Cracker Barrel Gluten Free Menu Options & Tips

This guide helps you find safe options at Cracker Barrel. It uses the latest Catering Guide from Cracker Barrel, independent gluten-free resources, and consumer feedback. It explains which items are likely safe, why cross-contamination is a big deal, and how to eat out safely.

Cracker Barrel offers gluten-free choices like grilled meats, salads without croutons, and simple sides. But, the official guide warns about shared fryers, griddles, and prep areas. Foods cooked in these common spots might have high cross-contamination risk, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease.

Independent gluten-free guides say Cracker Barrel’s gluten-free food isn’t tested to FDA standards. This means it might not be safe for everyone with gluten sensitivity.

This article gives you practical tips for eating gluten-free at Cracker Barrel. It tells you which menu items are safer, what to avoid, and how to order to reduce cross-contamination risk. Use this advice to make choices that fit your dietary needs and comfort level.

Understanding Cracker Barrel’s Allergen and Gluten Policy

Cracker Barrel has ingredient and supplier-based allergen materials. These help diners spot possible risks. Use the catering guide and Nutrition & Allergen documents first. They list allergens like Wheat, Gluten, and Milk, and mark items at risk of cross-contact with a “Y”.

Frontline staff follow clear steps when a guest mentions a dietary need. Tell your server you need a gluten-free option. If unsure, ask a manager for extra help. Managers can note your order and ask the kitchen to take extra steps.

Official allergen guidance and sources

Cracker Barrel’s materials show which menu items have allergens. They also note items at risk of cross-contact. These documents are made by suppliers and are useful for planning. Always check them with on-site conversations to confirm any recipe or process changes.

Shared kitchen operations and cross-contact risks

Many restaurants use shared fryers and prep stations. At Cracker Barrel, common oil and shared surfaces mean gluten can spread. Guides say shared equipment raises contamination risk for strict celiac diners.

Why some “gluten-free” items may be “gluten-friendly” only

Items labeled as free of wheat are not tested for gluten. This means they might not be safe for those with celiac disease. Always ask about the preparation of gluten-free items.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Grilled Chicken	Unbreaded, simply seasoned breast	320	$10.99
Country Fried Steak (no gravy)	Breaded by default; request removal of breading	650	$12.49
Fresh Fruit Cup	Seasonal melon, berries and pineapple	90	$3.49
Steamed Vegetables	Carrots, broccoli and green beans	85	$2.99
Eggs Any Style	Cooked to order; watch cross-contact on griddle	140	$4.99
Apple Slices	Fresh, no added ingredients	60	$1.99
House Salad (no croutons)	Greens, tomato, cheese optional	150	$5.49
Grilled Salmon	Unbreaded filet with lemon	380	$14.99
Baked Potato	Plain; toppings may contain gluten	270	$2.49
Mashed Potatoes (no gravy)	Made with milk and butter	200	$2.79
Items	Vegan	Keto-Friendly	Gluten-Free	Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.)
Grilled Chicken	No	Yes	Gluten-friendly	Dairy (if butter used)
Grilled Salmon	No	Yes	Gluten-friendly	Fish, Dairy (if butter used)
Eggs Any Style	No	Yes	Gluten-friendly	Egg, Dairy
Fresh Fruit Cup	Yes	No	Yes	None
House Salad (no croutons)	Yes	No	Gluten-friendly	Dairy (cheese optional), Nuts (if added)
Steamed Vegetables	Yes	Yes	Yes	None
Baked Potato	Yes	Yes	Yes	Dairy (if butter or sour cream)
Mashed Potatoes (no gravy)	No	No	Gluten-friendly	Dairy
Apple Slices	Yes	No	Yes	None
Country Fried Steak (no gravy)	No	No	No	Wheat, Dairy

Practical takeaway: start with Cracker Barrel’s official resources, then confirm on site. Use the cracker barrel gluten free guide as a planning tool. But, treat many menu items as part of a cracker barrel gluten friendly menu unless the kitchen can guarantee separate preparation. For strict celiac diners, follow up with a manager and ask specific questions about fryer and grill use to align with the cracker barrel gluten free policy.

cracker barrel gluten free menu

Cracker Barrel makes it easy to plan a safe meal. Start with the Nutrition & Allergen Guide and the Catering Allergen Guide on their website. These PDFs list ingredients and allergens for most menu items. This helps you find gluten-free options before you go.

The website also has an allergen widget. It filters by wheat and other allergens. This tool shows nutrition facts and creates a list of options. People often suggest asking staff to check your choices with a manager.

Use the online filters to narrow down your choices. Then, confirm them in person. Items without wheat might have cross-contact risks from shared equipment. If you have celiac disease, be cautious of these items.

The allergen indicators on Cracker Barrel’s site show if an ingredient contains an allergen. They also show if cooking practices could expose the item. An “X” means confirmed presence, and a “Y” means possible cross-contact.

Source	What it shows	How to use it	Practical tip
Nutrition & Allergen Guide	Ingredient lists and supplier allergen statements	Scan for wheat, barley, rye and malt in recipes	Print or save the PDF before visiting
Allergen widget on site	Filter by allergen; shows calories and macros	Create shortlists for breakfast, lunch, dinner	Use filters then confirm with staff
Catering Allergen Guide	Expanded ingredient details for large orders	Useful for events or takeout planning	Ask catering staff about prep separation
Consumer-shared gluten-free lists	Practical reports from diners linking to official guides	Compare with official guides for accuracy	Request manager review when dining

When planning your meal at Cracker Barrel, follow a two-step approach. First, filter online to find likely gluten-free items. Then, verify at the restaurant to understand cross-contact risks.

Plan around items marked fried or cooked on shared surfaces if cross-contact is a concern. Use the allergen widget to avoid wheat-containing recipes. Then, ask a manager for final confirmation and safe handling.

Safe and relatively safe gluten free choices at Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel has many gluten-free options, but cross-contact is a worry. Always talk to the manager, ask for clean utensils, and make sure your food is made without shared fryers or battered surfaces. This way, you can enjoy your meal with more confidence.

Here are some categories and examples for ordering. Remember, staff knowledge can vary, so each order is different. Use the table below for quick reference on common choices, calories, and prices.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
New York Strip Steak	Grilled strip seasoned and served without sauce or butter	620	$18.99
Grilled Pork Chop	Unbreaded pork chop grilled; request no glaze if uncertain	450	$12.49
Grilled Rainbow Trout	Lemon pepper seasoned, served plain on request	340	$13.99
Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken	Unbreaded chicken breast with smoky rub; verify sauce	380	$11.29
Eggs Any Style	Simple egg preparations; avoid shared omelet stations if concerned	160 (two eggs)	$4.49
Thick-Sliced Bacon	Smoked bacon cooked to order; no wheat ingredients	230	$3.99
Grits / Cheese Grits	Stone-ground or cheese grits served as a side	150	$2.99
Fresh Fruit Bowl	Seasonal fruit medley; safe by recipe	90	$3.49
Mashed Potatoes	Creamy mashed potatoes; confirm no gravy	210	$2.79
Baked Sweet Potato	Oven-baked with butter on request	170	$2.99

Grilled proteins and unbreaded meats

Many grilled proteins are wheat-free. Items like grilled pork chops, chicken tenderloins, sirloin, and rib-eye steaks don’t have wheat in their recipes. Just make sure glazes or sauces don’t have wheat thickeners.

Some menu items have cross-contact risks because they’re cooked on shared grills or fryers. Avoid foods that staff say are cooked with breaded items. This reduces the risk of gluten exposure and makes your meal safer.

Breakfast items that are typically gluten-free by recipe

Eggs are usually gluten-free. Pair them with bacon, turkey sausage, smoked sausage, country ham, or grits for a safe breakfast.

Avoid pancakes, French toast, and biscuits because they have wheat. Opt for fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait without granola for a lighter choice. Make sure to ask how eggs are cooked to lower cross-contact risk when ordering gluten-free at Cracker Barrel.

Salads and sides that are safe or easily modified

Many sides are gluten-free by recipe. Whole kernel corn, fried apples, turnip greens, pinto beans, and mixed green salads (without croutons) are good choices. Mashed potatoes and baked sweet potatoes are also safe options.

Be careful with dressings and croutons. Ask for dressings on the side and choose simple vinaigrettes or oil and vinegar if unsure. Always confirm with the manager for any item you need to be fully gluten-free to ensure safe choices at Cracker Barrel.

Ask if the item is cooked on a shared surface.
Request clean utensils and a wiped grill or pan.
Order sauces and dressings on the side and confirm ingredients.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your meal at Cracker Barrel with more confidence. Keep a list of your preferred items ready so staff can quickly meet your requests.

What to avoid: common gluten-containing menu items

When looking at the Cracker Barrel menu, it’s good to know which items have wheat warnings. This helps you avoid gluten and keep diners with gluten sensitivity safe.

Stay away from griddle and bakery items. Buttermilk pancakes, French toast, and buttermilk biscuits all have wheat. Pancakes and French toast have no gluten-free options.

Also, avoid breaded and fried dishes. Southern Fried Chicken, U.S. Farm‑raised Fried Catfish, and more use wheat in their breading. The allergen guide warns about many fried foods.

Be careful with gravies and cream sauces. Brown Gravy and Sawmill Gravy use wheat flour. Many cream sauces also have wheat. Gravies can contaminate plates and utensils.

Watch out for casseroles, dumplings, and dressing-based sides. Hashbrown Casserole and Chicken & Dumplins have wheat. Turkey n’ Gravy with Cornbread Dressing also has wheat in the dressing.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Buttermilk Pancakes	Stack of griddle pancakes made with wheat flour	680	$6.49
French Toast	Brioche-style slices dipped in batter and griddled	720	$7.29
Buttermilk Biscuits (3)	Traditional buttermilk biscuits baked fresh	550	$3.99
Southern Fried Chicken	Bone-in chicken breaded and fried in wheat batter	920	$12.99
U.S. Farm‑raised Fried Catfish	Cornmeal and wheat breaded fillets deep-fried	860	$13.49
Chicken Fried Chicken	Hand-breaded chicken with fried crust	980	$11.99
Brown Gravy	Classic gravy thickened with wheat flour	70	$0.99
Hashbrown Casserole	Creamy potato casserole often made with wheat-containing binders	420	$2.99
Chicken & Dumplins	Chicken stew with wheat dumplings	610	$9.49
Cornbread Dressing	Seasoned dressing that contains wheat in the mix	300	$2.79

Some salad dressings and sauces have wheat or wheat-derived thickeners. Blue Cheese and certain vinaigrettes might have allergens. Always check the allergen guide before ordering.

Practical takeaway: avoid items with wheat or fried, battered, or made with wheat. Review the Cracker Barrel allergen guide and ask staff about cross-contact when ordering.

Pancakes, French toast, biscuits: all contain wheat and should be avoided.
Breaded/fried entrees and gravies: high risk for wheat and cross-contact.
Casseroles, dumplings, dressings: often include wheat as binder or thickener.

Keep a list of gluten-containing items on your phone. Use the allergen guide at the restaurant to confirm menu changes and spot warnings.

Best gluten free options at Cracker Barrel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Here are some safe choices to order with confidence. Start with these options when looking at the gluten-free menu. Always ask if the kitchen uses clean tools and surfaces.

Top breakfast picks

Start with fresh eggs any style for a gluten-free breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Choose scrambled Egg Beaters, thick bacon, ham, or turkey bacon for protein. Grits and cheese grits are safe choices.

Fresh fruit, fruit cups, and a fruit-and-yogurt parfait without granola are great sides. Make sure to ask for clean prep and utensils. Avoid biscuits, pancakes, and French toast.

Top lunch and dinner picks

Grilled proteins are safe choices for dinner. Try Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout, Spicy Grilled Catfish, or Grilled Chicken Tenderloins. Also, consider Grilled Sirloin and Rib-eye Steak.

Half-pound hamburgers without the bun or the Classics Sampler are good options. Make sure to ask about sauces and cooking surfaces. Stay away from fried items and anything with breading.

Gluten-friendly sides to pair with entrees

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Whole Kernel Corn	Simple, steamed corn kernels	110	$2.99
Fresh Apple Slices	Seasonal apple wedges, no added sugar	60	$2.49
Fried Apples	Lightly spiced, cooked without batter	150	$3.29
Cole Slaw	Creamy cabbage salad, check dressing	130	$2.99
Country Green Beans	Stewed green beans with savory seasoning	70	$2.99
Baked Sweet Potato	Served plain; request no marshmallows	180	$3.99
Mashed Potatoes	Check for gravy choice when ordering	200	$2.99
Cheese Grits	Creamy, corn-based grits with cheese	210	$2.99
Tomato-Cucumber-Onion Salad	Light, fresh mix with optional vinaigrette	90	$2.99
Pinto Beans	Slow-cooked beans, seasoned	150	$2.99

Pair grilled proteins with sides like cheese grits, green beans, or a baked sweet potato. When ordering, ask for salads without croutons and check the dressings with the manager.

These tips help you find the best gluten-free options at Cracker Barrel. They make planning meals easier and less stressful.

How to order safely: tips for minimizing cross-contact at Cracker Barrel

If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ordering at Cracker Barrel needs careful steps. Knowing how to order gluten free at Cracker Barrel helps. Here’s a quick guide to keep your meal safe and your dining experience worry-free.

Tell your server you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and ask that the manager be notified.
Request that the cook use fresh gloves and clean utensils for your order.
Ask for proteins to be cooked on a clean portion of the grill or in a separate pan, away from fried or breaded items.
Confirm sauces, gravies, glazes and dressings with the allergen guide before you accept them.

Many guests find that managers taking extra care makes a big difference. Cracker Barrel suggests talking to the manager before ordering. This way, the kitchen knows exactly what to do to keep your meal safe.

Communicating with staff and requesting manager involvement

Start by telling the host or server about your allergy. Ask them to call the manager. The manager can then note your allergy and ensure your meal is prepared safely.

Specific kitchen requests to reduce risk

Ask for fresh gloves, clean utensils, and a clean griddle or pan. Make sure your food is cooked away from breaded or fried items. For grilled proteins, ask for a clean section of the grill or a separate pan.

Double-checking dressings, glazes and sauces

Some gravies and glazes may contain wheat flour. Always ask your server to check each sauce against the allergen guide. Avoid items like Sawmill Gravy and any BBQ or maple glaze unless confirmed safe. Also, check dipping sauces and salad dressings before they reach the table.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Grilled Chicken Tenderloin	Unbreaded, seasoned chicken cooked on a clean portion of the grill	280	$9.49
Fresh Mixed Green Salad	Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers; request no croutons	120	$4.99
Steamed Green Beans	Lightly seasoned, no added sauces	45	$2.99
Fried Apples (no syrup)	Cooked apples with cinnamon; confirm preparation away from batters	160	$3.49
Country Ham (unbreaded)	Sliced, pan-seared ham; request clean pan	350	$7.99
Baked Sweet Potato	Plain with butter option on side	180	$3.99
Fresh Fruit Cup	Seasonal fruit, no glaze	90	$3.79
Grilled Sirloin	Unseasoned unless requested; ask for no gravy	420	$12.99
Poached Eggs	Perfect for breakfasts; request separate pan	140	$2.49
Sauteed Spinach	Lightly seasoned, cooked separately	70	$2.99

When you order, follow this checklist: state your condition, ask for manager help, and request clean prep and utensils. Also, double-check sauces and dressings for wheat. Avoid items that could cause cross-contact. These tips will help you enjoy a safer meal at Cracker Barrel.

Clear communication and specific requests are key to avoiding cross-contact at Cracker Barrel. Learning how to order gluten free takes practice. But, it’s worth it for a safer and more enjoyable dining experience.

Menu customization examples and safe swaps

Cracker Barrel menu customization lets you order with confidence. Small changes can make a big difference. Just ask for what you want and double-check the ingredients.

Simple swaps can remove gluten sources. Ask for a burger without the bun or a steak without the roll. Choose salads without croutons and a dressing that’s gluten-free.

Grilled proteins are a good choice. Order grilled pork chop, catfish, or chicken tenderloins without glaze. Swap heavy sides for plain mashed potatoes, whole kernel corn, or green beans.

Be specific when asking for different preparation. Ask for proteins to be cooked on a clean grill or pan. This reduces the risk of cross-contact.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Grilled Pork Chop (single)	Seasoned, grilled; ask for no glaze	360	$11.99
Grilled Catfish	Blackened or grilled; request plain prep	420	$12.49
Country Fried Steak (no gravy)	Breaded by default; request alternative protein	690	$10.99
Fresh Fruit Cup	Seasonal fruit mix, fresh	80	$3.49
Mashed Potatoes (plain)	Request no gravy or add butter separately	200	$2.99
Green Beans	Steamed or simmered without breading	70	$2.79
Baked Sweet Potato	Served plain; request separate butter	160	$3.29
Grilled Chicken Tenderloins	Unbreaded, grilled; confirm no marinade with wheat	330	$9.49
Side Whole Kernel Corn	Classic, simple corn side	110	$2.59
House Salad (no croutons)	Mixed greens; request confirmed GF dressing	140	$4.99

Not every request can be made safe. Items like pancakes, biscuits, and cornbread dressing can’t be changed. Breaded foods like fried chicken and catfish are also off-limits.

Gravies and cream sauces thickened with wheat can’t be fixed by removing one ingredient. Opt for plain mashed potatoes or a gluten-free sauce when available. These tips help with safe swaps and customization at Cracker Barrel.

When a dish relies on wheat, choose something else. Simple swaps and clear communication are key. This way, you can enjoy gluten-free options at Cracker Barrel with confidence.

Special considerations for celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity

When you dine at Cracker Barrel, it’s important to know your risks. For those with celiac disease, even a little gluten can be harmful. If you have gluten sensitivity, you might be okay with small amounts of gluten.

Cracker Barrel warns about shared fryers and grills. Even gluten-free items might get gluten during cooking. If you have a severe reaction, it’s best to avoid eating there.

Cracker Barrel does not test their food for gluten, according to independent guides. This means you need to be careful.

Think about your past reactions, how you feel about asking for special handling, and the restaurant’s consistency. Eating during quiet times might help.

When to bring additional safeguards

Carry a doctor’s note or an allergy card to show how serious celiac disease is. Bring a safe snack or emergency food if you’re worried about getting a gluten-free meal.

Always ask to speak with a manager. Ask for items to be cooked on clean surfaces or in separate pans. Using disposable utensils or a travel plate can help, but talk to management first.

Practical summary

If you have gluten sensitivity, you might be okay with grilled, unbreaded items. But for celiac disease, you need to be more careful. If a place can’t ensure no cross-contamination, it’s safer to eat elsewhere.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Grilled Chicken Tenderloin	Unbreaded grilled chicken, request no seasoning blend changes	240	$11.99
Grilled Sirloin	6 oz. sirloin cooked to order, ask for clean grill area	320	$13.49
Fried Catfish (Not Safe)	Breaded and fried in shared fryer; cross‑contact likely	680	$12.99
Fresh Fruit Cup	Seasonal fruit, naturally gluten‑free	80	$3.99
Green Beans	Steamed, request no butter if dairy is a concern	40	$2.99
Fried Okra (Not Safe)	Breaded and fried in shared oil	300	$4.49
Side Salad	Request dressing on side and confirm gluten‑free dressing	90	$3.99
Mashed Potatoes	Plain mashed, confirm gravy is not added	210	$2.99
Country Ham (Ask)	Cured ham; verify glazes or seasonings for hidden wheat	260	$7.99
Eggs, Any Style	Cooked to order; request clean pan and utensils	140	$2.99

Bring evidence of diagnosis when needed to stress medical necessity.
Plan for quieter meal times so staff can follow special handling steps.
Confirm each item’s preparation with a manager before ordering.

Use these tips to stay safe while enjoying gluten-free meals at Cracker Barrel. Be extra careful if you have celiac disease. Tailor your approach based on your gluten sensitivity level.

Real-world experiences and community tips for gluten free dining at Cracker Barrel

Real diners share practical advice for safer visits. They combine official tips with their own experiences. This advice is for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Many diners say telling the staff you’re gluten-free helps. This often leads to a manager checking your order. This simple action is a common tip in many posts.

Longtime gluten-free customers recommend certain dishes. These include grilled pork chop, catfish, hamburgers without buns, eggs, and chef salads without croutons. These are common safe choices, as long as cross-contact is controlled.

Community tips stress the importance of cleanliness and handling. Ask for a clean grill, fresh gloves, and separate utensils. Also, request that dressings and sauces be checked or brought unopened. These steps help ensure safe meals.

Timing is key. Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended. This reduces the risk of cross-contact. Many diners find staff more attentive during mid-afternoon or early evening.

Location practices vary. Some restaurants use shared fryers and grills, while others separate prep for allergy orders. This reflects in the reviews.

A quick phone call can help. Call ahead and ask to speak with a manager. Mention celiac disease if it applies. Staff willingness to accommodate can depend on local training and volume.

Use online reviews to set expectations. Look for mentions of manager involvement, cleaned equipment, and specific dishes. These details are key in many tips shared by diners.

When you arrive, restate your needs. Ask the server to note “gluten-free” on the ticket. Confirm the manager will oversee preparation. This aligns with official guidance and community experiences.

Item Name	Description	Calories	Price
Grilled Pork Chop	Bone-in pork chop, seasoned and grilled, no breading	420	$12.99
Grilled Catfish	Fillet grilled with lemon and herbs, served with two sides	370	$11.49
Hamburger (no bun)	Beef patty cooked to order, lettuce and tomato optional	330	$8.99
Country Morning Breakfast	Eggs, bacon or sausage, hashbrown casserole omitted on request	520	$7.99
Chef Salad (no croutons)	Mixed greens, turkey, ham, cheese, eggs, and veggies	290	$9.49
Steak (grilled)	Hand-cut sirloin, seasoned and grilled, request no glaze	540	$15.99
Fresh Fruit	Seasonal mix, simple and safe side choice	80	$3.49
Steamed Vegetables	Broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, no butter if requested	90	$2.99
Smashed Sweet Potatoes	Lightly seasoned, verify no marshmallow topping	210	$3.99
Baked Potato	Plain, offers a safe base if toppings are checked	270	$3.49

Independent reviewers note differences in staff knowledge. Some managers are proactive and helpful. Others seem less familiar with cross-contact prevention. This variance is seen in reviews and local tips.

Final practical steps: read recent reviews for your target location, call ahead to discuss needs, and request manager involvement on arrival. These steps reflect the most consistent tips from experienced diners and reviewers.

Tell the hostess/server you are gluten-free and request a manager flag.
Ask for cleaned grill or fresh cooking surface and fresh gloves.
Confirm sauces and dressings are safe or served on the side.
Order from grilled, unbreaded options when possible.
Visit during off-peak hours when staff have time to accommodate requests.

Below are frequently reported items from community feedback. They summarize common accommodations that produced positive experiences across multiple visits and reviews.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel has guides for ingredients and allergens, but they don’t remove all risks. Items without wheat can get contaminated because of shared cooking spaces. If you have celiac disease, stay away from items marked as high risk unless the manager says they were made separately.

Safe choices at Cracker Barrel include grilled meats, plain eggs, and some breakfast items. Also, whole kernel corn, fresh fruit, and certain sides are good options. But, always check with staff to make sure.

Be careful with pancakes, biscuits, and breaded foods. Gravies and casseroles with wheat are also off-limits because they contain wheat.

Before you go, use the online allergen widget to check items. Call ahead and talk to the manager. Ask for clean surfaces and fresh tools. Also, ask for sauces on the side and avoid high-risk items.

If you’re very sensitive, you might want to choose a different place to eat. But, with the right questions and choices, you can enjoy a meal at Cracker Barrel safely.