Understanding the Cracker Barrel Country Fried Breakfast
The Cracker Barrel Country fried breakfast is a hearty, classic Southern meal that offers a substantial start to the day. The exact calorie count is not a single number but a range, as it depends on your protein selection and accompanying side dishes. The core of this breakfast is a large, fried entree smothered in rich sawmill gravy, served alongside farm-fresh eggs and your choice of several traditional sides. The name of the meal may vary slightly, such as "Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast," but the core components remain consistent.
The standard meal includes two eggs, grits, biscuits with sawmill gravy, and a choice of sides. The primary difference in the protein choice—either country fried steak or crispy fried chicken tenders—determines the initial calorie base. The total calorie impact is highly dependent on how you build your plate, from the type of sides you choose to how many biscuits you eat. Even the optional "Fixin's" like butter and preserves, served with the biscuits, contribute to the final tally.
Calorie Breakdown of Core Components
To understand the total calories, it's helpful to break down the individual components of the country fried breakfast. The nutritional information is based on data provided by Cracker Barrel and supplementary nutritional databases. Remember that these are estimates, and portion sizes or preparation methods can cause slight variations.
Protein and Gravy
- Country Fried Steak with Sawmill Gravy: The country fried steak entree is a significant contributor, with the combination of fried beef and rich gravy. According to Cracker Barrel's menu, this typically accounts for about 600 calories.
- Fried Chicken Tenders with Sawmill Gravy: For those who choose the chicken option, the Hand-Breaded Fried Chicken Tenders with Sawmill Gravy adds approximately 610 calories to the meal.
Sides and Add-ons
- Two Eggs (any style): Farm fresh eggs add approximately 150 calories to the meal.
- Grits: A side of coarse ground grits contributes around 90-150 calories.
- Hashbrown Casserole: A classic favorite, this side is roughly 140-190 calories.
- Fried Apples: Another popular choice, fried apples add about 170-210 calories.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Each freshly baked biscuit contains about 140-160 calories.
- Sawmill Gravy for Biscuits: The extra gravy for biscuits adds approximately 160 calories.
Comparing Different Country Fried Breakfast Options
The table below illustrates how different side combinations can alter the final calorie count for a Cracker Barrel Country fried breakfast. These totals are based on the core meal of two eggs, grits, one main protein, and one side choice, plus the biscuits and extra gravy. Note: Assumes two eggs, one side, and two biscuits with gravy.
| Meal Combination | Protein Calories | Side Calories | Eggs & Grits Calories | Biscuits & Gravy Calories | Total Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Fried Steak + Hashbrown Casserole | ~600 | ~190 | ~240 | ~480 | ~1,510 |
| Fried Chicken Tenders + Fried Apples | ~610 | ~170 | ~240 | ~480 | ~1,500 |
Note: The eggs and grits calculation assumes a two-egg, one-grits portion. The biscuits and gravy estimate assumes two biscuits with the extra gravy portion for them.
Strategies for a Lighter Breakfast at Cracker Barrel
For those seeking a lower-calorie meal, several modifications can significantly reduce the overall impact. Choosing grilled over fried options is the most effective change, but even small substitutions can make a difference.
Making Healthier Swaps
- Choose a Different Protein: Instead of the country fried options, consider the Grilled Chicken Tenders, which offer a much lighter alternative at 160-320 calories, depending on the serving size.
- Select Lower-Calorie Sides: Opt for simple sides like fresh seasonal fruit (70 calories) or sliced tomatoes (5 calories) instead of the hashbrown casserole or fried apples. A bowl of grits is also a lower-calorie alternative compared to many of the other heavy breakfast sides.
- Limit the Biscuits and Gravy: Since biscuits and gravy can add nearly 500 calories to the meal, omitting them or opting for just one biscuit and no extra gravy can save hundreds of calories.
Understanding the "All the Fixin's"
Cracker Barrel's Country fried breakfast comes with "All the Fixin's," which typically include biscuits and gravy, but can sometimes imply more. The official menu details specify that biscuits, sawmill gravy, butter, and jam are included. While delicious, these additions contribute to the total calorie count and should be considered if you are watching your intake. Asking for a simple biscuit with butter instead of the full biscuits and gravy can be a reasonable compromise.
Conclusion
So, how many calories are in a Cracker Barrel Country fried breakfast? The typical answer is somewhere north of 1,500 calories when including standard sides and all the fixings, with the country fried steak and chicken versions being very similar in base caloric content. The key takeaway is that the final tally depends heavily on your choices. The core fried protein and rich gravy lay the foundation for a calorie-dense meal, but the selection of sides—from hashbrown casserole to fried apples—and the inclusion of biscuits and extra gravy have the greatest impact on the overall total. For those monitoring their intake, opting for grilled options, lighter sides, and fewer biscuits is the most effective strategy for enjoying a satisfying Cracker Barrel breakfast while keeping calories in check. The official Cracker Barrel website is the most reliable source for up-to-date nutritional facts, which can be found by consulting their menu and nutrition information.
For more up-to-date nutrition information, consider visiting the official Cracker Barrel website: Cracker Barrel Menu and Nutrition.
