Cracker Barrel’s New Fall Menu: I Tried All The Dishes And One Entrée Was Incredible

As fall approaches, Cracker Barrel has rolled out a new menu for the season, swapping the usual pumpkin spice trend for apple-inspired dishes.

The chain’s fall menu aims to satisfy guests who crave comfort food with a twist. With eight new dishes, from beverages to entrées and desserts, the menu offers something for everyone to enjoy during the cozy autumn months.

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Here, we review the new fall menu at Cracker Barrel and highlight one incredible entrée that you simply must try.

Cracker Barrel’s Apple-Focused Fall Menu

Cracker Barrel has taken a bold step by naming apple as its primary flavor for the fall of 2024. According to a report from Datassential, 87% of consumers either like or love apples, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for fall.

The chain has leaned heavily into this trend, incorporating apples into several of its new menu items, including beverages, desserts, and breakfast dishes.

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Julia Perry, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Cracker Barrel, noted the focus on comfort food. “As autumn approaches, guests are seeking flavors beyond the standard pumpkin spice, and we know they’re ready for warm comfort food to accompany cooler temperatures outside,” she shared. Let’s dive into Cracker Barrel’s latest fall offerings.

1. Granny Smith Apple Mimosa: A Unique Fall Twist

Price: $6.19
Look: This mimosa arrived as a vibrant green beverage reminiscent of a witch’s brew, thanks to the Granny Smith apple puree. Its eye-catching color was similar to a cloudy Mountain Dew.
Taste: Surprisingly, the Granny Smith Apple Mimosa wasn’t overly sweet. The Prosecco brought a refreshing sparkle, while the tartness of the apple balanced out the flavors.

However, as the drink sat, it became syrupy, making it essential to stir it frequently. While it wasn’t bad, I found that the price wasn’t worth the experience, and I would probably stick to a classic mimosa in the future.

2. Southern Apple Cobbler: A Disappointing Dessert

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Price: $6.19
Look: The cobbler was served in a small cup, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and beneath it lay cinnamon-spiced apples and a flaky, sugary crust.
Taste: Unfortunately, this dish did not live up to its name. The apples were delicious, warm, and well-seasoned, but the crust lacked the traditional cobbler texture and felt more like a tough square of dough.

Without the ice cream (which was a bonus from my server), the dessert felt overpriced and underwhelming.

3. Granny Smith Apple Tea: A Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option

Price: $3.49
Look: This iced tea looked like any other, with a slightly murky tint from the added Granny Smith apple puree.
Taste: The tea provided a pleasant surprise, with a combination of tartness followed by sweetness, giving it a flavor profile reminiscent of cider. While it didn’t blow me away, it was a refreshing option for those who prefer a non-alcoholic drink.

Its price is just 20 cents more than a regular iced tea, making it a reasonable choice for those seeking a little twist on a classic drink.

4. Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie: A Delicious Mashup

Price: $15.39
Look: This dish arrived in a skillet, topped with what looked like a flattened layer of crispy hashbrowns, which covered a hearty mix of pot roast, mashed potatoes, and veggies. The cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes added color and freshness to the presentation.
Taste: Though Cracker Barrel calls this a Shepherd’s Pie, it’s closer to a beef stew with hashbrown topping. The flavor combination was excellent, with tender meat, crispy hashbrowns, and the umami-rich gravy.

The sour cream and tomatoes provided a welcome burst of freshness. Though it’s a hearty dish, it’s definitely worth a try.

5. Signature Fried Apple French Toast Bake: A Fall Breakfast Hit

Price: $10.99
Look: This dish may not win any presentation awards, as it looks like a pile of apples and brown sugar dumped on top of bread. However, it’s the taste that matters.
Taste: The flavor of this dish was outstanding. The French toast was soft and soaked with vanilla custard, while the fried apples added a tart and sweet punch.

The cheesecake filling was a delightful bonus that made the dish feel indulgent without being overly sweet. I didn’t even need the side of butter pecan syrup that came with it—but adding it only enhanced the experience. This dish was the star of the show, and I would gladly order it again.

6. Sunday Pot Roast: A Classic Comfort Food

Price: $14.89
Look: This pot roast was served with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and a side of broccoli, making for a traditional-looking dish.
Taste: This dish was classic comfort food at its finest. The pot roast was tender and flavorful, soaking up the juices from the rich homestyle gravy.

Paired with perfectly cooked veggies and smooth mashed potatoes, this was a satisfying meal that lived up to Cracker Barrel’s reputation for hearty, homestyle cooking. It’s a must-try for a Sunday visit.

Conclusion:

Cracker Barrel’s new fall menu is a mix of comforting, homestyle favorites with a few exciting twists. The focus on apple as the flavor of the season is evident throughout the menu, though the Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie and the Signature Fried Apple French Toast Bake truly stand out.

If you’re craving hearty, warm dishes this autumn, Cracker Barrel has plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. Be sure to stop in and try these seasonal offerings before they’re gone.

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