Oh, Cracker Barrel. Even the name gets you to picture front porches with rocking chairs. You catch the scent of home cooking wafting out. Shelves full of old-fashioned things on them invite you in. People pull up regularly from the interstate.
They get in for plain but really wonderful food. Golden-brown fried chicken, for example. Biscuits so flaky they’d practically float. That hash brown casserole is straight-up comfort food. We do enjoy the regular menu items for certain.
But because it is an old program, some things got lost along the way. They are gone but not forgotten. Cracker Barrel has now been over 50 years old. It is an American institution and way of life. It began by personifying country hospitality and charm. It is as much a second home to most.
This location cherishes previous days and easy times. But it continues to be in sync with modern-day generations too. Hence, the menu and atmosphere have evolved over time. Dear things sometimes return thankfully. Other things bid adieu forever though regretfully.
Let’s go down memory lane for a second together. We will look at things that are gone from Cracker Barrel. Take a rocking chair in your head first. Some were unforgettable food we miss. One was a major change to the restaurant itself. You’re going to feel pretty nostalgic reading this.
Pecan Crusted Catfish
This was offered on the “Wholesome Fixin’s” menu. It possessed a lighter, lower-calorie version without losing any flavor. Cracker Barrel surprised patrons late in 2013 with this healthy offering. Grilled catfish was topped with chopped pecans and sweet orange marmalade, wild rice, and vegetables, all coming in at just 450 calories.
It was the crown jewel of the regular fried comfort fare, and fans adored its nutty-sweet taste. Although Cracker Barrel continues to offer fried catfish, many would welcome this delectable offering from the menu to come back.
Cozy, Retro Dining Rooms
The dining room experience was once akin to entering a miniature museum of Americana rural a dark wood atmosphere, genuine antiques, turn-of-the-century ads. It had that general store feel and earned the restaurant praise, including being recognized as a “top family dining restaurant” in 2011.
But times have changed. Leadership changed, youth came in, and Cracker Barrel started to modernize. Light-colored paint covered up the dark wood. booths replaced spindled wooden chairs. Decor lost some weight. Some portions of fans criticized the new look as cold and sterile, looking like fast food places more than a warm homestead. Although easier to clean, the new look lost a part of its soul.
Mashed Potatoes (Customer Complaints)
Mashed potatoes are a Southern tradition except when it comes to divided opinions on the Internet. Some patrons declare them tasteless, overdone, or worse, “a clump of uncooked potato.” One critic in Florida called them “brown and overcooked,” while another in North Carolina had salt and butter as an unsuccessful rescue effort.
Some still adore them, calling them “a warm hug on a plate.” A popular clone recipe for one of the most popular dishes is proof that the dish has potential if it’s done correctly. Verdict? They’re hit-or-miss but they’re a favorite no matter what because they’re polarizing.
Carrot Cake
A fall favorite that shows up and then disappears. Spiced moist cake topped with cream cheese frosting it’s a classic Southern dessert. Limited menu offerings make it even more desirable, but fans wish it were available year-round.
Cracker Barrel did feature a blog recipe for it once, and the fans enjoyed it off-season. With limited desserts to offer year-round on the menu, people believe this one would be deserving of a regular spot.
Strawberries n’ Cream French Toast
Released in the summer of 2015, this rich breakfast was made with sourdough bread covered in creamy cream cheese and topped with sliced strawberries. The sweet and savory flavors were in perfect balance, having the taste of a dessert.
Its limited availability only brought about greater desire. Other fruit-stuffed breakfasts that replaced it never approached its magic.
Country Fried Turkey
A seasonal holiday treat, the dish consisted of hand-breaded turkey filets fried to golden and accompanied by biscuits and cranberry relish. It was a holiday version of Southern comfort foods.
Made available near Thanksgiving, it provided the guest with an alternative to roasted turkey. Despite being seasonal, its supporters look forward to its reappearance each holiday season.
Southern Apple Cobbler
It first made an appearance in August 2024, and it was warm cinnamon-spiced apples topped with butter crust, vanilla ice cream, and caramel drizzle. It was an instant hit but only briefly.
It is still remembered by fans, who wish it were available to come back again. Its short time on the menu left an enduring impression.
Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Fried Chicken
made its debut in March 2023, the dish cranked the decadence up: bacon strips, fried chicken smothered in cheese, fried onion strings, and ranch dressing. It was comfort food excess at its finest.
It was only around for a brief time, but its sheer excessiveness made it legendary. Fans still keep wishing it returns.
Cinnamon Roll Pie
Imagine cinnamon roll monster with pie this dessert rolled up glazed, warm rolls into one giant dessert. Introduced on the 2024 seasonal menu, it rose quickly onto the list of favorites.
It was the ideal fall dessert for those who were not yet ready to go all-out on pecan or pumpkin pie. While it vanished by the close of the season, its taste remains.
Signature Fried Apple French Toast Bake
This August 2024 limited-time offering turned traditional French toast into sweet fried apple-crowned baked casserole. It was apple pie for breakfast taste in a dessert format that brought the tastes of fall in one. Although temporary, it had devotees longing for a second slice.
Buttercrunch Caramel Latte
Introduced for Mother’s Day 2021, this dessert drink combined caramel, butterscotch, and whipped cream with crushed-toffee toppings. It was served hot or cold and was a sweet treat to celebrate.
Although it disappeared as fast as the holiday menu did, coffee aficionados still hold out hope that it will return.
Spiked Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail
Added to the 2023 seasonal menu, this is a tangy, fruity beverage made up of strawberry purée, lemonade, and a dash of liquor vodka, apparently. It was a delicious, fruity beverage ideal for porch weather.
Cracker Barrel did not serve liquor in its beverages until 2022, so beverages like this are uncharted waters. Enthusiasts hope it returns again.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
These were introduced in January of 2012 as a winter breakfast to mark Sweet Potato Month in February. Sweet potato, cinnamon, and brown sugar-filled buttermilk pancakes provided a healthy, flavorful option. They have not returned, yet remain nostalgic. To some, they are worth the wait.
Rocket Pop Mimosa
Summer 2022 introduced us to this cool drink mimosa with a rocket popsicle! There was sparkling wine to go with it, and a popsicle you got to insert yourself. It was colorful, unique, and something new Cracker Barrel had ever offered. Although it tasted like summer in a glass, soon it was gone. Fans appreciated the whimsy and look for its return.
Cracker Barrel’s not so much about the food, it’s about nostalgia. From old-time decorations to special seasonal offerings, it’s provided us with moments of comfort and joy aplenty. Even when favorites are discontinued, there are always fans lining up for their return. Fork at the ready. You never know when the missing favorite is going to return.
