Cookout’s menu board doesn’t tell the whole story. Behind the burgers and shakes lies a flexible ordering system that lets customers create unique, off-menu combinations most people never think to ask for.
The secret menu isn’t printed or promoted — it’s all about customization. By mixing toppings, sides, and milkshake flavors, regulars craft exclusive-feeling items made entirely from everyday ingredients.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the cookout secret menu really works, how to order without confusion, and how to uncover hidden favourites like custom burgers, blended shakes, and value-packed trays that go far beyond the standard order.
Must-Try Cookout Secret Menu Items
The appeal of these items is simple: bigger flavor, better balance, and more value than ordering straight from the board. Think stacked burgers, upgraded hot dogs, and trays that feel fully personalised, not standard. Use the ideas below as inspiration; you don’t need to order them by name, just describe what you want added or mixed.
Secret Main Dishes at a Cookout
Cookout’s secret menu features main dishes that aren’t always visible on the board, but can easily be made with ingredients already in the kitchen. These hidden entrées are a hit because they let you customize flavor, spice, and texture — no complicated orders required.
Spicy Hot Dog (Firecracker Style)
If you want heat, this custom hot dog is usually built with chili, chopped onions, mustard, and Cajun seasoning. You can also ask to add hot sauce, depending on what your location carries. It’s one of the easiest “secret” upgrades because the toppings are common.
Everything-Style Burger
This is a loaded cheeseburger built by adding multiple toppings to a standard order. People typically include chili, slaw, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and sometimes even onion rings. It’s messy in the best way: rich, tangy, and filling.
Peanut Butter Burger
This sweet-and-savoury combo is exactly what it sounds like: a regular burger with peanut butter added. The peanut butter melts slightly into the warm patty, creating a salty, creamy bite that a lot of regulars swear by. When ordering, be direct: ask for a hamburger with peanut butter on it.
BBQ Tray with Sandwich Slaw
This is a value-heavy customization that makes the BBQ tray feel more complete. Ask for a BBQ tray and request slaw added directly onto the sandwich (not just on the side). It adds crunch and balances the smoky BBQ flavor.
Chicken Quesadilla with Hot Sauce
A chicken quesadilla can be upgraded by adding hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. This is a simple customization that changes the flavor profile without changing the base item. If you like spice, ask for the quesadilla “with hot sauce” or “with Cajun seasoning.”
Tacos (Custom Build)
Some customers request tacos as a build using available fillings and toppings. If your location can do it, you can ask for a taco-style order and specify what you want inside, such as seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauces. Availability varies, so it’s best to ask politely and keep it simple.
Mexi Dog
This is a spicy, loaded hot dog style that typically includes chili, diced onions, cheese, and hot sauce. It’s basically a hot dog built with bold toppings and extra heat. To order it clearly, ask for a hot dog with chili, cheese, onions, and hot sauce.
Cookout’s Secret Side Options
Grilled Cheese
One of the most common questions is, does Cook Out have grilled cheese? In most locations, the answer is yes. A Cookout grilled cheese is usually made with melted cheese on a toasted bun or bread. You can keep it simple or customize it by adding bacon, tomato, or even a burger patty for a heartier option.
Fried Okra
Fried okra is a Southern favorite that may not be available at every location, but many stores can prepare it upon request. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and pairs well with BBQ trays or burgers.
Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are another side that some guests don’t realize they can order individually or as part of a tray. These golden, fried cornmeal bites add crunch and balance to savory main dishes.
Bacon and Grilled Onion Fries
This popular customization upgrades regular fries with crispy bacon and smoky grilled onions. To order, simply ask for fries with bacon and grilled onions added on top. It’s one of the easiest secret side combinations to request.
Cookout Secret Milkshakes
Mixed-Flavor Milkshakes
One of the simplest ways to order from the Cookout Secret Milkshakes menu is by blending two flavors. Popular combinations include chocolate with banana pudding, peanut butter with banana, cherry with chocolate, and caramel with Oreo. These mixes create richer flavors than single-flavor shakes.
Cookout M&M Milkshake
The Cookout M&M milkshake is a favorite among customers who like texture in their desserts. To order it, ask for a vanilla or chocolate milkshake with M&M pieces mixed in. For a richer taste, some people add peanut butter or fudge, but keeping it simple usually delivers the best balance.
Cookie and Candy Add-Ins
Beyond standard flavors, many locations allow cookie or candy add-ins such as crushed cookies, candy pieces, or cheesecake bites. These additions turn a regular shake into a dessert-style treat without needing a special name.
Secret Desserts at Cookout
Brownie-Based Desserts
Some locations offer brownies that can be ordered on their own or paired with toppings. When available, customers sometimes add whipped cream or ask for a brownie alongside a milkshake to create a simple dessert combo.
Cheesecake Add-Ons
Cheesecake pieces are often used as milkshake mix-ins, but some guests also request them as a standalone dessert or paired with toppings like strawberry or chocolate. Availability varies, so it’s best to ask what cheesecake options are currently in stock.
Create Your Own Unique Secret Menu Combination at Cookout
At Cookout, creativity is part of the experience. The beauty of their flexible ordering system is that you’re not limited to what’s on the board — you can mix, match, and customize to build a combination that’s completely your own.
Start with Your Base. Choose your main — whether it’s a classic burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or hot dog. From there, you can start layering flavors by adding or swapping toppings like jalapeños, coleslaw, bacon, or extra cheese to give your meal a personal twist.
Pick Your Sides Cookout’s tray deals let you choose multiple sides, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Pair your main with hushpuppies, corn dogs, quesadillas, or onion rings — or mix several for a variety-packed meal.
Customize Your Milkshake With 40+ shake flavors available, you can even blend flavor combinations to create your own signature shake. Try mixing caramel with banana, or peanut butter with chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.
Tips for Ordering
- Be friendly and specific when asking for customizations.
- Keep it simple — the best secret menu items use ingredients already in the kitchen.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment — regulars have crafted some amazing combinations this way.
The secret menu at Cookout isn’t a list — it’s a mindset. With a little creativity, every visit can feel like a brand new experience.
Tips to Order the Cookout Secret Menu
1. Plan Ahead — Know your customizations before ordering to keep things quick and simple.
2. Be Polite & Specific — Clearly describe what you want. Friendly requests are more likely to be accommodated.
3. Stick to Available Ingredients — Keep customizations realistic using items already in the kitchen.
4. Order During Off-Peak Hours — Staff have more time to fulfill unique requests when it’s less busy.
5. Start Small — Begin with one or two tweaks before going all out with a fully custom order.
6. Mix Shake Flavors — Ask to blend two flavors for a unique, personalized shake experience.
7. Get Inspiration Online — Check food blogs or social media for popular secret menu combinations shared by regulars.
8. Experiment & Have Fun — Not every combo will be perfect, but that’s part of the Cookout experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Cookout’s secret menu isn’t about passwords or special privileges — it’s simply about knowing how flexible the menu really is. By customizing your main, mixing sides, and blending shake flavors, you can create meals that go far beyond what’s on the board.
Whether you’re building a loaded burger, crafting a custom grilled cheese, or experimenting with unique shake combinations, small tweaks can make a big difference. The clearer your order, the better the experience.
Once you start seeing the menu as a set of building blocks rather than fixed choices, every Cookout visit becomes something fresh, personal, and unexpectedly creative.
Emily is a health and wellness writer. Her content is designed to provide clear, accurate, and practical information to help readers better understand their well-being.
