The Cook Out Tray from Cook Out features a generous serving of juicy grilled burgers, crispy golden fries, savory seasoned chicken quesadilla, and fresh coleslaw, all neatly arranged to deliver a satisfying and flavorful meal with a variety of textures.
Equipments
- Grill
- Deep fryer
- Griddle or flat-top grill
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serving tray
- Colander or salad spinner
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 large carrot
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ground beef should be fresh and ideally 80% lean for juicy grilled burgers, while using fresh russet potatoes will provide crispy, golden fries when fried at the correct temperature around 350degF (175degC). Make sure to season the beef with salt and black pepper evenly for balanced flavor. When preparing the chicken quesadilla, combine shredded chicken with taco seasoning and cheeses for a savory taste that complements the other tray components. Fresh vegetables like green cabbage and carrot should be finely shredded and mixed with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a tangy coleslaw with crisp texture. Your Cook Out Tray from Cook Out copycat menu will shine with these carefully selected ingredients balanced for authenticity and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill for burgers.
- Shape ground beef into 4 burger patties.
- Season patties with salt and pepper.
- Grill burger patties to desired doneness, using food thermometer.
- Add cheddar slice to each burger near the end of grilling.
- Toast buns on grill.
- Assemble burgers on buns with cheese.
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into fries.
- Fry potato strips until golden and crispy.
- Drain fries on paper towels; season with salt.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and taco seasoning.
- Place chicken mixture on one half of each tortilla.
- Fold tortilla over filling.
- Heat griddle or flat-top grill over medium heat.
- Cook quesadillas on griddle until golden brown and cheese melts, flipping once.
- Slice quesadillas into wedges.
- In a bowl, mix cabbage and grated carrot.
- In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss cabbage mixture with dressing until coated.
- Arrange burgers, fries, quesadilla wedges, and coleslaw on serving tray.
Substitution
The Cook Out Tray from Cook Out copycat menu offers a well-rounded meal featuring grilled burgers, crispy fries, chicken quesadilla, and fresh coleslaw. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based patties for the ground beef to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a deep fryer, fries can be baked in the oven or air-fried for a healthier alternative. For the coleslaw, store-bought dressing may be used if time is limited, but mixing fresh cabbage and carrots with homemade dressing will enhance the taste. Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken inside the quesadilla reaches a safe internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before serving.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your grill and deep fryer properly to achieve the best texture and doneness for your burgers and fries. Use a food thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking the ground beef patties, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 160degF (71degC). When frying potatoes, dry them well before cooking to prevent oil splatter and ensure crispiness. Remember to toss the coleslaw just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy for your meal.
Nutritions
The Cook Out Tray provides a balanced nutritional profile packed with protein from the grilled ground beef and shredded chicken, essential for muscle repair and growth. The russet potato fries, deep-fried in vegetable oil, contribute carbohydrates and fats that offer sustained energy but may increase calorie intake due to frying. Fresh coleslaw made with cabbage, carrot, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing adds dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support digestion and immune function. Your meal delivers a diverse mix of textures and macronutrients, enabling you to enjoy flavorful satisfaction while meeting your nutritional needs.
Storage
Store your Cook Out Tray components separately to maintain freshness and texture; refrigerate the grilled burgers, cooked fries, quesadilla wedges, and coleslaw in airtight containers. Keep fries in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray to avoid sogginess, and consume within 2-3 days for optimal quality. Reheat the burgers and quesadillas on a grill or griddle to restore their crispiness while serving the coleslaw chilled for best flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to lighten the burgers while maintaining flavor. Instead of deep frying fries, try oven-baking or air frying to reduce oil usage and enhance crispiness with less fat. Replace the seasoned chicken in quesadillas with grilled vegetables or black beans as a vegetarian option. For your coleslaw, experiment with Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a tangier, lower-fat dressing.
Allergies
The Cook Out Tray contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and gluten from hamburger buns and flour tortillas. You should be cautious if you have allergies to eggs or soy, as mayonnaise often contains those ingredients. Cross-contamination risks may exist with the use of seasoned chicken and oil-fried potatoes, so always verify with the food provider to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Cook Out Tray menu from Cook Out restaurant is popular for its generous portions, wide variety of flavorful options, and affordable prices. Each tray typically includes a main entree, two sides, and a drink, offering a satisfying and balanced meal that appeals to diverse tastes. Fans appreciate the fresh ingredients and bold Southern-inspired flavors that make the dishes stand out. Trying to make a copycat Cook Out Tray at home allows you to enjoy these beloved flavors customized to your preferences while saving money.