2025 Review of Cracker Barrel's Turkey & Dressing Thanksgiving Meal

Here's our review of the Homestyle Turkey & Dressing Meal that Cracker Barrel dished out this Thanksgiving day. Well, the good news is that it's edible. For those who find themselves in a rush or simply do not have the time to engage in the often time-consuming process of cooking, this meal presents a viable option. It’s convenient and caters to individuals seeking a quick solution to their dining needs.

Upon tasting the turkey, I can confidently say they didn’t screw it up. The flavor was satisfactory, and the meat was somewhat moist, which is always a positive attribute for turkey, as it can often be dry and unappetizing if not prepared correctly. However, it is worth noting that they did not provide us with any extra gravy, which could have enhanced the overall experience of the turkey. Interestingly, I observed the waitress retrieve our to-go order from a heating cabinet. This made me ponder the efficiency of the service, especially since we stood waiting for our food for a full 15 minutes. If the food was readily available in the cabinet, it raises the question of why we had to wait at all. It seems like a missed opportunity for better service and quicker turnaround times for customers who are in a hurry. As for the sweet potato casserole, it left much to be desired. It was not sweet enough for my liking, and I found myself disliking the unexpected crunch of the nuts mixed in. When I think of sweet potato casserole, I envision a delightful blend of flavors dominated by cinnamon and a hint of marshmallow sweetness. Unfortunately, this dish did not meet those expectations, which was quite disappointing. The dressing, too, was lacking in flavor. The dressing was just a scoop of mush to us. It came across as very bland, which is unfortunate given that dressing can be such a flavorful component of a meal when prepared with the right spices and herbs. It certainly needed more seasoning or perhaps a touch of something extra to elevate its taste profile. On a more positive note, the green beans were a pleasant surprise. They had a nice flavor, which I suspect was enhanced by the addition of salt pork or some similar seasoning. The taste was quite enjoyable and stood out as one of the better elements of the meal. The cornbread was typical southern Cracker Barrel cornbread, which was not sweet, but still was a good balance to the meal. I never understood people who liked cornbread that was sweet like cake. If you want cake, get cake.

The dessert, pumpkin pie, was actually the second best tasting thing next to the turkey, which had taken center stage as the star of the meal. The pumpkin pie, with its rich, creamy but firm filling made from pureed pumpkin, was a delightful complement to the overall meal. The sweetness of the pie was balanced beautifully with a medley of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which danced on the palate and evoked the comforting essence of fall.

The price for the meal was set at $17.49, which, upon reflection, seems somewhat steep considering the quality and overall experience we received. In my opinion, a more appropriate price point for what was presented would have been around $15.49. This adjustment would not only align better with the expectations of diners but also reflect the value of the ingredients and preparation that went into the meal. While the meal was, at the very least, edible and fulfilled its basic purpose of providing sustenance, it left much to be desired in terms of flavor and seasoning. The dish had the potential to be a delightful culinary experience, yet it fell short in delivering a robust and memorable taste. Enhancing the seasoning could transform the meal from merely acceptable to truly enjoyable, providing a richer and more satisfying experience for the palate. I sincerely hope that the Cracker Barrel takes this feedback into consideration and makes further improvements to the meal, as it could greatly benefit from a more thoughtful approach to flavor development and ingredient balance. By doing so, they would not only elevate the dining experience but also justify the price point they have set for it.

In saying all that, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Cracker Barrel and its dedicated employees for their commitment to serving the community on Thanksgiving Day. It is truly commendable that, while many people are enjoying the warmth and comfort of their homes surrounded by loved ones, the staff at Cracker Barrel has chosen to be on duty, providing meals and a welcoming atmosphere for those who may not have the opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a traditional manner. Their willingness to sacrifice personal time with family and friends demonstrates a remarkable level of dedication and service to others. It is this spirit of generosity and selflessness that not only enhances the dining experience but also fosters a sense of community during a time that is meant for togetherness. The hard work and effort put forth by each employee, from the cooks preparing delicious meals to the servers ensuring that every guest feels valued and cared for, do not go unnoticed. Thank you once again to Cracker Barrel and its employees for embodying the true meaning of hospitality and for making Thanksgiving a special occasion for many who walk through your doors.