Quick answer: The Cheddar’s menu is a scratch-kitchen casual dining menu with big portions and low prices: appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, chicken, steaks, ribs, seafood, pasta, salads, soups and desserts, plus free Honey Butter Croissants. Most entrées cost $11 to $17; for example, the Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is about $11.49, the Monte Cristo about $11.99 – $12.99 and a 14 oz Ribeye about $23.99. Prices are typical US prices reported in October 2026 and vary by location.
Key facts
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen was founded in 1979 in Arlington, Texas, and has been owned by Darden Restaurants since 2017.
- Signature items: Honey Butter Croissants, the Monte Cristo, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie and Santa Fe Spinach Dip.
- Typical entrée prices: about $11 – $17; most sides about $2.99.
- Weekday lunch specials (Monday – Friday, before 3 p.m.) start at about $8.79.
- Seasonal for fall 2026: Pumpkin Spice Cake.
This is our complete guide to the Cheddar’s menu with prices for October 2026. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is known for making most of its food from scratch and keeping prices lower than many casual dining chains. Below you will find the full Cheddar’s menu with typical prices and calories for appetizers, burgers, chicken, steaks, ribs, seafood, pasta, salads, soups, sides, desserts, drinks and the kids menu, plus weekday lunch deals and money-saving tips. Many people search for the Cheddars menu without the apostrophe — it is the same restaurant.
Table of Contents
Cheddar’s Menu Prices at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the Cheddar’s menu with prices for the most popular dishes:
| Menu item | Category | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Spinach Dip | Appetizer | $8.99 |
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | Chicken | $11.49 |
| Monte Cristo | Sandwich | $11.99 – $12.99 |
| Chicken Tender Platter | Chicken | About $12.49 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | Burger | $11.99 – $12.99 |
| Country Fried Steak | Steak | About $14.79 |
| Top Sirloin Steak | Steak | From $13.99 |
| 14 oz Ribeye | Steak | About $23.99 |
| Baby Back Ribs (half / full) | Ribs | $15.99 / $21.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Alfredo | Pasta | $13.99 – $14.49 |
| Most sides | Side | About $2.99 |
| Hot Fudge Cake Sundae | Dessert | About $8.29 |
Cheddar’s Honey Butter Croissants
No guide to the Cheddar’s menu is complete without the Honey Butter Croissants. These warm, flaky croissants brushed with honey butter are served free with most meals at many locations, and you can usually order extra croissants to take home for a small charge. They are one of the main reasons fans choose Cheddar’s over other casual dining chains.
Cheddar’s Appetizers
Cheddar’s appetizers are large and easy to share between two to four people:
| Appetizer | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Spinach Dip | – | $8.99 |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | 1,230 | About $10.49 |
| Hand-Battered Onion Rings | 1,140 | About $8.99 |
| Cheddar’s Queso Fries | – | About $10.29 |
Cheddar’s Burgers & Sandwiches
Burgers and sandwiches on the Cheddar’s menu come with one side. The Monte Cristo — ham, turkey and cheese on battered, fried bread, dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry preserves — is one of the most famous items on the menu.
| Burger or sandwich | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheeseburger | – | From $9.99 (weekday lunch from $8.79) |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | 1,100 | $11.99 – $12.99 |
| Smokehouse Burger | – | About $11.49 |
| Whiskey Burger | 980 | Varies by location |
| Monte Cristo | 1,460 | $11.99 – $12.99 |
| Classic Chicken Sandwich | – | About $8.79 at weekday lunch |
Cheddar’s Chicken Entrées
| Chicken dish | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | $11.49 |
| Chicken Tender Platter | About $12.49 |
| Grilled Chicken Alfredo | $13.99 – $14.49 |
| Grilled chicken plate | Varies by location |
The Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is one of the best-value dishes on the Cheddar’s menu: a flaky crust filled with chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce for around $11.49. The hand-battered chicken tenders are also a favorite and come with fries, honey mustard and a croissant.
Cheddar’s Steaks & Ribs
Steaks at Cheddar’s are hand-cut and grilled, and they usually come with two sides. Ribs are slow-cooked and basted in BBQ sauce.
| Steak or ribs | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Top Sirloin (6 oz / 8 oz) | 330 (8 oz) | From $13.99 |
| Country Fried Steak | – | About $14.79 |
| 14 oz Ribeye | 890 | About $23.99 |
| Baby Back Ribs (half rack) | 810 | $15.99 – $16.49 |
| Baby Back Ribs (full rack) | 1,630 | About $21.99 |
Cheddar’s Seafood
| Seafood dish | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon | 590 | About $16.99 |
| Bourbon-Glazed Salmon & Shrimp | – | From $16.99 |
| Fried Shrimp Platter | 790 | About $15.99 |
| Grilled Shrimp Alfredo | – | About $15.99 |
Cheddar’s Salads & Soups
| Salad or soup | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Salad | 640 | About $11.49 |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken | 650 | About $11.49 |
| Chicken Tender Salad | 750 | About $11.99 |
| Side House or Caesar Salad | – | About $3.99 |
| Baked Potato Soup | – | From $3.99 |
Cheddar’s Sides
Most sides on the Cheddar’s menu cost about $2.99 when ordered on their own, which is one of the lowest side prices in casual dining:
| Side | Typical price |
|---|---|
| French fries | About $2.99 |
| Idaho mashed potatoes | About $2.99 |
| Seasoned rice | About $2.99 |
| Loaded baked potato | About $2.99 |
| Mac & cheese | About $2.99 |
| Cheese & bacon mashed potatoes | About $4.48 |
| Homemade queso & bacon fries | About $4.48 |
Cheddar’s Desserts
| Dessert | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Fudge Cake Sundae | – | About $8.29 |
| Legendary Monster Cookie | – | About $7.49 |
| Carrot Cake | – | About $7.29 |
| Croissant Bread Pudding | 620 | About $6.99 |
| Classic Cheesecake | – | About $6.49 |
| Fried Apple Pie | – | About $6.49 |
| Pumpkin Spice Cake (seasonal) | 580 | About $6.99 |
The Legendary Monster Cookie — a giant warm cookie topped with ice cream and hot fudge — is big enough for the whole table.
Cheddar’s Drinks & Cocktails
| Drink | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| House margarita | 230 | About $7.49 |
| Presidente Margarita | – | Varies by location |
| Strawberry lemonade | 180 | About $3.99 |
| Fountain soda | – | Varies by location |
| Fresh brewed iced tea | – | Varies by location |
Cheddar’s Kids Menu
Kids meals on the Cheddar’s menu typically cost about $6.49 – $6.99 and include a main, a side and a drink.
| Kids meal | Calories | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Chicken Tenders | 630 | $6.49 – $6.99 |
| Kids Cheeseburger | 450 | About $6.99 |
| Kids Grilled Chicken | 290 | About $6.99 |
Cheddar’s Weekday Lunch Specials
From Monday to Friday before 3 p.m., many Cheddar’s restaurants offer lunch-size portions and discounted favorites. Typical weekday lunch prices start around $8.79 for items such as the Classic Cheeseburger and Classic Chicken Sandwich. Lunch specials vary by location, so ask your server or check the online menu for your local restaurant.
How Many People Does Cheddar’s Feed? Sample Orders by Budget
| Budget | Sample order | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| About $12 | Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with croissants | About $11.49 |
| About $20 (one person) | Monte Cristo, iced tea and a side salad | About $20 |
| About $40 (two people) | Santa Fe Spinach Dip, Bacon Cheeseburger and Grilled Salmon | About $38 – $42 |
| Family of four | 2 adult entrées, 2 kids meals and one dessert | $50 – $60 |
Cheddar’s Menu Compared With Other Casual Dining Chains
The Cheddar’s menu is often compared with Applebee’s, Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse. Cheddar’s usually wins on price: many entrées cost a few dollars less than similar dishes at Applebee’s or Chili’s, and portions are large. Texas Roadhouse is the closest rival for steaks and free bread (its rolls versus Cheddar’s croissants), but Cheddar’s has a wider choice of comfort food such as pot pie, country fried steak and the Monte Cristo. If you want a sit-down meal for under about $15 per person, the Cheddar’s menu is one of the best options in the US.
Vegetarian, Gluten-Free & Lighter Options
The Cheddar’s menu is built around meat and comfort food, but there are still options for special diets. Vegetarians can choose salads without meat, the spinach dips (check the ingredients first), baked potatoes and several sides. Guests avoiding gluten can usually order grilled steaks, grilled salmon or grilled chicken with plain sides, but Cheddar’s kitchens are not gluten-free, so cross-contact is possible. Always tell your server about allergies before you order.
For lighter meals, ask for dressings and sauces on the side, swap fries for a side salad or steamed vegetables, and skip the second croissant. A grilled entrée with two vegetable sides is the lowest-calorie way to enjoy the Cheddar’s menu.
How to Order Cheddar’s To Go
- Open the Cheddar’s website or app and choose your nearest restaurant so you see local Cheddar’s prices.
- Pick your entrées, sides and desserts, and add extra Honey Butter Croissants if you like.
- Choose a pickup time; many restaurants offer curbside pickup.
- Pay online and collect your order, or use a third-party delivery app where available.
Ordering To Go is a good way to enjoy the full Cheddar’s menu at home, and it avoids the long weekend waits that some locations are known for.
Best Items to Try on the Cheddar’s Menu
- Honey Butter Croissants – the item every regular talks about.
- Monte Cristo – sweet, salty and huge; a true Cheddar’s classic.
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie – comfort food at a low price.
- Santa Fe Spinach Dip – the most popular appetizer.
- Baby Back Ribs – tender ribs at a lower price than most steakhouses.
- Legendary Monster Cookie – the dessert to share.
How to Save Money at Cheddar’s
- Visit for weekday lunch before 3 p.m. for smaller portions at lower prices.
- Share a large appetizer and a dessert instead of ordering one each.
- Fill up on the free Honey Butter Croissants served with most meals.
- Order sides on their own – at about $2.99 they are one of the cheapest ways to add food.
- Order To Go online for pickup to avoid delivery fees.
Cheddar’s Menu Tips From Regulars
- Arrive early on Friday and Saturday evenings or join the waitlist online – Cheddar’s restaurants are busy at peak times.
- Ask for your croissants to be brought out first; they are best warm.
- Try the Monte Cristo with a side of mac & cheese or fries for the full experience.
- Order the half rack of ribs if you want to save room for dessert.
- Box half of any large entrée as soon as it arrives – most portions make two meals.
Because Cheddar’s cooks most dishes from scratch, a few items may take a little longer during busy times, and some locations sell out of popular desserts late in the evening. If there is a specific dish you are craving from the Cheddar’s menu, calling ahead or ordering To Go is the safest way to get it.
Cheddar’s Nutrition & Allergens
Many dishes on the Cheddar’s menu are large and high in calories, so sharing or taking half home is a good idea if you are watching calories. Lighter choices include the 8 oz Top Sirloin (about 330 calories before sides), Grilled Salmon (about 590 calories) and Kids Grilled Chicken (about 290 calories). For complete nutrition and allergen details, see the official Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen menu.
Cheddar’s also changes part of its menu with the seasons. In the fall you will usually find desserts such as Pumpkin Spice Cake, while summer brings lighter drinks and fresh-fruit cocktails. Limited-time dishes appear on a separate card or table tent rather than the main printed menu, so ask your server what is new. Core favorites like the croissants, Monte Cristo, pot pie, ribs and Monster Cookie stay on the menu all year, which is why many families treat Cheddar’s as their regular weeknight restaurant rather than a special-occasion place. Portions are generous enough that leftovers are almost guaranteed.
About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar’s was founded in 1979 in Arlington, Texas, as Cheddar’s Casual Cafe. The chain built its reputation on made-from-scratch food, big portions and prices below most casual dining competitors. It was renamed Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and was acquired by Darden Restaurants — the parent of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse — in 2017. Today there are around 180 Cheddar’s restaurants, mostly in the South and Midwest, and the chain continues to open new locations, including several in Texas in 2026.
Cheddar’s Hours, To Go & Locations
Most Cheddar’s restaurants open at 11 a.m. and close around 10 or 11 p.m., with later hours on Friday and Saturday at some locations. Cheddar’s offers online ordering for To Go pickup and delivery through third-party apps in many areas. Prices vary by state and city — read more about why restaurant menu prices vary by location.
Cheddar’s menu summary: the Cheddar’s menu is one of the best values in casual dining. The Cheddar’s menu with prices above shows most entrées between about $11 and $17, sides around $2.99 and free croissants with most meals. Whether you search for the Cheddar’s menu or the Cheddars menu, use this guide to plan your order, and check Cheddar’s prices for your local restaurant before you go, because the Cheddar’s menu can change by location and season.
Cheddar’s Menu FAQs
Are Cheddar’s croissants free?
Yes. Honey Butter Croissants are served free with most meals at many Cheddar’s restaurants. You can usually buy extra croissants to take home.
How much is the Monte Cristo at Cheddar’s?
The Monte Cristo typically costs about $11.99 to $12.99 at a US Cheddar’s and comes with a side.
Does Cheddar’s have lunch specials?
Yes. Many locations offer weekday lunch specials Monday to Friday before 3 p.m., with prices starting around $8.79.
Who owns Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen?
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is owned by Darden Restaurants, which also owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Is USA Food Menu affiliated with Cheddar’s?
No. USA Food Menu is an independent website and is not affiliated with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen or Darden Restaurants. Prices may vary by location.
Sources we checked (October 2026): Cheddar’s official menu, Live Menu Prices, Get Food Menus. Prices are cross-checked across several US price trackers because menu prices are set by each restaurant.
Compare with other chains: see our Pizza Hut menu, Firehouse Subs menu and why menu prices vary.
