Country Fried Shrimp: Crispy Southern Favorite
Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Shrimp is a true comfort food classic. These shrimp are marinated in buttermilk, hand-breaded, and fried until golden brown.
Served with hushpuppies, cocktail sauce, and your choice of Southern sides, it’s one of the most loved seafood items on the menu.
Price – $14.79 | 900 cal
It’s not just about taste — the portion size is generous, making it a great pick for families or anyone craving Southern-style seafood at an affordable price.
Flavor & Cooking Style
- Buttermilk Marinade: Keeps the shrimp tender and juicy inside.
- Hand-Breaded Crunch: Every bite has that Southern-style crispy texture.
- Classic Pairing: Cocktail sauce adds a tangy kick while lemon brings freshness.
- Golden Look: The deep-fried coating gives the shrimp a homestyle glow that’s hard to resist.
Best Sides with Country Fried Shrimp
Cracker Barrel lets you pick sides, and that’s where the meal becomes complete. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Hushpuppies – crunchy, slightly sweet, and a perfect match.
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – classic Southern pairing.
- Coleslaw – adds a fresh, creamy balance.
- Mac and Cheese – comfort food lovers’ top pick.
- Green Beans or Cornbread – for a lighter or more traditional touch.
👉 If you’re asking, “What sides go best with Cracker Barrel Country Fried Shrimp?” — the top fan-favorite combo is hushpuppies, coleslaw, and mac & cheese.
Nutrition & Calories
Many guests wonder about the Cracker Barrel Country Fried Shrimp calories and whether it’s a healthy choice.
On average, one serving contains:
- Calories: ~700–900 depending on sides
- Protein: 25–30g (good source of lean protein)
- Fat & Sodium: Higher due to frying and breading
- Carbs: Mostly from breading and sides
Nutrition Breakdown:
- Calories: 840
- Fat: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg
- Sodium: 1480 mg
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 10 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Calcium: 420 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
- Potassium: 640 mg
⚖️ Health Tip: Pair it with lighter sides like green beans or a side salad if you’re watching calories or sodium.
Allergens & Gluten Information
The Country Fried Shrimp meal may contain:
- Allergens: Milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and shellfish.
- Gluten: Present in the breading and hushpuppies.
👉 If you have allergies or follow a gluten-free diet, it’s best to check with your server or look at Cracker Barrel’s official allergen menu before ordering.
Price & Portion Size
The price of Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Shrimp is usually $13–$15, depending on location. You get a large portion with hushpuppies and two sides of your choice – making it a budget-friendly seafood meal compared to many other restaurants.
Families love it because one platter can easily be shared, and it’s filling enough for lunch or dinner.
Why People Love Country Fried Shrimp
- Hot, golden-fried shrimp with a crunchy outside and juicy inside
- Tastes homestyle, not like typical fast food
- Generous portions that easily satisfy big appetites
- Affordable pricing makes it family-friendly
- Served with classic Southern sides like hushpuppies, mac & cheese, or coleslaw
- Brings comfort and nostalgia, reminding many of home-cooked meals
- A go-to pick for both lunch and dinner without feeling overly heavy
Is It a Healthy Choice?
Compared to grilled seafood options, this shrimp dish is heavier. With higher fat and sodium levels, it may not be the best fit for low-calorie diets. However, when paired with vegetable sides, it can be balanced into a more mindful meal.
Customer Reviews & Experience
Most guests describe the Country Fried Shrimp as:
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside
- Flavorful with the buttermilk coating
- Generous in portion size
- A satisfying choice for seafood lovers
Some diners mention it’s on the heavier side due to frying, but that’s part of the comfort food appeal.
🦐 Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Shrimp Recipe
Bring the restaurant-style crunch home with this copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Shrimp recipe. Juicy shrimp, buttermilk marinade, and golden breading make it taste just like the one guests love at Cracker Barrel.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Lemon wedges & cocktail sauce for serving
Instructions:
Marinate – Place shrimp in buttermilk, season lightly with salt and pepper, and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare coating – Mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Coat –Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
Fry –Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium-high (about 350°F). Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve – Pair with cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite Southern sides.
Pro Tips (for real Cracker Barrel flavor):
- Use buttermilk – It gives the shrimp that tangy, tender bite similar to the restaurant version.
- For extra crunch, double-dip: coat shrimp once, dip again in buttermilk, and re-coat in flour mix.
- Serve with hushpuppies, coleslaw, or fries to make it feel like a complete Cracker Barrel platter.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – frying in batches keeps shrimp crispy instead of soggy.
Go to main Menus: 🍽👉 Cracker Barrel Menu 2025!
👉 Key Highlights of Country Fried Shrimp
- Hand-breaded shrimp marinated in buttermilk and fried golden.
- Served with hushpuppies, cocktail sauce, and your choice of sides.
- Crispy outside, tender and juicy inside.
- Classic Southern comfort food flavor.
- Generous portions at an affordable price.
- Popular pick for both lunch and dinner.
FAQs about Cracker Barrel Country Fried Shrimp
⭐ Final Thoughts: Country Fried Shrimp
The Cracker Barrel Country Fried Shrimp is more than just fried seafood – it’s a plate of homestyle comfort with Southern flavor. From its buttermilk marinade to its golden crunch and classic sides, this dish brings together taste, tradition, and value.
Whether you’re stopping by for a family dinner or craving seafood with a homestyle twist, this shrimp platter is one of Cracker Barrel’s most loved meals.
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