Cracker Barrel may be rolling out new menu items, but not every classic still earns its place on the plate. While longtime favorites remain popular, one side dish in particular keeps raising eyebrows. It’s familiar, nostalgic, and deeply Southern—but something feels off. Customers don’t hate it, exactly; they just don’t think it belongs where it is. Here’s why this well-known side dish may be better left off your order.
Dumplings as a Side Feel Wrong
Cracker Barrel’s dumplins are offered as a standalone side, and that’s where the trouble starts. Dumplings are traditionally meant to soak in rich broth, not sit alone on a plate. Served in a small portion next to vegetables, they feel out of place. Many diners expect dumplings to be part of a full, comforting meal. As a side, they simply don’t deliver that experience.
Chicken n’ Dumplings Deserve the Spotlight
Chicken n’ Dumplins are one of Cracker Barrel’s most popular entrées. The restaurant itself claims it serves over 11 million orders each year. That kind of demand shows how beloved the dish really is. Fans argue the dumplings shine best when paired with chicken and gravy. Shrinking them into a side dish does them no favors.
Portion Size Leaves Diners Wanting More
One of the biggest complaints is the portion size. Dumplins arrive in small amounts that feel unsatisfying. Customers expect comfort food to feel generous, not rationed. As a side, the serving doesn’t match the emotional appeal of the dish. Many believe it should return to a full dinner-sized portion.
The Flat Dumpling Debate
Cracker Barrel uses flat dumplings, a traditional Southern style. Flat dumplings are rolled out and should strike a balance between tender and chewy. However, critics say Cracker Barrel’s version misses that mark. The dumplings are described as too tough rather than pleasantly chewy. That texture issue becomes more noticeable when they’re served alone.
Team Flat vs. Team Pillowy
In Southern kitchens, dumplings spark strong opinions. Some swear by flat dumplings, while others prefer pillowy ones. Pillowy dumplings are dropped by spoon into boiling stock, creating a soft, fluffy texture. Both styles have devoted fans. What they share is one key trait—they belong in a proper bowl of chicken and dumplings.
Dumplings Aren’t Meant to Be a Side
Across preferences, one opinion unites diners: dumplings shouldn’t be side dishes. Whether flat or pillowy, they’re meant to be the star. Serving them alone strips away their purpose. They lose flavor, comfort, and identity. As a side, they feel unfinished.
Social Media Didn’t Hold Back
Online feedback has been blunt. In a Facebook post within the Dads Dinners group, one user described Cracker Barrel’s dumplings as “slimy noodles.” That criticism stuck. Social media reactions suggest this isn’t an isolated complaint. Many diners echo similar frustrations about texture and presentation.
A Missed Opportunity on the Menu
Cracker Barrel recently updated its menu, adding items like loaded hashbrown casserole and fried onion petals. Fans argue dumplings deserved a rethink too. Instead of demoting them to a side, they could’ve been reimagined. A revamped chicken and dumplings offering could have fit right in. The demand is clearly there.
The Barrel Knows Best
Cracker Barrel’s iconic logo features Uncle Herschel sitting beside a mysterious barrel. Fans famously pushed back when the brand tried to remove him. That same passion fuels opinions about the menu. Many imagine that barrel should hold something special—like a proper serving of chicken and dumplings. Big portions, rich broth, and a spoon are what people want.
