Cracker Barrel offers a variety of gluten-free menu options for guests looking to avoid gluten. While Cracker Barrel is not a completely gluten-free restaurant, they do provide several gluten-free entrees, sides, and desserts that allow those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy a meal there.
What gluten-free entrées does Cracker Barrel offer?
Cracker Barrel has a specific gluten-free menu that highlights the gluten-free entrée options available. Current gluten-free entrée choices include:
- Grilled Chicken Tenders – Grilled chicken tenders served with two sides
- Grilled Salmon – Grilled salmon fillet served with two sides
- Roasted Turkey Breast – Sliced roasted turkey breast served with two sides
- Chicken n’ Dumplins – Homestyle chicken and dumplings made without gluten-containing flour
- Country Fried Steak – Battered and fried beef steak served with sawmill gravy and two sides
These entrées are prepared in the kitchen without contact with gluten. Servers are trained to modify other entrées to be gluten-free upon request, such as grilled chicken or pork chops.
What gluten-free sides are available?
There are several naturally gluten-free side dishes at Cracker Barrel. These include:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Green Beans
- Fried Apples
- Hashbrown Casserole
- Steamed Veggies
- Macaroni and Cheese (made with gluten-free pasta)
Sides made with thickening agents like flour or breadcrumbs, such as fried okra or dumplings, are not gluten-free. Gluten-sensitive guests should request plain steamed vegetable sides.
What are the gluten-free dessert choices?
For a sweet, gluten-free treat, Cracker Barrel offers:
- Gluten-Free Fudge Brownie – Served warm with ice cream
- Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
- Sorbet
The brownies and pies are made in-house using gluten-free recipes and preparation procedures. Sorbet flavors like lemon and raspberry are naturally gluten-free.
Does Cracker Barrel offer gluten-free pancakes or biscuits?
Unfortunately, Cracker Barrel does not currently offer gluten-free versions of their famous buttermilk pancakes or biscuits. The recipes for these products contain wheat flour, which contains gluten. Those following a strict gluten-free diet should avoid pancakes and biscuits at Cracker Barrel.
However, Cracker Barrel notes that their corn muffins are made without gluten-containing ingredients. Corn muffins with scrambled eggs can make a satisfying gluten-free breakfast option.
What gluten-free menu items are available for kids?
Kids with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy a few different entrée choices at Cracker Barrel, including:
- Grilled Chicken Tenders – Served with two sides
- Roasted Turkey – Served with two sides
- Mini Corn Dogs – Grilled turkey mini corn dogs
- Mac n’ Cheese – Made with gluten-free pasta
Sides like applesauce, fried apples, mashed potatoes, and broccoli give gluten-free kids options beyond fries. Gluten-free fudge brownies are the perfect gluten-free kid-friendly dessert.
Does Cracker Barrel offer gluten-free salad dressings?
Cracker Barrel offers most of their salad dressings in gluten-free varieties, including:
- Ranch Dressing
- Honey French
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Light Italian
- Thousand Island
These dressings allow guests to customize gluten-free salads. However, Blue Cheese, Caesar, and Red French are made with gluten-containing ingredients.
What menu items should be avoided with gluten allergies?
Those with celiac disease or serious gluten intolerances should avoid all bread, biscuit, and pancake menu items at Cracker Barrel. This includes items like:
- Biscuits
- Cornbread
- Muffins
- Sandwiches
- Pancakes
- Dumplings
- Breaded Fried Foods
Flour tortillas, beer-battered items, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and other gluten-containing ingredients are used in these menu items. There is a high risk of gluten cross-contamination as well.
What steps does Cracker Barrel take for gluten-free preparation?
Cracker Barrel implements the following procedures for gluten-free food prep and service in their kitchens:
- Gluten-free menu items are prepared in separate areas with sanitized equipment
- Cooks change gloves and thoroughly clean cooking surfaces between regular and gluten-free orders
- Gluten-free dishes are marked and served on different colored plates for easy identification
- Managers are trained on proper gluten-free preparation methods
- Gluten-free desserts are stored separately from regular desserts
Following these steps minimizes the chance of gluten cross-contamination during food preparation and service.
Does Cracker Barrel have dedicated fryers for gluten-free items?
Cracker Barrel does not have separate fryers for gluten-free menu items. However, the fryers are thoroughly cleaned between cooking gluten-containing and gluten-free foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease may want to avoid deep fried menu choices at Cracker Barrel due to shared fryer use.
Can you request gluten-free substitutions or modifications?
Yes, Cracker Barrel servers can modify menu items to be gluten-free upon request. This includes swapping out bread or biscuits for muffins with breakfast entrees or substituting a gluten-free side for a gluten-containing one.
You can also request grilled chicken instead of fried chicken tenders or ask them to hold the gravy, breadcrumbs, or sauces that contain gluten. Communicate any gluten allergy or sensitivity with your server when ordering.
Does Cracker Barrel offer gluten-free beverages?
Cracker Barrel serves a variety of gluten-free beverage options beyond water, including:
- Sodas – Coke, Sprite, and more
- Iced Tea
- Juices – Orange, apple, cranberry
- Coffee
- Hot Tea
- Milk
Beers and malt beverages contain gluten, so these should be avoided. Overall, the beverage menu offers diverse choices for gluten-free diets.
Is oatmeal or grits available as a gluten-free breakfast option?
Both oatmeal and grits make gluten-free friendly breakfast choices at Cracker Barrel. The oatmeal is served plain with sides of brown sugar, raisins, and nuts that you can add yourself.
Grits are also naturally gluten-free. Top them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and meat for a filling morning meal without gluten.
Can you request gluten-free buns or bread?
Unfortunately, Cracker Barrel does not have gluten-free bread or bun options for sandwiches or burgers. The recipes for their bakery products contain gluten.
Those avoiding gluten will need to order entrees served without bread or buns. Salads and bowls with grilled meats or sautéed veggies make good sandwich alternatives.
Does Cracker Barrel have Vegan or Dairy-Free Options?
Cracker Barrel offers a handful of entrée and side dishes that can fit vegan or dairy-free diets when requested without certain ingredients. Options include:
- Grilled Veggies – Request without butter
- Three Bean Bowl – Hold the cheese
- Fried Apples – Request plain without butter
- Hashbrown Casserole – Substitute oil for butter
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Request plain
Most of the desserts contain dairy, so options are limited for vegan guests. Overall availability of specialty vegan and dairy-free foods is minimal.
Should you notify your server about gluten or allergy needs?
It is highly recommended that you inform your server about any gluten allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance when dining at Cracker Barrel. Servers are trained on gluten-free preparation and can guide you to the safest menu choices.
They will notify the kitchen staff so that extra precautions are taken with your meal preparation. Communicating about dietary restrictions is key for a safe dining experience.
Can Cracker Barrel accommodate a gluten-free group meal or event?
Cracker Barrel can accommodate gluten-free menu requests for large groups or private events. The event coordinator will work with guests to create customized gluten-free menus using their safest ingredients and preparation methods.
They can also take additional precautions like keeping gluten-free dishes covered and separate during transport or service. Their catering teams are experienced with allergy accommodation for group meals.
Does Cracker Barrel offer any gluten-free gift cards or retail items?
The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offers several food gifts and retail products that are gluten-free or made in gluten-free facilities, including:
- Jams and Jellies
- Candy
- Dried Fruit
- Trail Mix
- Jerky
- Cornmeal Mixes
- Pickles
Check product labels closely for gluten-free symbols or language. While many items are gluten-free, some may contain malt extracts or wheat-based ingredients.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel puts significant effort into accommodating gluten-free diets by offering dedicated menu items, following meticulous kitchen protocols, and training staff thoroughly on allergen protocols. While the menu is not 100% gluten-free, those avoiding gluten have ample entrée, side, and dessert choices. Being upfront with servers about dietary needs is important for a safe gluten-free dining experience at Cracker Barrel.
