any confusion or delays.
- Not Accounting for Reheating Time: Underestimating the reheating time can leave you scrambling to get your meal on the table.
FAQ: How far in advance should I order my Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving meal?
It’s generally recommended to order your Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving meal at least a week in advance, especially if you have specific preferences for sides or pies. Ordering earlier rather than later helps ensure availability and reduces the risk of missing out on your desired items. Checking the website for deadlines is also important.
FAQ: What are the available side dishes at Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving?
Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving side dish options typically include classics like dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, and more. Availability can vary slightly by location, so it’s always best to confirm the specific offerings at your local store when placing your order.
FAQ: Can I customize the Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve meals?
While you can’t typically make major substitutions to the pre-set Heat n’ Serve meals, you can usually select your preferred sides and pies from the available options. You can also add extra sides or pies to your order for an additional cost. Check with your local store for specific customization options.
FAQ: What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Cracker Barrel provides nutritional information and ingredient lists for their menu items on their website. It’s essential to review this information carefully if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Contacting your local store directly is always recommended to discuss your specific needs and ensure that they can accommodate your requests.
FAQ: What temperature should I reheat the turkey or ham to?
The turkey or ham should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that it reaches the proper temperature. Follow the specific reheating instructions provided by Cracker Barrel.
FAQ: How long will the Thanksgiving leftovers last?
Properly stored Thanksgiving leftovers can typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure that leftovers are cooled down quickly and stored in airtight containers. Always use your best judgment and discard any food that shows signs of spoilage.
FAQ: Can I order just the sides or pie from Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving?
Yes, you can usually order individual sides or pies from Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving, even if you’re not ordering a full Heat n’ Serve meal. This can be a great option if you only need to supplement your existing Thanksgiving spread.
FAQ: Does Cracker Barrel offer delivery for Thanksgiving?
Delivery options may vary by location. It’s best to check with your local Cracker Barrel or visit their website to see if delivery is available in your area. Some locations may partner with third-party delivery services.
FAQ: What are Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving hours?
Cracker Barrel is typically open on Thanksgiving Day, but hours may vary. It’s recommended to check with your local store to confirm their specific hours of operation.
FAQ: How do I reheat the sweet yeast rolls?
Cracker Barrel provides specific reheating instructions for their sweet yeast rolls. Typically, they are reheated in the oven at a low temperature for a short period to ensure they are warmed through without becoming dry.
FAQ: Can I use a Cracker Barrel gift card to purchase a Thanksgiving meal?
Yes, you can typically use a Cracker Barrel gift card to purchase a Thanksgiving meal, including the Heat n’ Serve options.
FAQ: What if I have an issue with my order?
If you have any issues with your order, such as missing items or food quality concerns, it’s best to contact your local Cracker Barrel store as soon as possible. They will typically work to resolve the issue and ensure your satisfaction.