Cheddar’s Menu with Prices: The Complete 2026 Guide to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
If you’ve been to a Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen once, you already know the pull — big plates, low prices, and the kind of food that feels like it came out of someone’s home kitchen rather than a chain restaurant. The Cheddar’s menu with prices is actually one of the most compelling value propositions in casual American dining right now, and understanding what’s on it before you walk through the door makes the experience even better.
This guide breaks down every major menu category — appetizers, steaks, chicken, seafood, burgers, comfort food, sides, desserts, kids meals, and drinks — with real prices and notes on what’s actually worth ordering. No filler, just what you need.
A Quick Word on Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen was founded in 1979 in Arlington, Texas, by Doug Rogers and his partner Aubrey Good, with the aim of providing quality artisan food at a reasonable price. The name itself has a bit of charm to it — it was inspired by a suggestion from a 5th-grade student, and the founders initially named the place “Cheddar’s Casual Cafe” before rebranding to “Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen” to better reflect their commitment to making dishes from scratch.
In 2017, Cheddar’s joined Darden Restaurants, which also owns LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and Bahama Breeze, giving the brand the operational muscle to expand nationwide while keeping its scratch-made identity intact. Today, Cheddar’s operates more than 170 locations across the country.
What separates Cheddar’s from the Applebee’s and Chili’s crowd isn’t a flashy rebrand or a rotating menu of trendy ingredients. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is one of the few mid-priced American chains that still cooks most items in-house — including mashed potatoes, croissants, hand-breaded tenders, and slow-smoked ribs — which is a key reason portion sizes and prices feel honest compared to chains that rely on pre-prepared ingredients.
In most direct comparisons, Cheddar’s runs roughly $2–$4 lower per entrée than Applebee’s or Chili’s while serving larger portions, especially on chicken tender and rib plates. That gap adds up fast when you’re feeding a family of four.
Cheddar’s Menu with Prices: Full Category Breakdown
Prices below are sourced from publicly available information and verified as of late 2025. Prices may vary slightly by location — always confirm at your local restaurant.
Appetizers & Starters
The appetizer section of the Cheddar’s menu with prices does something a lot of chains fail at: it gives you real starters that don’t feel like an afterthought. The portions here are generous enough that 7 or 8 people at a table could share two or three without feeling shorted.
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Chicken Dip | $9.99 | Nacho chips with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, grilled chicken, bacon, and green onions. Served with salsa and sour cream. |
| Muchos Dip ⭐ | $8.99 | Tortilla chips with a 6-cheese blend, jalapeños, and onion. Served with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. |
| Fried Chicken Tenders (Starter) | $9.49 | Hand-battered, crispy tenders with your choice of honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. |
| Onion Rings | $7.99 | A heaping portion of golden-fried onion rings with spicy ranch. |
| Buffalo Beer-Battered Shrimp | $9.99 | Six large beer-battered shrimp topped with buffalo sauce, served with buttermilk ranch. |
| Honey Butter Croissants | $3.99 | Two warm, flaky house-baked croissants with honey butter. A Cheddar’s signature. |
| Chips & Homemade Queso | $7.99 | House-fried tortilla chips with scratch-made queso and handmade salsa. |
The Muchos Dip is a crowd-pleaser at any table size, but the Honey Butter Croissants deserve a special mention — they’ve become one of the most talked-about items at Cheddar’s, and with good reason. They’re baked in-house, buttery, and the kind of thing you keep ordering refills of without noticing. Many regulars treat them as a non-negotiable starter whether they plan to share or not.
Soups & Salads
The salad section punches above its weight. These aren’t side salads dressed up as entrees — they’re built with real proteins and full-meal intentions.
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad ⭐ | $13.49 | Mixed greens, grilled chicken, tomatoes, dried cranberries, blue cheese crumbles, and candied pecans with raspberry vinaigrette. Gluten sensitive. |
| Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | $12.99 | Penne pasta, romaine, grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan. |
| Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad | $14.99 | Same Caesar pasta base, topped with grilled Atlantic salmon instead. |
| Cup of Soup | $3.99 | Soup of the day — ask your server. |
The Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad is the standout here. The candied pecans and raspberry vinaigrette work better than they have any right to, and for around $13, it’s one of the better lunch values on the Cheddar’s menu with prices. It also sits on the gluten-sensitive list, which matters for a chunk of diners.
Steaks & Ribs
This is where Cheddar’s earns its reputation. The steaks and ribs section of the Cheddar’s menu with prices is remarkably affordable for what you get — slow-smoked ribs and hand-cut steaks at prices that don’t require a second mortgage.
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Back Ribs (Half Rack) ⭐ | $16.99 | Slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs glazed with BBQ sauce. Includes two sides. |
| 7 oz. Filet | $22.49 | Tender beef filet grilled to your preferred temperature. Includes two sides. |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Shrimp | $19.79 | 8 oz. top sirloin paired with grilled or fried butterflied shrimp. Includes two sides. |
| 14 oz. Ribeye | $23.99 | A large ribeye grilled to order with two sides. |
| Sirloin Steak Tips | $13.99 | Tender sirloin tips with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and brown gravy over mashed potatoes or rice. |
The Baby Back Ribs at $16.99 may be the single best value item on the entire Cheddar’s menu with prices. For a half-rack of slow-smoked ribs with two full sides, you’d struggle to find a comparable deal at any other sit-down restaurant chain. The Honey-Butter Croissants and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs are among Cheddar’s signature items offered at affordable, family-friendly prices.
If you’re someone who orders a filet but winces at steakhouse prices, the 7 oz. Filet at $22.49 is worth serious consideration. It’s not a premium dry-aged cut, but for the price, it holds up well. The 14 oz. Ribeye at $23.99 is the power play for anyone who wants something substantial — at most dedicated steakhouses, that same ribeye would run $40 or more.
Chicken Entrées
Cheddar’s chicken lineup includes Dijon Chicken and Mushrooms, Key West Chicken and Shrimp, Chicken Tender Platter, Country Fried Chicken, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, and Lemon Pepper Chicken. Whether you want something light or something that’ll have you loosening your belt, the chicken section covers it.
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Platter ⭐ | $14.49 | Hand-battered, golden-fried chicken tenders. Served with two sides and your choice of sauce. |
| Lemon Pepper Chicken | $13.79 | Two grilled chicken breasts in zesty lemon pepper marinade. Gluten sensitive. Includes two sides. |
| Dijon Chicken & Mushrooms | $14.29 | Sautéed chicken in a creamy Dijon sauce over seasoned rice. Includes two sides. |
| Country Fried Chicken | $13.49 | Breaded chicken breast with white gravy. Southern comfort food done right. Includes two sides. |
| Grilled Chicken Alfredo | $13.99 | Grilled chicken over penne pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce. |
| Key West Chicken & Shrimp | $15.49 | Grilled chicken and shrimp with a tropical, citrus-forward preparation. Includes two sides. |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $12.99 | A scratch-made pot pie with a flaky crust and a rich, savory filling. One of the most requested items at Cheddar’s. |
The Homemade Chicken Pot Pie deserves its own paragraph. It’s one of those dishes that regulars mention unprompted — a deep, flaky-crusted pie with a genuinely scratch-made filling. At $12.99, it’s the kind of dish that makes someone who’s never been to Cheddar’s wonder why they waited this long.
The Lemon Pepper Chicken is also notable for a different reason: at roughly 520 calories, it’s one of the lowest-calorie picks on the menu and still includes two full sides. If you’re watching what you eat but don’t want a salad, this is your call.
Seafood
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon ⭐ | $15.79 | Atlantic salmon fillet with lemon butter sauce. Includes two sides. |
| Grilled White Fish | $14.79 | Two light, flaky white fish fillets, grilled. Gluten sensitive. Includes two sides. |
| Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad | $14.99 | Grilled salmon over Caesar pasta (listed under salads, but a full seafood meal). |
| Top Sirloin Steak & Shrimp | $19.79 | Combo with the steak section — see above. |
The Grilled Salmon, Lemon Pepper Chicken, and Grilled White Fish are excellent lighter choices, especially when paired with steamed broccoli or green beans. The Grilled Salmon at $15.79 is the seafood anchor — a clean, well-executed dish that doesn’t overthink itself. It’s the type of order that works whether you’re eating lighter or just want something that isn’t fried.
Burgers & Sandwiches
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Cheeseburger ⭐ | $12.49 | Half-pound beef patty, American cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo on a toasted bun. Includes one side. |
| Classic Cheeseburger | $10.49 | Half-pound patty with American cheese and the classic works. Includes one side. |
| Smokehouse Burger | $13.49 | BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese, and crispy onion straws. Includes one side. |
| Monte Cristo Sandwich | $12.99 | Ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese in a battered, deep-fried sandwich dusted with powdered sugar. |
| Grilled Cheese | $9.99 | Classic grilled cheese with your choice of one side. |
| Philly Cheesesteak | $12.99 | Sliced steak, peppers, onions, and cheese on a hoagie roll. |
The Monte Cristo is a polarizing one — some people see “deep-fried sandwich with powdered sugar” and back away slowly; others have been ordering it since their first visit and never changed. It leans sweet and savory simultaneously in a way that works surprisingly well.
At $10.49, the Classic Cheeseburger is one of the most reasonably priced half-pound burgers you’ll find at a sit-down restaurant anywhere. A comparable burger at a place like TGI Fridays or Applebee’s typically runs $13 to $15.
Comfort Food
This section is where Cheddar’s goes deep on the Southern and homestyle angle. Items include New Orleans Pasta, Vegetable Plate, Country Fried Steak, and Homestyle Meatloaf.
| Menu Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Country Fried Steak | $13.49 | Tenderized steak, breaded and fried, with white gravy. Includes two sides. |
| Homestyle Meatloaf | $12.99 | Classic meatloaf with brown gravy. Includes two sides. |
| New Orleans Pasta | $13.49 | Cajun-spiced pasta with a rich sauce — hearty and filling. |
| Grilled Pork Chops | $14.49 | Two bone-in pork chops, grilled. Includes two sides. |
| Cajun Chicken Bowl | $12.99 | Cajun-seasoned chicken over rice with a bold, spiced sauce. |
| Baked Spasagna | $12.99 | A hybrid of spaghetti and lasagna — baked with meat sauce and cheese. A Cheddar’s original. |
The Baked Spasagna might be the most uniquely Cheddar’s item on the entire menu — it’s literally a spaghetti/lasagna mashup that manages to be both filling and affordable. If you’re the type who likes to order something off the beaten path, this is the one.
Homestyle Sides
Every entrée at Cheddar’s comes with one or two sides depending on the dish, but you can also order sides individually. For a table of 7 or 8, mixing and matching sides is a smart way to round out a meal without everyone ordering the same thing.
| Side Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Idaho Mashed Potatoes | $2.99 |
| Cheese & Bacon Mashed Potatoes | $4.48 |
| Southern Green Beans (Gluten Sensitive) | $2.99 |
| Buttered Off-the-Cob Corn (Vegetarian) | $2.99 |
| Sweet Baby Carrots | $2.99 |
| Coleslaw | $2.99 |
| Steamed Broccoli (Gluten Sensitive) | $2.99 |
| House Salad | $3.49 |
| Mac & Cheese | $3.99 |
| French Fries | $2.99 |
At $2.99 to $4.48 per side, you’re not going to be shocked by an add-on bill. The Southern Green Beans and Cheese & Bacon Mashed Potatoes consistently rank among the most-reordered sides at the table.
Weekday Lunch Specials
Cheddar’s runs a dedicated weekday lunch menu with several items at reduced prices, typically available Monday through Friday until mid-afternoon. It’s worth knowing about if you’re a lunch crowd visitor.
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Chicken Sandwich | $9.99 |
| Fish & Chips | $10.99 |
| Cajun Chicken Bowl | $10.49 |
| Veggie Philly | $9.99 |
| Grilled White Fish Plate | $10.99 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $10.99 |
The weekday lunch specials are particularly well-suited for anyone who works near a Cheddar’s — the value ratio for a sit-down meal is hard to beat in this price range.
Kids Menu
The kids menu at Cheddar’s offers 7 tasty options, each portioned perfectly for children and paired with sides, making mealtime easy and family-friendly.
| Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Kids Chicken Tenders | $6.49 |
| Kids Grilled Cheese | $5.99 |
| Kids Mac & Cheese | $5.99 |
| Kids Mini Cheeseburger | $6.49 |
| Kids Pasta Bowl | $5.99 |
| Kids Grilled Chicken | $6.49 |
| Kids Fish Platter | $6.49 |
Each kids meal comes with a drink and a choice of side. For families with younger kids, this section of the Cheddar’s menu with prices is one of the better deals you’ll find at a full-service restaurant — under $7 for a complete meal is genuinely uncommon.
Desserts
Whether it’s the iconic Monster Cookie served warm in a skillet, a decadent Hot Fudge Cake Sundae, or a creamy cheesecake, every dessert is made from scratch. There are 5 dessert options on the Cheddar’s menu.
| Dessert Item | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Monster Cookie Skillet ⭐ | $6.99 |
| Hot Fudge Cake Sundae | $5.99 |
| Cheesecake | $5.49 |
| Fried Apple Pie | $4.99 |
| Carrot Cake | $5.49 |
The Monster Cookie — a warm chocolate-chip cookie baked in a skillet and topped with vanilla ice cream — is by far the most-shared dessert on social media for this chain. It’s the kind of dessert that arrives at the table and immediately draws attention from neighboring booths. For a group of 7 or 8, ordering one or two to split is the move — they’re generous enough to go around.
Drinks & Beverages
| Category | Items | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks | Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Lemonade, etc. | $2.99–$3.49 |
| Iced Tea | Sweet or unsweetened | $2.99 |
| Specialty Lemonade | Strawberry, Mango, etc. | $3.99–$4.49 |
| Gallon of Iced Tea | For tables/family orders | $7.99 |
| Gallon of Lemonade | For tables/family orders | $8.99 |
| Cocktails (Dine-In) | Margaritas, mojitos, specialty cocktails | $6.99–$10.99 |
The dine-in cocktails section offers 17 refreshing and flavorful options for guests who want a drink with their meal, while the to-go beverages section includes 5 convenient options for those heading home. The signature margaritas are worth noting — they’re frequently mentioned alongside Baby Back Ribs as one of the most popular orders at the table.
Family Bundles: Feeding a Group Without the Math
Cheddar’s Family Bundles are designed for larger groups — the kind of order you place when the whole extended family is together and nobody wants to do mental math on individual plates. Bundles include scratch-made favorites served in large portions alongside sides and Cheddar’s buttered croissants.
Popular bundle options typically include:
- Chicken Tender Bundle — A large quantity of hand-breaded tenders with sides and croissants
- Baby Back Ribs Bundle — Racks of slow-smoked ribs with sides and croissants
- Grilled Salmon Bundle — Salmon fillets with sides and croissants
- Mixed Bundle — Combination of chicken tenders and ribs
Bundles generally range from $45 to $70+ depending on size and contents, making them a compelling alternative to per-plate pricing when feeding 4 to 6 people. Add a Family House Salad and a Gallon of Iced Tea and you’ve got a complete spread.
Gluten-Sensitive Options
Cheddar’s offers a selection of menu items for guests with gluten sensitivities, though these items are prepared in a common kitchen and may not be suitable for those with celiac disease. There are 27 carefully crafted options on the gluten-sensitive section of the menu.
Key gluten-sensitive picks across categories include:
- Grilled Chicken Pecan Salad
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Grilled White Fish
- Southern Green Beans
- Steamed Broccoli
- Baby Back Ribs (confirm sauce)
If you’re cooking for a crowd of 7 or 8 guests with mixed dietary needs, Cheddar’s 27-item gluten-sensitive list gives you enough range to make everyone comfortable without having to order separately.
What Makes the Cheddar’s Menu Worth It in 2026
Stepping back from the individual items, the Cheddar’s menu with prices holds up against any comparable chain for one straightforward reason: the cooking is actually done in-house. Most menu items are cooked from scratch in-house each day, which is a key reason the value feels honest compared to chains relying on pre-prepared ingredients.
When you factor in that most entrées include two sides, a sit-down dinner at Cheddar’s for two people typically runs $30–$50 before drinks — a number that’s difficult to match at a full-service restaurant with comparable portion sizes and food quality.
Cheddar’s serves scratch-made food at a price you won’t believe. That tagline sounds like marketing, but when you’re looking at Baby Back Ribs for $16.99 or a half-pound Bacon Cheeseburger for $12.49, it’s hard to argue with it.
FAQ: Cheddar’s Menu with Prices
Does Cheddar’s take reservations? Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations allow reservations for large parties or special occasions. Reservations can be made via the official website, OpenTable, or by calling the specific location directly.
Does Cheddar’s offer delivery? Delivery is available through third-party services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at most participating locations. You can also order takeout directly through the Cheddar’s website or app for curbside pickup.
What are the most popular items on the Cheddar’s menu? Honey Butter Croissants, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Tenders, the Monster Cookie skillet, and the Classic Cheeseburger consistently top order lists across Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations.
Does Cheddar’s serve breakfast? No. Cheddar’s opens at 11 AM and focuses exclusively on lunch and dinner service — there is no breakfast menu at any U.S. location.
What are the vegetarian options at Cheddar’s? Vegetarian choices are limited but include the Muchos Dip (without meat), sides like Buttered Corn and Coleslaw, and the Mac & Cheese. Vegan options are very restricted.
What are Cheddar’s hours? Most locations are open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and stay open until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, though hours can vary by location.
How much does delivery cost from Cheddar’s? Delivery fees are set by third-party services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, and typically range from $3 to $7 depending on distance and demand.
Does Cheddar’s accept mobile payments? Yes — most Cheddar’s locations accept Apple Pay and Google Pay in addition to major credit/debit cards and cash.
Is Cheddar’s good for large groups? Absolutely. The Family Bundle options, the shareable appetizers, and the gallon-sized beverage orders make Cheddar’s one of the more practical casual dining choices for a group of 7 or 8 people. The price-per-person ratio is hard to beat, and the portions are generous enough that nobody leaves hungry.
Are prices the same at every Cheddar’s location? Not exactly. Prices listed throughout this guide reflect national averages and publicly verified data. Minor regional variations exist — a location in Texas may price slightly differently than one in Ohio or Florida. Always confirm with your local restaurant for exact pricing.
Does Cheddar’s have a birthday special? Cheddar’s eClub members receive a birthday present — typically a free dessert or appetizer — sent annually to make the occasion memorable. Signing up for the eClub is free and worth doing if you’re a regular.
Looking for Sushi Instead? Try Omakase in Rockford, IL
Not every great regional food story is happening in the South. In downtown Rockford, Illinois, Omakase has built a loyal following as the city’s dedicated sushi bar and ramen restaurant, located at 223 E State St on the corner of State and Madison. The menu covers fresh sushi, handcrafted ramen, chef-selected omakase, and a deep list of premium Japanese sake — the kind of variety that’s hard to find elsewhere in the region.
Seating at the sushi bar puts you close to the rollers at work, and the atmosphere skips formality without skipping polish — comfortable enough for a weeknight dinner, dressed-up enough for a celebration. Full hours, reservations, and the current menu are available at omakaserockford.com.
