Cookout BBQ Sandwich Review: I Tried Every Size and Variation (2025 Guide)

This finely chopped pork sandwich has become the life-blood of what many call “The In-N-Out of the Southeast.” My curiosity about The Cookout BBQ Sandwich led me to multiple late-night visits until 3:30 AM. I found this creation topped with homemade slaw and hot sauce delivers way beyond mere convenience. The sandwich definitely stands out at 370 calories per serving, and you can grab a complete meal with sides and a shake for under $26. College students seeking late-night food and curious food enthusiasts alike should note – I’ve sampled every variation to help you decide if this BBQ sandwich belongs in your regular food lineup.

Cookout menu with latest prices 2025.

What Comes on a Cookout BBQ Sandwich

A closer look at the Cookout BBQ Sandwich components shows a thoughtfully crafted mix of flavors and textures.

Basic Ingredients Breakdown

Char-grilled pulled pork forms the sandwich’s foundation, generously piled on the bun. The meat has a balanced texture that pulls apart easily, though it can be slightly dry at times. The homemade coleslaw adds a fresh crunch that works perfectly with the smoky meat.

Sauce and Seasoning Analysis

Two main sauce options add depth to each bite at Cookout:

• Original BBQ sauce – tangy and smokey with a balanced flavor profile
• Texas Pete hot sauce – adds an extra kick of heat

The BBQ sauce stands out with its unique blend of sweetness and smokiness that improves the pulled pork’s natural flavors. The sauce quality stays consistent at every location, which guarantees a reliable taste experience.

Bread Options Available

Customers can choose between white or wheat buns. Each bun gets buttered and warmed before serving to create a soft yet sturdy base that handles the saucy pulled pork well. The bread’s texture plays a significant role – it’s strong enough to hold the filling without becoming too dense or tough.

Size Options and Portion Guide

Let’s look at what makes the Cookout BBQ sandwich unique in the fast-food world.

Regular vs Large Size Comparison

The regular BBQ sandwich packs 8.8 ounces (249.5 grams), which makes it a filling meal. You’ll find it comes in one standard size that fills most people up just fine. Notwithstanding that, you can get more food with the BBQ plate that weighs 17.3 ounces (491.6 grams) and comes with sides.

Actual Weight and Value Analysis

My tests showed these sandwiches stay true to size every time. At $4.99, the regular BBQ sandwich gives you great value for its weight. The meat-to-bun ratio really stands out – you get plenty of chopped pork in each sandwich, and this stays consistent no matter which location you visit.

The BBQ plate at $5.99 gives you the best value with slaw, fries, and hushpuppies thrown in. You get twice as much food compared to the regular sandwich. Based on what I’ve seen, hungry customers should go for the plate version to get more for their money.

Here’s how the portions and prices stack up:

Option	Weight	Price	Included Items
Regular BBQ Sandwich	8.8 oz	$4.99	Sandwich with slaw
BBQ Plate	17.3 oz	$5.99	Sandwich, slaw, fries, hushpuppies

Taste Test Results

My taste tests at several locations revealed that Cookout’s BBQ sandwich has an unmatched flavor that makes it different from your typical barbecue places.

Meat Quality and Tenderness

The pork comes finely chopped with a braised-style texture that stays tender bite after bite. The meat stays juicy because we cooked it in a light broth. Instead of the usual smoke flavor, this sandwich focuses on soft, juicy meat. You get a big portion that’s worth every penny.

Sauce Flavor Profile

The sauce choices give this sandwich its own identity. The signature BBQ sauce brings together:

• Sweet and tangy base notes
• Sharp vinegar undertones
• A creamy texture that makes the meat even juicier

The hot sauce adds a surprising kick that works well with the pork’s natural taste. Each bite has just the right amount of sauce to meat, so you get the perfect flavor mix.

Overall Taste Rating

After trying many sandwiches, here’s my full picture:

Component	Rating	Notable Features
Meat Quality	2.5/5	Tender but lacks smoke flavor
Sauce Balance	3.5/5	Sweet and tangy mix hits right
Overall Value	4/5	Great portion for the price

This sandwich might not beat dedicated BBQ spots, but it hits the spot with its steady quality and big portions. The mix of tender meat and well-balanced sauce makes for a reliable fast-food BBQ fix that stays consistent at every location.

Nutrition Facts and Calories

The nutritional profile of Cookout’s BBQ sandwich shows some surprising facts about this popular menu item.

Complete Nutritional Breakdown

A regular BBQ sandwich has 368 calories per serving. This makes it a moderate choice among fast-food options. The sandwich delivers 29 grams of protein from chopped pork. You’ll find 12 grams of fat and 35 grams of total carbohydrates in the macronutrient breakdown.

The detailed nutritional composition has:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Sodium	1103mg	48%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	9g	–
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	66mg	22%

Healthier Ordering Options

You can improve the nutritional profile with several modifications if you watch your calories. The carbohydrate content drops by a lot when you skip the bun. You can lower your overall calorie count by choosing a BBQ plate with a side salad instead of fries.

Here are practical ways to make your order healthier:

• Pick fresh-brewed tea (zero calories) instead of sugary drinks
• Ask for light sauce to cut down on sodium
• Get extra vegetables when you can for more fiber

The sandwich has 1103mg of sodium, so people watching their salt intake should try these alternatives. The protein-to-calorie ratio makes this a filling option since protein makes up about 32% of total calories.

You’d need about 67 minutes of walking or 31 minutes of running at a moderate pace to burn off one BBQ sandwich. The sandwich’s nutritional profile fits well into a balanced meal when you pair it with lighter sides and unsweetened drinks.

Conclusion

My late-night adventures sampling Cookout’s BBQ sandwiches have taught me one thing – this regional favorite delivers good value despite its shortcomings. The meat doesn’t pack the deep smoke flavor you’d find at dedicated BBQ spots, but generous portions and quality consistency make it a reliable choice when midnight cravings strike.

This sandwich hits the sweet spot between cost and satisfaction. A regular size costs less than $5 and delivers 29 grams of protein at just 368 calories per serving. You’ll get the best value from the BBQ plate – it doubles your food for just a dollar more.

Cookout knows its place in the market. The finely chopped pork, varied sauce options, and consistent preparation create a fast-food BBQ that works without trying to be something it’s not. Purists might question its authenticity, but the sandwich succeeds at its core mission – providing a quick, filling meal that’s easy on your wallet.

The mix of tender meat, tangy sauce, and fresh slaw has earned its place in the Southeast’s fast-food scene. This sandwich belongs in your late-night food rotation, whether you’re a budget-conscious college student or just need a decent BBQ fix.

FAQs

Q1. What makes Cook Out’s BBQ sandwich unique? 

Cook Out’s BBQ sandwich features finely chopped char-grilled pulled pork, topped with homemade coleslaw and a choice of original BBQ sauce or Texas Pete hot sauce. It’s served on a buttered and warmed bun, offering a balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.

Q2. How many calories are in a Cook Out BBQ sandwich? 

A regular Cook Out BBQ sandwich contains 368 calories. It also provides 29 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 35 grams of total carbohydrates, making it a relatively moderate choice among fast-food options.

Q3. What size options are available for the BBQ sandwich? 

The regular BBQ sandwich weighs 8.8 ounces (249.5 grams). For a more filling meal, customers can opt for the BBQ plate, which weighs 17.3 ounces (491.6 grams) and includes additional sides.

Q4. How does Cook Out ensure consistent quality across locations? 

Cook Out maintains consistent quality by using standardized preparation methods and sauce recipes across all locations. The meat is prepared to maintain moisture, and the sauce-to-meat ratio is carefully balanced to ensure a consistent flavor profile in every sandwich.

Q5. Are there any healthier options available when ordering the BBQ sandwich? 

Yes, there are several ways to make the BBQ sandwich order healthier. Options include removing the bun to reduce carbohydrates, choosing a side salad instead of fries, opting for fresh-brewed tea (zero calories) over sugary beverages, and requesting light sauce to reduce sodium intake.

Cookout Barbecue Sandwich

Price

• $5.99 (prices may vary by location)

Calories

• Approximate Calories: 500-700 calories per sandwich, depending on toppings and sauce quantity.

Ingredients

• Pulled Pork or Shredded Beef/Chicken
• Barbecue Sauce
• Sandwich Bun (e.g., brioche or hamburger roll)
• Optional toppings:
  • Pickles
  • Coleslaw
  • Sliced Onions
  • Cheese Slices

Nutrition (per sandwich)

• Calories: 500-700
• Protein: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fats: 20-30g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sodium: 800-1200mg

Allergens

• Contains: Gluten (bun), Dairy (if cheese is added)
• May Contain: Soy, depending on the barbecue sauce used.
• Cross-Contamination Warning: Meat preparation may include contact with other allergens like soy, eggs, or dairy.

Preparation Method

1. Cook the Meat: If it’s not already cooked, use a slow cooker or grill to make the meat tender and flavorful.
2. Add Barbecue Sauce: Mix the pulled meat with barbecue sauce for an even coating.
3. Assemble the Sandwich: Layer meat on a toasted bun, add toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and onions, then top with the other bun half.
4. Serve Hot: Enjoy with sides like fries, corn, or salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with French Fries, Potato Wedges, or Sweet Potato Fries for a classic BBQ combo.
• Pair with Corn on the Cob or Baked Beans for a full cookout experience.
• Add a side of Cole Slaw or Macaroni Salad to complement the sandwich.

Cooking Tips

• Choose the Right Meat: For the best flavor, use smoked pulled pork or slow-cooked beef.
• Toasting Buns: Lightly butter and toast buns on a skillet or grill for extra flavor and texture.
• Sauce Amount: Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to make the sandwich saucier or drier, as per taste.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a spicy barbecue sauce.
• Cheesy Version: Melt cheese on the meat for an extra-rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with BBQ-flavored jackfruit for a plant-based alternative.