Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Menu USA & Updated Prices 2026
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen meals typically run $10-$18 per entrée, with Family Bundles feeding 4-6 people for around $45-$70. Below is the full menu broken down by category, allergen notes, and why Cheddar’s scratch-made approach makes it a genuine value outlier in casual dining.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of 8 August 2026, not a single unverified source. Cheddar’s is owned by Darden Restaurants, and pricing varies by store and region. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Comfort Food | Steaks & Seafood | Family Bundles | Allergens | FAQ
About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s was founded in 1979 in Arlington, Texas, originally as Cheddar’s Casual Cafe, built around a simple idea: made-from-scratch comfort food at prices well below typical casual dining. The chain still cooks most items in-house daily — including mashed potatoes, croissants, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and slow-smoked ribs — a genuine differentiator from competitors that rely more heavily on centrally pre-prepared ingredients. Cheddar’s now operates over 170 locations, concentrated heavily in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, under Darden Restaurants’ ownership.
See Also: the cheese cake factory menu
Comfort Food Classics
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $13.99 | 1,150 |
| Chicken Tender Platter | $12.99 | 1,020 |
| Meatloaf | $13.49 | 980 |
| Country Fried Chicken | $14.49 | 1,200 |
Steaks & Seafood
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye (10 oz) | $17.99 | 780 |
| Sirloin (6 oz) | $14.99 | 420 |
| Baby Back Ribs (full rack) | $18.99 | 1,350 |
| Grilled Salmon | $16.99 | 460 |
Burgers & Sandwiches
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch-Made Burger | $11.99 | 1,080 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $11.49 | 720 |
Sides
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Mashed Potatoes | Included with entrée / $3.99 alone | 320 |
| Honey-Butter Croissant | Included with most meals | 240 |
| Green Beans | $3.49 | 110 |
Family Bundles
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Family Bundle | $45.99 | Feeds 4-6, works out to roughly $7.60 per person |
| Baby Back Ribs Family Bundle | $68.99 | Feeds 4-6, includes sides and croissants |
Family Bundles are one of the strongest value plays in casual dining — the Chicken Tender Bundle in particular works out to roughly $7.60 per person for a hot, sit-down meal that includes croissants and two sides.
Desserts
| Item | Estimated Price | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Cookie | $7.99 | 1,400 |
| Key Lime Pie | $6.99 | 590 |
Kids Menu
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Kids Chicken Tenders | $6.99 |
| Kids Mac & Cheese | $6.49 |
How Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Raised Prices In 2026?
Cheddar’s competes on being the cheapest scratch-made option in casual dining, which makes it unusually exposed to the 3.7% full-service menu inflation recorded in June 2026 (BLS). Cooking from scratch means labor is a bigger share of cost than at chains reheating pre-prepared food — so Cheddar’s feels wage pressure that competitors partly avoid.
| Category | 2026 pressure | Effect at Cheddar’s |
|---|---|---|
| Beef & veal | +12.1% (USDA) | Ribeye, country fried steak |
| Full-service menus | +3.7% YoY (BLS) | Menu-wide baseline |
| Chicken | Below the beef curve | Tenders platter, chicken entrées |
Beef items have moved fastest here. Chicken-based platters have held steadier, which is why the chicken tenders platter remains Cheddar’s strongest value proposition in 2026.
Cheddar’s Specialty & Services
Cheddar’s specialty is genuinely scratch-made comfort food at prices that undercut most casual dining competitors — mashed potatoes, croissants, hand-breaded tenders, and ribs are all prepared in-house daily rather than shipped pre-made, which is unusual at this price point. Beyond the standard dine-in menu:
- Family Bundles: Cheddar’s most distinctive offering — full group meals designed to feed 4-6 people at a strong per-person cost, built specifically for takeout
- Curbside pickup: available at most locations for online and app orders
- No reservations: Cheddar’s operates first-come, first-served, which is a deliberate operating choice rather than an oversight, keeping table turnover simple
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders (hand-breaded) | Yes | No | Wheat-based breading |
| Honey-Butter Croissant | Yes | Yes | Wheat and butter-based |
| Grilled Salmon (plain) | No | No | Naturally free of major allergens before sauce |
| Homemade Mashed Potatoes | No | Yes | Dairy-based (butter, cream) |
Cheddar’s offers gluten-sensitive menu options, though items are prepared in a shared kitchen and may not be suitable for celiac disease specifically. Always check the official allergen guide or ask staff directly.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Platter | ~1,020 kcal | 45g | 75g | 55g |
| Sirloin (6 oz, plain) | ~420 kcal | 38g | 2g | 26g |
| Grilled Salmon | ~460 kcal | 42g | 5g | 28g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $13.99 |
| Chicken Tender Platter | $12.99 |
| Baby Back Ribs | $18.99 |
| Scratch-Made Burger | $11.99 |
| Monster Cookie | $7.99 |
Cheddar’s vs. Other Casual Dining Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar’s | Sirloin (6 oz) | $14.99 |
| Applebee’s | Sirloin | $16.99 |
| Chili’s | Sirloin | $15.99 |
| Texas Roadhouse | Sirloin (6 oz) | $16.99 |
Cheddar’s consistently prices below Applebee’s and Chili’s on comparable entrées, which is why value-focused reviews frequently cite it as one of the strongest portion-to-price ratios in casual American dining.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest entrée: Grilled Chicken Sandwich — around $11.49
- Best per-person value: Chicken Tender Family Bundle — roughly $7.60/person
- Most expensive standard item: Baby Back Ribs Family Bundle — around $68.99
- Free upgrade: Honey-butter croissants come standard with most meals
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- Family Bundles are the single best per-person value on the menu when feeding 4 or more people
- Adding a Family House Salad and a Gallon of Iced Tea to a bundle order creates a complete spread for a group at minimal extra cost
- Cheddar’s frequently runs seasonal and email-list-exclusive promotions — signing up for their list is the most reliable way to catch discounts
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, delivery through third-party platforms
- Popular for: family dinners, weekday lunch, group orders
- Amenities: kids’ menu, first-come-first-served seating at most locations (reservations not typically accepted)
Cheddar’s Hours
Most Cheddar’s locations are open daily from approximately 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some variation by location and day of week. Cheddar’s typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis rather than accepting reservations. Check your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Grilled proteins ordered plain are naturally free of gluten and dairy
- Gluten-sensitive menu options are available, though not certified safe for celiac disease specifically due to shared-kitchen preparation
- Vegetarian options are more limited than vegetarian-forward chains, mostly salads and vegetable sides
- Cheddar’s official nutrition information is available on their website for a full breakdown
See Also: Applebees Lunch Menu With Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Family Bundle at Cheddar’s?
Family Bundles run from about $45.99 for chicken tenders up to $68.99 for baby back ribs, feeding 4-6 people.
Is Cheddar’s cheaper than Applebee’s?
Generally yes on comparable entrées — Cheddar’s sirloin, for example, typically runs a couple dollars less than Applebee’s equivalent.
Does Cheddar’s cook food from scratch?
Yes — mashed potatoes, croissants, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and ribs are all prepared in-house daily at most locations.
Does Cheddar’s have vegetarian options?
Yes, though limited — salads, vegetable sides, and some pasta dishes are the primary vegetarian choices.
Does Cheddar’s take reservations?
Typically no — Cheddar’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though calling ahead for large parties during peak hours is advisable.
What is the most popular item at Cheddar’s?
The Homemade Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Tender Platter are consistently among the most-ordered items.
Who owns Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen?
Cheddar’s is owned by Darden Restaurants, which also owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Does Cheddar’s have a kids menu?
Yes — Kids Chicken Tenders and Kids Mac & Cheese are priced around $6.49-$6.99.
Are Cheddar’s gluten-sensitive options safe for celiac disease?
Not guaranteed — items are prepared in a shared kitchen, so cross-contact is possible even for gluten-sensitive menu options.
How many Cheddar’s locations are there?
Over 170 locations, concentrated mainly in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
What comes free with a Cheddar’s meal?
Honey-butter croissants come standard with most meals at no additional charge.
Does Cheddar’s offer delivery?
Yes, through third-party delivery platforms, though availability varies by location.
What Makes Cheddar’s Different
Cheddar’s built its entire brand around a contradiction most casual dining chains can’t pull off: genuinely scratch-made food — including labor-intensive items like hand-breaded tenders and slow-smoked ribs — at prices closer to fast-casual than traditional sit-down dining. The Family Bundles push this value proposition further, delivering some of the lowest per-person pricing for a hot, made-from-scratch group meal anywhere in casual American dining.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen or Darden Restaurants, Inc. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 8 August 2026.
