Biscuit Cracker Barrel Calories How Many Are in Your Favorite Meal

Biscuit Cracker Barrel calories can quickly add up, with a single biscuit containing around 180–220 calories depending on size and preparation. When paired with butter, jelly, or gravy—common accompaniments at Cracker Barrel—the total can exceed 400 calories per serving, making it a hearty but calorie-dense choice. For those watching their intake, opting for smaller portions or sharing can help balance enjoyment with nutrition.

Key Takeaways

• Check calorie counts: Biscuits at Cracker Barrel average 200–300 calories each.
• Watch portion sizes: Meals with multiple biscuits can exceed 1,000 calories quickly.
• Choose wisely: Opt for smaller sides to balance your meal’s calorie load.
• Consider add-ons: Butter and gravy can add 100+ calories per serving.
• Track your intake: Use the menu’s nutrition guide to plan ahead.
• Balance your plate: Pair biscuits with protein and veggies for a healthier meal.

Biscuit Cracker Barrel Calories: How Many Are in Your Favorite Meal

There’s something undeniably comforting about walking into a Cracker Barrel and being greeted by the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked biscuits. Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast, a homestyle lunch, or a cozy dinner, those golden-brown biscuits often steal the show—especially when slathered with butter and jam or used to sop up gravy. But if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake, you might be wondering: just how many calories are in that fluffy, flaky biscuit?

It’s a fair question—and one that many health-conscious diners ask. While Cracker Barrel is beloved for its down-home cooking and generous portions, it’s also known for meals that can pack a caloric punch. Biscuits, in particular, are a staple on the menu, appearing in everything from the classic country breakfast to the chicken ‘n’ biscuits entrée. Understanding the calorie count of these biscuits—and the meals they come with—can help you make smarter, more informed choices without sacrificing flavor. In this guide, we’ll break down the biscuit cracker barrel calories so you can enjoy your favorite meal with confidence.

What’s in a Cracker Barrel Biscuit?

Before diving into the numbers, it helps to know what goes into a Cracker Barrel biscuit. These aren’t your average store-bought biscuits—they’re made fresh in-house daily, using a simple but rich recipe that includes flour, butter, buttermilk, baking powder, and a touch of sugar. The result? A tender, slightly sweet biscuit with a crispy exterior that’s perfect for pairing with savory dishes or sweet spreads.

Ingredients That Impact Calorie Count

The high butter and buttermilk content is what gives Cracker Barrel biscuits their signature richness—but it also contributes to their calorie density. Unlike lighter, yeast-based breads, biscuits rely on fat and chemical leaveners to rise, which means they’re naturally higher in calories and fat. A single biscuit may seem small, but its nutritional impact adds up quickly, especially when combined with other menu items.

Additionally, many Cracker Barrel biscuits are served with butter and jelly or jam on the side. While these additions enhance flavor, they also increase the total calorie count. A pat of butter alone can add 35–40 calories, and a tablespoon of jelly might tack on another 20–30. It’s easy to overlook these extras, but they’re important to consider when tracking your intake.

Calorie Breakdown: How Many Calories Are in a Cracker Barrel Biscuit?

So, how many calories are we really talking about? According to Cracker Barrel’s official nutrition information, a single plain biscuit contains approximately 190 calories. That’s not bad on its own—especially if you’re enjoying it as part of a balanced meal. But remember, most diners don’t stop at just one biscuit. And when you factor in sides, proteins, and toppings, the total can climb fast.

Comparing Biscuit Sizes and Preparations

Cracker Barrel offers biscuits in a few different forms, and the calorie count can vary slightly depending on how they’re prepared:

• Plain Biscuit: ~190 calories
• Biscuit with Butter: ~230–240 calories (adds ~40–50 calories)
• Biscuit with Jelly or Jam: ~210–220 calories (adds ~20–30 calories)
• Buttermilk Biscuit (used in entrées): ~190–200 calories

It’s also worth noting that some menu items use larger or split biscuits. For example, the Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits entrée features a split biscuit topped with fried chicken and gravy. That single biscuit portion can easily double in size, pushing the calorie count closer to 380–400 for the biscuit alone.

Popular Cracker Barrel Meals with Biscuits: Calorie Totals

Now let’s look at how biscuits fit into some of Cracker Barrel’s most popular meals. While the biscuit itself is a highlight, it’s often just one component of a much larger plate. Here’s a breakdown of a few fan-favorite dishes and their total calorie counts, including the biscuit.

Country Fried Steak with Biscuit

This Southern classic features a breaded and fried steak smothered in creamy country gravy, served with two biscuits, hashbrown casserole, and your choice of side. Here’s the calorie breakdown:

• Country Fried Steak: ~520 calories
• Country Gravy: ~180 calories
• Two Biscuits: ~380 calories
• Hashbrown Casserole: ~220 calories
• Green Beans (side): ~60 calories

Total: Approximately 1,360 calories

That’s a hearty meal—perfect for a weekend brunch, but worth keeping in mind if you’re watching your intake.

Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits

This comfort food favorite includes crispy fried chicken served over a split biscuit, topped with rich sawmill gravy. It comes with two sides. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• Fried Chicken (2 pieces): ~620 calories
• Split Biscuit: ~380 calories
• Sawmill Gravy: ~120 calories
• Mashed Potatoes: ~150 calories
• Coleslaw: ~180 calories

Total: Approximately 1,450 calories

Again, delicious—but definitely a calorie-dense choice.

Sunrise Sampler (Breakfast)

For breakfast lovers, the Sunrise Sampler includes two eggs, your choice of meat (bacon or sausage), hashbrown casserole, and two biscuits. Let’s break it down:

• Two Eggs (scrambled): ~140 calories
• Bacon (3 strips): ~120 calories
• Hashbrown Casserole: ~220 calories
• Two Biscuits: ~380 calories
• Butter and Jelly: ~60 calories

Total: Approximately 920 calories

This is one of the lighter options, especially if you skip the butter and jelly or opt for a leaner meat like turkey sausage.

Smart Swaps and Tips to Reduce Calories

Just because a meal is high in calories doesn’t mean you have to skip it altogether. With a few smart swaps and mindful choices, you can still enjoy your favorite Cracker Barrel dishes while keeping your calorie intake in check.

Choose Your Sides Wisely

Sides can make or break your calorie count. Instead of hashbrown casserole or mac and cheese, opt for lower-calorie options like:

• Steamed green beans (~60 calories)
• Fresh fruit (~50–80 calories)
• Grilled tomatoes (~30 calories)
• Side salad with light dressing (~100 calories)

These choices add flavor and nutrients without the extra fat and calories.

Split the Biscuit—Literally

If you’re ordering an entrée that comes with a split biscuit (like Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits), consider asking for just one half instead of the full split. You’ll still get the satisfying texture and flavor but cut nearly 200 calories from your meal.

Skip the Gravy or Ask for It on the Side

Gravy is delicious, but it’s also calorie-dense. A single serving can add 100–200 calories. Ask for it on the side so you can control how much you use—or skip it altogether and use a little butter or jam on your biscuit instead.

Share Your Meal

Cracker Barrel portions are generous. Consider splitting an entrée with a friend or taking half home for later. This not only reduces your calorie intake but also gives you a tasty leftover for tomorrow.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are important, they’re not the only factor to consider when evaluating a meal. Cracker Barrel biscuits and their accompanying dishes also contain significant amounts of fat, sodium, and carbohydrates.

Fat and Sodium Content

A single biscuit contains about 9 grams of fat and 400–500 mg of sodium. When combined with fried meats, gravies, and cheesy sides, the total sodium in a full meal can easily exceed 2,000 mg—nearly your entire daily recommended limit. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and heart disease risk, so it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re sensitive to salt.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Biscuits are primarily made of refined flour, which means they’re high in carbohydrates but low in fiber. A plain biscuit has about 25 grams of carbs and less than 1 gram of fiber. This can cause a quicker spike in blood sugar compared to whole-grain alternatives. If you’re managing diabetes or watching your carb intake, consider balancing your meal with protein and non-starchy vegetables.

Biscuit Cracker Barrel Calories at a Glance

To make it easy to compare, here’s a quick reference table of common Cracker Barrel biscuit-based meals and their approximate calorie totals:

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Cracker Barrel the Smart Way

There’s no denying that Cracker Barrel biscuits are a treat—flaky, buttery, and deeply satisfying. And while the biscuit cracker barrel calories can add up, especially in full meals, that doesn’t mean you have to give them up entirely. With a little awareness and a few smart choices, you can still enjoy your favorite Southern comfort foods without derailing your health goals.

Start by knowing what you’re eating. A single biscuit might seem harmless, but when paired with fried meats, rich gravies, and creamy sides, the calories can quickly climb. Use the tips in this guide—like choosing lighter sides, splitting portions, and controlling toppings—to make your meal more balanced. And remember, indulging occasionally is part of a healthy lifestyle. So go ahead, savor that biscuit. Just maybe share it with a friend—or save half for later.

At the end of the day, food is about more than just calories. It’s about comfort, connection, and joy. Cracker Barrel delivers on all three. With a bit of mindfulness, you can enjoy every bite—guilt-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a Biscuit Cracker Barrel biscuit?

A single Biscuit Cracker Barrel biscuit contains approximately 160 calories. This classic buttermilk biscuit is a fan favorite and pairs perfectly with breakfast or dinner entrees.

What is the calorie count for a full Biscuit Cracker Barrel meal?

A full Biscuit Cracker Barrel meal, including a biscuit, main entrée, and sides, typically ranges from 600 to 1,200 calories depending on your selections. Popular combinations like the Country Fried Chicken or Meatloaf Plate can push the calorie count higher due to rich gravies and fried components.

Are Biscuit Cracker Barrel biscuits high in calories?

While not the highest-calorie item on the menu, Biscuit Cracker Barrel biscuits are moderately high in calories due to their buttery, flaky texture. Each biscuit has about 160 calories, so enjoying multiple biscuits or adding butter and jelly can significantly increase your intake.

How many calories are in Biscuit Cracker Barrel’s breakfast platters?

Biscuit Cracker Barrel breakfast platters usually contain between 700 and 1,000 calories, often including eggs, bacon or sausage, hashbrowns, and a biscuit. The exact count varies by platter, so checking the nutrition guide can help you make informed choices.

Can I find low-calorie options at Biscuit Cracker Barrel?

Yes, Biscuit Cracker Barrel offers several lower-calorie menu items, such as grilled chicken or vegetable sides, which can help balance your meal. Opting for a single biscuit instead of multiple servings and choosing lighter sides can reduce overall calorie intake.

Do Biscuit Cracker Barrel biscuits have added sugar?

Yes, Biscuit Cracker Barrel biscuits contain a small amount of added sugar to enhance flavor, contributing to their slightly sweet taste. Along with flour, butter, and buttermilk, sugar is a key ingredient, so keep that in mind when tracking your daily sugar and calorie intake.