From sweet cinnamon breakfasts to complete Thanksgiving dinners, Cracker Barrel is bringing holiday comfort food to the table with new menu items, returning favorites and convenient meals for families celebrating at home.

Food & Drink | STM Daily News

The holiday season is approaching, and Cracker Barrel is getting an early start on the festivities with a lineup of comforting seasonal dishes, festive beverages and ready-to-serve Thanksgiving meals.

The restaurant chain announced its 2026 holiday menu on October 20, introducing new Cinnamon Swirl Pancakesand a Country Fried Turkey Sandwich, alongside returning favorites such as Country Fried Turkey and Cinnamon Swirl French Toast.

For families looking to simplify Thanksgiving preparations, Cracker Barrel is also bringing back its popular Heat & Serve meals, offering complete holiday dinners that can be prepared at home in two hours or less.

The seasonal offerings are part of the company’s “Get Your Season’s Worth” holiday campaign, which encourages customers to celebrate everyday moments throughout the season rather than saving all the festivities for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

New Holiday Flavors: Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes and Country Fried Turkey Sandwich

Two new dishes are taking center stage on Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu this year.

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

For breakfast lovers, the new Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with Cracker Barrel’s signature buttermilk pancakes.

The fluffy pancakes feature a rich cinnamon filling swirled throughout and are finished with a drizzle of sweet cream cheese icing.

The breakfast comes with two eggs and a choice of thick-sliced bacon or smoked sausage.

It’s a festive twist on a traditional pancake breakfast, offering something a little sweeter for customers looking to start their day with a taste of the holidays.

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Country Fried Turkey Sandwich

Cracker Barrel is also introducing a new handheld version of one of its popular seasonal dishes.

The Country Fried Turkey Sandwich features a crispy, breaded turkey tenderloin topped with gravy and cranberry relish, served on a toasted bun.

The combination brings together several familiar Thanksgiving flavors in a sandwich that customers can enjoy without waiting for the holiday itself.

For those who enjoy the traditional combination of turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce, the sandwich offers a convenient alternative to a full holiday dinner.

Returning Holiday Favorites

Along with its new offerings, Cracker Barrel is bringing back several seasonal favorites that have become familiar parts of its holiday menu.

Country Fried Turkey

The returning entrée features hand-breaded turkey tenderloins topped with creamy herbed pan gravy.

It’s served with country sides, cranberry relish and a choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast

This returning breakfast favorite features cinnamon streusel bread dipped in Cracker Barrel’s signature batter and cooked until golden brown.

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The French toast is topped with cinnamon and cream cheese icings and served with two eggs and a choice of bacon or smoked sausage.

Rich DIY Hot Chocolate

For customers looking for a warm seasonal treat, Cracker Barrel’s returning hot chocolate comes topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

Guests can personalize their drinks with a selection of toppings.

Cinnamon Swirl Latte

Available hot or iced, the Cinnamon Swirl Latte features sweet cinnamon flavor, whipped cream, an icing drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Together, these returning favorites provide customers with several ways to enjoy familiar holiday flavors throughout the season.

Thanksgiving Dinner Without Spending All Day in the Kitchen

For many families, Thanksgiving is about gathering around the table, sharing a meal and spending time together.

However, preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can require hours of cooking, planning and cleanup.

Cracker Barrel is offering an alternative with its Thanksgiving Heat & Serve meals, designed to provide a complete holiday dinner with significantly less preparation.

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According to the company, the meals can be heated and served in two hours or less.

Two options are available for families of different sizes.

Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Turkey Family Dinner — Approximately $119.99

Designed to feed four to six people, this meal includes:

• One oven-roasted turkey breast
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green beans
• Cornbread dressing
• Turkey gravy
• Cranberry relish
• Sweet rolls

The Family Dinner offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal without requiring customers to prepare each dish from scratch.

Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Turkey Feast — Approximately $189.99

For larger gatherings, the Turkey Feast serves eight to ten people and includes:

• Two oven-roasted turkey breasts
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green beans
• Mashed potatoes
• Cornbread dressing
• Turkey gravy
• Cranberry relish
• Sweet rolls
• Pumpkin pie
• Pecan pie

The larger meal includes dessert, making it a more complete option for families hosting Thanksgiving celebrations.

Important: Prices are approximate and may vary by restaurant location.

Holiday Pies for the Dessert Table

Customers who prefer to prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner but want to save time on dessert can also purchase Cracker Barrel’s fresh-baked holiday pies.

Available flavors include pumpkin, pecan, chocolate pecan and cinnamon roll, among others.

Pies are typically priced around $14.49 each, depending on location.

These desserts provide an additional option for holiday hosts who want to spend less time baking while still offering familiar seasonal favorites.

When Can Customers Order Thanksgiving Meals?

Cracker Barrel began accepting Thanksgiving Heat & Serve pre-orders on October 20.

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Customers can place orders through the company’s website or mobile app.

Thanksgiving meal pickup dates: November 21–29, 2026.

With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 26, customers have several pickup dates available to accommodate their holiday plans.

The company recommends ordering ahead to secure the desired meal and pickup date.

The seasonal restaurant menu is also available for a limited time at participating Cracker Barrel locations nationwide.

Celebrating the Little Moments of the Holiday Season

Cracker Barrel’s holiday campaign focuses on the idea that memorable gatherings don’t always have to happen on major holidays.

Sometimes, a family breakfast, a weeknight dinner or an unexpected gathering can become a meaningful holiday tradition.

“Some of the best holiday memories happen when you’re not planning on making them,” said Sarah Moore, Cracker Barrel’s chief marketing officer.

The company hopes its seasonal menu will encourage customers to enjoy those moments throughout the holidays.

The strategy also reflects a growing interest in convenient meal options that allow families to enjoy traditional holiday foods without spending an entire day preparing them.

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A Taste of Tradition for the Holidays

Founded in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1969, Cracker Barrel has built its reputation around homestyle meals, country hospitality and traditional American comfort food.

Today, the company operates approximately 660 restaurants across 43 states.

Its 2026 holiday lineup continues that tradition by combining familiar seasonal dishes with new menu offerings and convenient take-home meals.

Whether customers are interested in cinnamon-filled pancakes for breakfast, a country fried turkey sandwich for lunch or a complete Thanksgiving feast at home, the restaurant is offering several ways to enjoy the flavors of the season.

And for families who would rather spend Thanksgiving visiting with loved ones than managing a kitchen full of pots and pans, the Heat & Serve meals may be an appealing alternative.

Where to Find More Information

Customers can explore the holiday menu, check local availability and place Thanksgiving meal pre-orders through the official Cracker Barrel website or mobile app.

Website: CrackerBarrel.com

Source: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., news release dated October 20, 2026.

STM Daily News — News You Can Use This Moment!

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Some childhood meals stay with you for decades. For me, Golden Bird fried chicken in Compton is one of them.

Growing up in the Los Angeles area, an occasional Friday or Saturday meant my mom wanted a break from cooking. Those were the nights when takeout became a treat, and Golden Bird was one of the places I remember enjoying most.

The location on East Alondra Boulevard sounds like the one we visited. Researching it brought me to 2600 East Alondra Boulevard, Compton—an address listed in Los Angeles County records under Golden Bird #1. 

An address can help place a memory on a map. But what I remember most is much simpler: the chicken was delicious, and getting it was a welcome weekend treat.

Part of Our Family’s Takeout Rotation

Golden Bird wasn’t our only chicken stop. Over the years, there was Pioneer, KFC, Church’s, Louisiana Fried Chicken, and later Popeyes. I also remember Jim Dandy from when I was very young, especially its crinkle-cut fries.

Each name brings back a different memory. Golden Bird brings me back to Compton and those evenings when my mother could take some time off from preparing dinner.

As a kid, I thought about enjoying the food. Looking back, I also appreciate what those meals meant for her: one less dinner to cook and a chance to take a break.

The History Behind the Address

Golden Bird’s own history describes a family recipe associated with Zelma and a wet batter designed to give the chicken a crisp outside while keeping the meat moist. My own memory is simply that I loved eating it. 

The Alondra Boulevard location also connects to another chapter in Southern California’s fried-chicken history. Vincent Williams opened a Compton Golden Bird franchise in 1983, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

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A later profile described Williams developing his Honey’s Kettle concept in his former Compton franchise location. Honey’s Kettle dates its beginnings on Alondra Boulevard to 2000, and a 2012 restaurant visit documented its original location at 2600 East Alondra Boulevard. Those accounts point to a connection between the two businesses at that address. 

I haven’t established who operated the restaurant during every year my family visited. But learning about its history adds another layer to a place I remember through its food.

A Weekend Memory Worth Keeping

For me, Golden Bird’s place in the story starts with family. It was an occasional treat, a meal I enjoyed, and a Friday or Saturday when Mom could let someone else handle the cooking.

Decades later, that is still a good reason to remember a neighborhood restaurant.

Editor’s note: Golden Bird is still serving fried chicken in South Los Angeles at 8300 South Western Avenue, at West 83rd Street. For those of us who remember it as a weekend family treat, it’s good to know the Golden Bird name remains part of LA’s food scene. Order pickup and delivery

Did you eat at the Golden Bird on Alondra Boulevard—or another Golden Bird location? Share your memories and favorite orders in the comments.

Explore more food stories in STM Daily News’ Food & Drink section⁠.

Food & Drink

Easy Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

Tender chicken, golden onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese tucked into a toasted hoagie roll—this Philly-style chicken cheesesteak brings plenty of comfort to the dinner table without a complicated ingredient list.

Inspired by the beef cheesesteak, this chicken version makes a satisfying lunch, a casual weekend meal, or an easy dinner when you want something warm and filling. The trick is to slice the chicken thin, give it room to brown, and melt the cheese right over the filling before scooping everything into the rolls.

This home-style recipe includes bell peppers, with mushrooms as an optional addition. Make it your own with creamy white American cheese, mild provolone, or a slice of each.

Recipe at a Glance

● Servings: 4 sandwiches

● Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes

● Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes

● Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

● Equipment: Large skillet with a lid, cutting board, sharp knife, and a separate skillet or oven for toasting rolls

Ingredients

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For the filling

● 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, very thinly sliced across the grain

● 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

● 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced

● 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil, divided

● 1 teaspoon garlic powder

● ½ teaspoon paprika

● ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

● ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

● 8 slices provolone or white American cheese, or a combination

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For the sandwiches

● 4 hoagie rolls

● 2 tablespoons softened butter

● Mayonnaise, optional

● Hot sauce or sliced pickled peppers, optional

Optional addition: 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Cook them with the vegetables, working in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam.

How to Make Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteaks

1. Slice and season the chicken

Slice the chicken as thinly as you comfortably can, cutting across the grain. Toss with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Kitchen tip: If the chicken is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm it slightly first. This optional chilling time is additional to the recipe’s listed prep time.

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2. Sauté the onions and peppers

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.

Transfer the vegetables to a plate.

3. Cook the chicken

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chicken in an even layer, cooking in batches if necessary.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning and separating the pieces as they cook. Timing will vary with the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your pan. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, checking the thickest pieces with a food thermometer.

Use a spatula to break the cooked chicken into smaller, sandwich-friendly pieces.

4. Toast the rolls

While the chicken cooks, split the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through. Spread the cut sides with softened butter.

Toast them butter-side down in a separate skillet over medium heat until lightly golden. Alternatively, toast them cut-side up under the broiler, watching closely.

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5. Combine the filling and melt the cheese

Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the chicken and toss together. Reduce the heat to low.

Arrange the filling into four portions and place two slices of cheese over each portion. Cover the skillet briefly, just until the cheese melts. If your skillet is too small, melt the cheese over two portions at a time.

6. Fill and serve

Spread a little mayonnaise inside the rolls if desired. Scoop a portion of cheesy chicken and vegetables into each roll.

Finish with hot sauce or pickled peppers if you like a little heat, and serve immediately.

Tips for a Better Sandwich

Keep the chicken thin. Thin slices cook quickly and make the sandwich easier to bite into.

Give the pan some space. Crowding traps moisture. Cooking in batches helps the chicken develop a browned surface.

Choose a sturdy roll. A roll with a soft interior and enough structure to hold the filling works well. Light toasting helps it stand up to the juices.

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Pick your cheese. White American gives the filling a creamy texture. Provolone adds a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Combining them gives you a little of both.

Adjust the vegetables. Try red bell pepper for a sweeter filling, add mushrooms, or keep it simple with onions and cheese.

What to Serve With Chicken Cheesesteaks

French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad all make easy sides. For a simple lunch, add a dill pickle and a handful of potato chips.

Can You Make the Filling Ahead?

Yes. Cook the chicken and vegetables ahead, then keep the filling separate from the rolls. Reheat it until hot throughout before adding cheese and assembling the sandwiches. Toast the rolls just before serving for the best texture.

A Comfort-Food Favorite for Your Dinner Rotation

These Philly-style chicken cheesesteaks turn a handful of everyday ingredients into a hearty meal. With tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese melted into every serving, they’re an easy option for sandwich night.

What goes on your chicken cheesesteak—provolone, white American, mushrooms, or extra peppers? Tell us in the comments.

Find more recipes and meal inspiration in the STM Daily News Food & Drink section.

Related reading from STM Daily News

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• Easy Homemade Chicken Alfredo Recipe⁠ Another comforting chicken dinner to try. 
• Fried Chicken from the Comfort of Home⁠ More inspiration for homemade chicken meals. 
• How to Make Country Style Lemonade⁠ A refreshing drink to serve with your sandwiches. 
• STM Daily News Food & Drink⁠ Explore more recipes, food news, and meal ideas.

Helpful cooking reference

Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures — FoodSafety.gov⁠ Supports the recipe’s instruction to cook chicken to 165°F. 

• Philadelphia Cheesesteaks — Visit Philadelphia — Explore Philadelphia’s signature sandwich and cheesesteak culture. Visit Philadelphia
• A Guide to the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia — Includes shops serving traditional and chicken variations. Visit Philadelphia
• Chicken From Farm to Table — USDA — Guidance on handling, thawing, cooking, and storing chicken. Food Safety and Inspection Service
• Leftovers and Food Safety — USDA — Helpful storage and reheating guidance for leftover sandwich filling. Food Safety and Inspection Service