Looking for the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen menu with current 2026 prices? You’re in the right spot. This guide pulls together every menu section — appetizers, weekday lunch specials, steaks, seafood, kids’ meals, desserts, and cocktails — along with calorie counts, allergen notes, and real-world insights from dining at multiple Cheddar’s locations.
Quick Answer – Cheddar’s Menu Price Snapshot (2026)
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is one of the few mid-priced American chains that still cooks most items in-house. That’s why the portion sizes feel honest for the price point — especially compared to Applebee’s and Chili’s.
Jump to Section
Why This Cheddar’s Menu Guide Is Different
Most menu pages just list items and prices. After eating at multiple Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations, three things stood out worth sharing:
- Portion sizes are noticeably larger than Applebee’s or Chili’s at similar price points
- The Honey Butter Croissants are baked fresh in-house every few hours — not frozen
- Weekday lunch specials are genuinely cheaper, not just rebranded dinner items
- The kitchen still uses real potatoes, hand-breaded tenders, and slow-smoked ribs
Cheddar’s Family Bundles Menu Prices
Family bundles are the smartest pick when feeding 4–6 people. Each bundle includes a main, two large sides, and warm croissants.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Bundle | $30.49 | 4,430 – 9,570 |
| House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs Bundle | $49.49 | 4,640 – 9,540 |
| Grilled Salmon Bundle | $40.49 | 3,690 – 8,590 |
| Salmon & Tenders Bundle | $38.49 | 4,510 – 9,410 |
| Baby Back Ribs & Tenders Bundle | $42.49 | 4,950 – 9,850 |
| Family House Salad | $9.99 | 1,050 – 1,840 |
| Gallon Iced Tea | $5.79 | 1,470 – 1,890 |
| Gallon Lemonade | $5.79 | 1,320 – 1,690 |
Cheddar’s Appetizers Menu Prices
Starters at Cheddar’s lean comfort-style — fried, cheesy, shareable.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Onion Rings | $8.49 | 1,640 |
| Buffalo Beer-Battered Shrimp | $9.79 | 810 |
| Chips & Homemade Queso | $7.29 | 1,030 – 1,080 |
| Honey Butter Croissants | $1.99 | 440 – 1,310 |
| Cheddar’s Trio Sampler | $12.79 | 2,360 – 2,410 |
| Cheddar’s Queso Fries | $9.99 | 2,250 |
| Santa Fe Spinach Dip | $8.99 | 1,230 |
| Wisconsin Cheese Bites | $8.49 | 1,450 |
The Trio Sampler is the best-value starter if you can’t decide — spinach dip, cheese bites, and onion rings on one platter.
Cheddar’s Salads & Soup Menu Prices
The lighter side of the menu — but still hearty enough to count as a full meal.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Chicken Tender Salad | $12.29+ | 1,120 |
| Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad | $12.99+ | 990 |
| Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | $10.29+ | 860 – 940 |
| Side House Salad | $3.99 | 250 – 420 |
| Side Caesar Salad | $3.99 | 290 |
| Baked Potato Soup | $4.29+ | 330 – 570 |
The Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad with candied pecans and dried cranberries is one of the most-ordered lighter dishes during summer.
Cheddar’s Weekday Lunch Menu Prices
Served Monday through Friday, typically before 3 PM — these come at a real discount, not just smaller portions of the dinner menu.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Beer-Battered Fish & Shrimp Platter | $11.99 | 1,310 |
| Veggie Philly | $8.59 | 610 |
| Classic Cheeseburger | $8.59 | 830 |
| Classic Chicken Sandwich | $8.59 | 860 |
| Fish and Chips | $9.99 | 710 |
| Cajun Chicken Bowl | $9.99 | 570 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $9.99 | 1,080 |
| Philly Cheesesteak | $10.99 | 960 |
| Grilled White Fish | $10.99 | 340 – 350 |
Cheddar’s Chicken Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Dijon Chicken & Mushrooms | $15.29 | 1,060 |
| Key West Chicken & Shrimp | $14.99 | 550 |
| Chicken Tender Platter (No. 8 Special) | $12.79 | 1,680 – 1,810 |
| Country Fried Chicken | $13.99 | 830 – 1,250 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $11.99 | 1,190 – 1,360 |
| Grilled Chicken Alfredo | $14.79 | 1,540 |
| Lemon Pepper Chicken | $13.29 | 520 |
The Lemon Pepper Chicken is the lowest-calorie main on the chicken list — solid pick if you’re tracking macros.
Cheddar’s Steaks & Ribs Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 7 oz. Filet | $21.99 | 480 |
| Top Sirloin Steak | $13.99 | 250 – 330 |
| 14 oz. Ribeye Steak | $21.99 | 890 |
| Baby Back Ribs | $16.49 | 810 – 1,630 |
| Country Fried Steak | $14.29 | 1,030 |
Cheddar’s Baby Back Ribs are slow-smoked in-house for several hours before grilling. At $16.49 for a full rack, it’s one of the better-value rib plates in casual dining nationwide.
Cheddar’s Seafood Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon-Glazed Salmon & Shrimp | $16.99 | 600 |
| Beer-Battered Fish & Shrimp Platter | $14.99 | 1,310 |
| Grilled Shrimp Alfredo | $15.99 | 1,600 |
| Grilled Salmon | $15.29+ | 440 – 750 |
| Grilled White Fish | $14.29 | 490 – 510 |
| Cornmeal White Fish Platter | $14.29 | 1,080 |
| Beer-Battered Shrimp Platter | $15.79 | 790 |
Cheddar’s Combinations Menu Prices
Best for people who can’t choose between meat and seafood.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders & Shrimp | $16.49 | 1,240 – 1,460 |
| Half Rack of Ribs & Chicken Tenders | $20.49 | 1,540 |
| Half Rack of Ribs & Shrimp | $20.49 | 1,120 – 1,230 |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Chicken Tenders | $19.29 | 980 |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Ribs | $21.49 | 1,070 |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Shrimp | $19.29 | 560 – 670 |
Cheddar’s Sandwiches & Half-Pound Burgers Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Chicken Wrapper | $12.49 | 1,980 – 2,290 |
| Monte Cristo | $12.49 | 1,460 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | $11.99 | 1,510 |
| Classic Cheeseburger | $10.49+ | 1,160 – 1,240 |
| Smokehouse Burger | $11.49 | 1,460 |
The Monte Cristo — a deep-fried ham, turkey, and Swiss sandwich dusted with powdered sugar — is one of the most unique items on any American casual dining menu.
Cheddar’s Comfort Food Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Spasagna (Limited Time) | $11.29 | 1,540 |
| New Orleans Pasta | $15.49 | 1,540 |
| Vegetable Plate | $10.99 | 560 – 1,960 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $11.99 | 1,080 – 1,360 |
| Country Fried Chicken | $13.99 | 830 – 1,250 |
| Country Fried Steak | $14.29 | 1,030 |
| Homestyle Meatloaf | $13.99 | 620 |
| Grilled Pork Chops | $13.99 | 650 |
The Vegetable Plate lets you pick four sides for about $11 — a great budget choice many regulars miss.
Cheddar’s Homestyle Sides Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Side House Salad | $3.99 | 250 – 420 |
| Side Caesar Salad | $3.99 | 290 |
| Broccoli Cheese Casserole | $2.99 | 220 |
| Idaho Mashed Potatoes | $2.99 | 160 |
| Cheese & Bacon Mashed Potatoes | $4.48 | 350 |
| Loaded Baked Potato | $2.99 | 430 |
| Loaded Baked Potato w/ Bacon | $3.98 | 540 |
| French Fries | $2.99 | 460 |
| Homemade Queso & Bacon French Fries | $4.48 | 650 |
| Southern Green Beans | $2.99 | 60 |
| Buttered Off-the-Cob Corn | $2.99 | 110 |
| Fresh Steamed Broccoli | $2.99 | 100 |
| Sweet Baby Carrots | $2.99 | 35 |
| Seasoned Rice | $2.99 | 150 |
| Freshly Made Coleslaw | $2.99 | 170 |
| Red Beans & Rice | $2.99 | 230 |
Broccoli Cheese Casserole is the most ordered side at Cheddar’s — and rightly so. It tastes homemade because it actually is.
Cheddar’s Kids Menu Prices
Most kids’ meals include a drink and one side.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | $6.99 | 630 |
| Junior Burger | $6.99+ | 450 |
| Grilled Chicken | $6.99+ | 280 – 390 |
| Grilled Cheese | $5.99 | 420 |
| Grilled Chicken Alfredo | $6.99 | 860 |
| Fried Shrimp | $6.99 | 410 |
| Penne Pasta | $5.99+ | 430 – 700 |
Cheddar’s Gluten Sensitive Menu Prices
Cheddar’s keeps a separate gluten-sensitive menu for guests with dietary needs.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad | $12.99 | 620 |
| Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | $12.49 | 640 |
| Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad | $14.98 | 720 |
| Key West Chicken and Shrimp | $14.99 | 440 |
| Dijon Chicken & Mushrooms | $15.29 | 1,060 |
| Lemon Pepper Chicken | $13.29 | 520 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger (no bun) | $11.99 | 710 |
| Smokehouse Burger (no bun) | $11.49 | 650 |
| Classic Burger (no bun) | $10.49 | 350 |
| 7 oz. Filet | $21.99 | — |
| Fire Grilled Sirloin | $13.99 | 330 |
| 14 oz. Ribeye | $21.99 | 890 |
| Baby Back Ribs | $16.49 | 1,630 |
| Ribs & Shrimp | $20.49 | 1,010 |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Shrimp | $19.29 | 450 |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Ribs | $21.49 | 1,070 |
| Grilled Salmon | $15.29 | 590 |
| Grilled White Fish | $14.29 | 490 |
Cheddar’s Desserts Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Apple Pie (New) | $6.79 | 1,080 |
| Carrot Cake | $7.49 | 1,100 |
| Classic Cheesecake | $6.79 | 760 |
| Cheddar’s Legendary Monster Cookie | $7.79 | 1,390 |
| Hot Fudge Cake Sundae | $8.49 | 2,510 |
The Monster Cookie — a warm chocolate-chip cookie skillet with vanilla ice cream — is by far the most-shared dessert on social media for this chain.
Cheddar’s Teas, Lemonades & Soft Drinks Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-Brewed Iced Teas | $2.99 | 140 – 200 |
| Hand-Crafted Lemonades | $2.99 | 120 – 180 |
| Soft Drinks | $2.99 | 0 – 160 |
| Gallon Iced Tea | $5.79 | 1,470 – 1,890 |
| Gallon Lemonade | $5.79 | 1,320 – 1,690 |
Cheddar’s Cocktails (Dine-In Only) Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Absolut Watermelon Vodkarita | $6.99 | 250 |
| Watermelon Margarita Swirl | $6.99 | 430 |
| Texas Frozen Swirl Mango (New) | $7.49 | 410 |
| Texas Frozen Swirl Raspberry (New) | $7.49 | 420 |
| Texas Frozen Swirl Peach (New) | $7.49 | 420 |
| Texas Frozen Swirl Strawberry | $7.49 | 420 |
| Texas Frozen Swirl Sangria | $7.49 | 390 |
| Classic Mule | $7.99 | 130 |
| Coconut Pineapple Mule | $7.99 | 160 |
| Texas Margarita | $6.99 | 340 |
| Grande Top Shelf Margarita | $9.99 | 470 |
| Maui Margarita | $7.99 | 470 |
| Cheddar’s Painkiller | $8.99 | 350 |
| Cheddar’s Long Island Iced Tea | $6.99 | 230 |
| Texas Sweet Tea | $6.99 | 230 |
| El Patrón Margarita | $10.99 | 230 |
| Island Tiki | $8.99 | 230 |
| Presidente Sangria | $7.99 | 170 |
Cheddar’s To-Go Beverages Menu Prices
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled Beer | $4.99 | 100 – 290 |
| Cheddar’s Painkiller | $7.49 | 350 |
| Texas Margarita | $6.99 | 340 |
Honest Review of the Cheddar’s Menu
What makes Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen stand out isn’t innovation — it’s consistency. The menu doesn’t reinvent American food. It just does the classics properly:
- Real mashed potatoes, not powdered
- Hand-breaded chicken tenders
- Slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs
- Honey Butter Croissants baked fresh every few hours
- Real produce delivered daily for salads and sides
Compared to Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, Chili’s, and Texas Roadhouse, Cheddar’s typically lands $2 – $4 cheaper for a main dish of equal or larger size. That’s why families and college students keep coming back.
Cheddar’s Menu Allergen Information
| Menu Item | Gluten | Dairy | Nuts | Soy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Yes | Yes | No | Possible | Coating & sauces vary |
| Burgers | Yes | Yes | No | Possible | Bun and cheese included |
| Ribs & Steaks | No | Possible | No | Possible | Seasoning may change |
| Seafood Dishes | Possible | Possible | No | Possible | Preparation dependent |
| Salads | Possible | Possible | Possible | Possible | Dressings vary |
| Honey Butter Croissants | Yes | Yes | No | Possible | Wheat & dairy heavy |
| Appetizers | Yes | Possible | Possible | Possible | Shared fryers used |
| Desserts | Yes | Yes | Possible | Possible | Eggs & dairy |
| Drinks | No | No | No | No | Generally safe |
Cheddar’s Menu Nutritional Snapshot
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | ~900 kcal | 35 g | 60 g | 55 g |
| Cheeseburger | ~800 kcal | 30 g | 50 g | 45 g |
| Grilled Chicken | ~500 kcal | 45 g | 10 g | 20 g |
| Ribs | ~1,100 kcal | 50 g | 40 g | 75 g |
| Caesar Salad | ~650 kcal | 20 g | 30 g | 45 g |
| Shrimp Platter | ~600 kcal | 35 g | 40 g | 30 g |
| Croissants | ~300 kcal | 5 g | 35 g | 18 g |
| Desserts | ~700 kcal | 8 g | 70 g | 45 g |
| Soft Drinks | ~180 kcal | 0 g | 45 g | 0 g |
Cheddar’s Menu Promotions & Real Deals
| Deal | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Lunch Specials | Smaller portion, lower price | Quick weekday meals |
| Combo Meals | Main + side + drink | Full lunch/dinner |
| Family Bundles | Mains, sides & croissants for 4–6 | Family dinners |
| Seasonal LTOs | Limited-time dishes like Spasagna | Trying new flavors |
| Cheddar’s App Offers | Free items, discounts | Frequent diners |
Cheddar’s Family Activities
Cheddar’s is one of the few sit-down chains designed with families in mind.
- High chairs and changing tables at every location
- Dedicated kids’ menu with healthier grilled options
- Quiet family-friendly seating area
- Quick refills of croissants and drinks
- Birthday dessert on request
Cheddar’s Bulk Order & Catering Options
| Order Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Family Bundles | Pre-set meals for 4–6 | Home dinners |
| Catering Trays | Tenders, ribs, salads in trays | Office events |
| Dessert Boxes | Monster cookies, cheesecakes | Celebrations |
| Custom Orders | Special dietary mixes | Group needs |
Larger catering orders usually require 24–48 hours’ notice. Call your nearest Cheddar’s directly for accurate quotes.
Cheddar’s Drive-Thru & To-Go Best Sellers
Cheddar’s doesn’t run a traditional drive-thru, but curbside pickup is fast and reliable. Best items for to-go:
- Chicken Tender Platter
- Honey Butter Croissants
- Classic Cheeseburger
- Caesar Pasta Salad
- Gallon Iced Tea or Lemonade
Cheddar’s Loyalty & App Rewards
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cheddar’s Rewards | Earn points on every visit |
| App Exclusive Offers | Discounts not available in-store |
| Birthday Reward | Free dessert each year |
| Member-Only Promos | Limited-time deal alerts |
| Digital Receipts | Easy order tracking |
Cheddar’s Franchising & Brand Growth
Cheddar’s is owned by Darden Restaurants, the same group that operates Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, and The Capital Grille. That backing gives Cheddar’s strong supply chain stability and consistent food quality across more than 170 U.S. locations.
The chain isn’t currently offering open franchising opportunities to the public, but corporate expansion continues steadily — mostly in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Food Quality & Safety Standards
Cheddar’s runs under Darden’s strict food safety protocols:
- Daily kitchen sanitation checks
- Temperature-monitored storage
- Trained line cooks for each station
- Regular third-party inspections
- Fresh, never-frozen produce for salads
Cheddar’s Rules & Customer Policies
- No outside food or drinks
- Some menu items vary by location
- Seasonal items rotate quarterly
- Large group reservations encouraged
- Customizations allowed within reason
Cheddar’s Future Plans
Cheddar’s is investing in steady, customer-focused upgrades:
- Improved mobile ordering through the Cheddar’s app
- Faster curbside pickup turnaround
- New seasonal menu launches each quarter
- Expanded gluten-sensitive options
- Enhanced delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular items on the Cheddar’s menu?
Honey Butter Croissants, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Tenders, the Monster Cookie skillet, and the Classic Cheeseburger consistently top order lists across Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations.
Does Cheddar’s serve breakfast?
No. Cheddar’s opens at 11 AM and focuses exclusively on lunch and dinner service. There’s no breakfast menu at any U.S. location.
Are Cheddar’s prices cheaper than Applebee’s or Chili’s?
In most direct comparisons, yes. Cheddar’s runs roughly $2 – $4 lower per entrée than Applebee’s or Chili’s while serving larger portions, especially on chicken tender and rib plates.
Can I order Cheddar’s online or for delivery?
Yes. Online ordering is available through cheddars.com, the official Cheddar’s app, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub for both pickup and delivery.
Are there healthy or low-calorie options at Cheddar’s?
Yes. The Lemon Pepper Chicken (520 cal), Grilled Salmon, Grilled White Fish, and Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad are the lowest-calorie picks. Sides like steamed broccoli, sweet baby carrots, and green beans stay under 110 calories each.
Does Cheddar’s have a gluten-free menu?
Yes — a dedicated gluten-sensitive menu is available featuring steaks, salmon, ribs, salads, and burgers without buns. Shared kitchen equipment means cross-contact is possible, so notify your server about severe sensitivities.
What time does the Cheddar’s lunch special end?
Weekday lunch specials are served Monday through Friday, usually until 3 PM. Hours vary slightly by location — call ahead if you’re cutting it close.
Does Cheddar’s offer senior discounts?
This varies by location. Some Cheddar’s restaurants offer around 10% off for guests aged 60+, but it’s not a chain-wide policy. Always ask your server or check with the local restaurant.
Are kids’ meals included with adult entrées?
Not automatically. However, Cheddar’s occasionally runs “Kids Eat Free” promotions on specific weeknights — check local Facebook pages or the Cheddar’s app for current offers.
Who owns Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen?
Darden Restaurants — the same parent company behind Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, and The Capital Grille — acquired Cheddar’s in 2017.
How many Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations are there?
There are over 170 Cheddar’s locations across the United States, concentrated heavily in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, with continued steady expansion under Darden’s management.
What makes Cheddar’s a “scratch kitchen”?
Most items are cooked from scratch in-house each day — including mashed potatoes, croissants, hand-breaded tenders, and slow-smoked ribs. It’s a key reason portions and prices feel honest compared to chains that rely on pre-prepared ingredients.
Final Thoughts
The Cheddar’s menu is built around a simple idea — real food, fair prices, generous portions. Whether you’re grabbing a weekday lunch, ordering ribs for the family, or splitting a Monster Cookie with friends, the value here genuinely holds up against any major American casual dining chain in 2026.
If you’ve been deciding between Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Texas Roadhouse, or Applebee’s, Cheddar’s typically wins on portion size and homemade quality at the same price point. Try the Honey Butter Croissants once — you’ll understand why regulars keep coming back.