Demystifying the Calories in Cracker Barrel’s Country Green Beans Side

When dining at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store the entrée often takes center stage. But it’s important not to overlook the nutritional value of savory side dishes like the popular country green beans. With green beans sautéed in bacon and simmered with onions, this Cracker Barrel side adds comforting flavor to any meal. However many health-conscious diners wonder about the calorie count and if it fits into a balanced diet.

In this in-depth article, we’ll break down the complete nutrition facts on Cracker Barrel’s country green beans side. You’ll learn the calorie, carb, protein and fat content so you can determine how often to enjoy these tasty green beans guilt-free

An Overview of Cracker Barrel’s Country Green Beans

Cracker Barrel’s country green beans side consists of fresh green beans lightly cooked in bacon drippings along with onions and seasonings. It’s a classic Southern-style preparation meant to highlight the natural sweet flavor of green beans. The beans retain a crisp-tender bite while absorbing smoky, salty, bacon-y flavor.

Many of Cracker Barrel’s vegetable sides follow a similar recipe pattern. Other options like fried okra, fried apples, and hashbrown casserole all get sautéed in bacon grease or butter to boost flavor. But how does this preparation technique impact the nutrition facts, namely calories?

Here’s a closer look at the calories and nutrition breakdown for Cracker Barrel’s country green beans based on current data:

• Serving size: 1 side order (133g)
• Calories: 60
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 310mg

Clearly, frying the green beans in bacon fat adds a good amount of calories and fat compared to plain steamed or boiled green beans. However, the 3 grams of fiber per serving somewhat offsets the carb content. And the total calorie count still rings in under 100 for a reasonable side portion.

But how do these nutrition numbers stack up to other comparable sides at Cracker Barrel? And what are some tips for reducing calories if desired? Let’s unpack the specifics.

Comparing Calories to Other Cracker Barrel Sides

To provide some context around the calorie content of country green beans, it helps to look at a few other popular Cracker Barrel side dishes for comparison:

• Baked Sweet Potato (1 side order): 230 calories, 57g carbs, 3g fiber, 15g sugar, 3g protein

• Mashed Potatoes (1 side order): 310 calories, 36g carbs, 3g fiber, 5g sugar, 3g protein

• Mac and Cheese (1 side order): 460 calories, 33g carbs, 2g fiber, 7g sugar, 13g fat, 18g protein

• Apple Pecan Salad (1 side order): 340 calories, 40g carbs, 4g fiber, 31g sugar, 13g fat, 3g protein

• Fried Okra (1 side order): 290 calories, 16g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g sugar, 24g fat, 2g protein

At just 60 calories, the country green beans are one of the lowest-calorie sides available from Cracker Barrel. Comparable vegetable choices like collard greens, steamed broccoli, and a small garden salad with lite dressing would have a similar caloric footprint.

However, richer options like mac and cheese, fried okra, mashed potatoes, and salads easily pack 2-3 times more calories per serving compared to the green beans. So if limiting calorie intake is the priority, country green beans are a solid pick.

Tips for Lightening Up Cracker Barrel’s Country Green Beans

While the nutrition numbers for Cracker Barrel’s country green beans are already fairly reasonable, there are some easy ways to reduce calories and fat if desired:

• Ask for a smaller side portion. Opting for a “half side order” gives you all the flavor in a more modest serving with around 30 calories.

• Skip the bacon. Request the green beans prepared without bacon drippings to eliminate some of the fat and sodium. The veggies will still absorb flavor from the onions.

• Load up on low-cal toppings. Dress up your green beans with a squeeze of lemon, cracked pepper, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a flavor boost with minimal added calories.

• Pair with lean protein. Team up your side of green beans with a grilled chicken breast or Cracker Barrel’s lighter meal options to make it part of a calorie-conscious meal.

• Double up on veggies. Order two lower-calorie vegetable sides like green beans and a salad or steamed broccoli instead of one higher-calorie potato or pasta side dish.

Healthy, Satisfying Ways to Enjoy Cracker Barrel’s Country Green Beans

Cracker Barrel’s country green beans make for a tasty, soulful accompaniment to balance out Southern and country specialties. Here are some healthy meal ideas that incorporate this signature side:

• Country green beans paired with grilled salmon, roasted sweet potato wedges and a side salad

• Seared chicken breast with mushroom gravy, green beans and steamed mixed veggies

• Chopped BBQ chicken salad with green beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers and light ranch dressing

• Country fried steak with country green beans and a side of fresh fruit

• Veggie plate with green beans, broccoli, apple pecan salad and cottage cheese

• Baked trout with dill sauce, green beans and a baked sweet potato

You can certainly indulge in country green beans as part of the full Cracker Barrel experience on occasion. But by teaming this hearty side with lighter protein and veggie choices, you can enjoy those signature bacon-y green beans without going overboard on calories.

The Verdict on Cracker Barrel’s Country Green Beans

Cracker Barrel’s country green beans side delivers comforting flavors and satisfying crunch. While the 60 calories per serving is very reasonable for a veggie side dish, it does end up higher in fat and sodium than plain green beans due to the preparation method. Overall, ordering country green beans is a smart choice for a flavorful low-calorie side to complement your meal. Just balance them out with sensible portions of lean proteins and healthier salad or vegetable choices to keep calories under control.