Here's How Often Your Cracker Barrel Food Is Microwaved

It's an open secret that virtually all restaurants, even the fanciest of establishments, use microwaves on a regular basis. However, some chains forgo this convenient but frowned-upon kitchen device in favor of traditional cooking methods. Cracker Barrel definitely falls into this category, at least according to a prep cook claiming to have worked at the establishment. As explained in a Reddit thread, a former employee of the chain stated the microwave was rarely used, save for those times when baked potatoes were running low. In this case, staff would use the microwave to whip up new orders in a hurry.

The former prep cook also claimed the majority of the chain's menu items were "cooked on the line or in an oven." Sure, some items were shipped to the establishment frozen or pre-made elsewhere, but based on the commenter's statement, it appears Cracker Barrel is dedicated to providing quality dishes to its customers.

Per the Cracker Barrel website, the dining establishment exhibits the utmost care when it comes to its menu. For example, foods like mashed potatoes and gravy are made from scratch each day. The chain also takes the time to slow roast beef for a whopping 18 hours, in addition to meticulously hand-rolling its beloved biscuits. Similar care and consideration are afforded to other menu items, including sausage patties, turnip greens, pancake syrup, and more.

By the same token, the restaurant is very particular about where it sources its ingredients. For example, most items are derived from American providers, including meats, veggies, and fish. The chain also insists on working with suppliers who maintain high standards for animal care as well as food safety. Now that you know you can trust the quality of the food at Cracker Barrel, here's a little inspiration to help you choose a selection during your next trip to the restaurant.

Cracker Barrel is all about customer satisfaction, which is why the chain has shared a compilation of the most popular menu items on its website. Coming in at number one is Mama's Pancake Breakfast, which features buttermilk pancakes, eggs, and your choice of sausage or bacon. If you're feeling particularly famished, Grandma's Sampler (number nine on the list) features the same items as Mama's Pancake Breakfast, as well as ham and your choice of hashbrown casserole or fried apples.

Because you cannot live on breakfast alone, you may be interested in the chain's most popular dinner selections. Ranking at number two is the restaurant's Chicken N' Dumplins, which clocks in 11 million orders annually at Cracker Barrel. There's also the Meatloaf, which appears at number three on the list. Both meals can be paired with homestyle sides like steamed carrots, macaroni n' cheese, and cornbread. No matter what you choose, you're sure to be pleased with the downhome cooking and southern hospitality this chain is best known for.