It’s time to break free from the monotony of sandwiches! As the picnic season unfolds, I find myself craving more excitement in our outdoor meals. The same old peanut butter and jelly sandwich routine can get stale, even for the most enthusiastic picnickers. After taking my kids on a boat trip recently, I realized that creative food options are crucial to making memories. To shake off my own picnic rut, I ventured online to uncover fresh inspiration.
And now, I’m excited to share some mouth-watering ideas with you! Here’s a collection of thrilling picnic foods that will delight both you and your kids:
No-Bake Mason Jar Blueberry Cheesecake
When it comes to picnics, dessert is often overlooked as an afterthought. But we’re here to tell you that’s a mistake! A sweet treat can make or break the entire experience, so don’t even think about packing up without one. The good news is that creating a delicious dessert doesn’t have to be a hassle. Case in point: our no-bake blueberry cheesecake recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive. This compact treat fits perfectly in a mason jar and is sure to please the whole family.
Strawberry Brownie Skewers
As we dive into the delightful union of strawberries and chocolate, let’s first acknowledge the sensory experience that awaits us. This delectable dessert seamlessly blends the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of chocolate, further enhanced by the textures of brownies and marshmallows. It’s a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.
And if you’re planning a picnic, why not consider pairing this treat with other delightful foods to make your outdoor gathering truly unforgettable?
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a personal favorite of mine, boasting an impressive array of flavors in one convenient dish. For families who adore pizza and pasta, I highly recommend combining the two in a single recipe – you never know, it might just become a new household hit! The pasta salad itself appears straightforward to prepare, with a generous serving of fresh ingredients. If your family is fond of pepperoni, cheese, peppers, and Italian dressing, this dish has the potential to be a real winner.
Watermelon Sticks
If you’re looking to fuel your family with a healthier diet, consider skipping traditional desserts and opting for a sweet and refreshing alternative – fruit! Watermelon is an excellent choice that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also keeps everyone hydrated. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to serve in a picnic setting. Simply follow our simple steps on cutting watermelon into bite-sized sticks, making it the perfect finger food for your outdoor gathering.
Picnic Tomato Caprese Cups
Love Caprese salads but find them cumbersome to take on-the-go? Think again! You can easily transform this classic dish into a portable delight by serving it in a cup. The simplicity of the Caprese salad, comprising grape tomatoes, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, makes it an ideal candidate for a cup-ified version. With this innovative twist, you can now savor the flavors of your favorite salad anywhere, anytime.
Pull Apart Ham and Cheese Slider
If your kids are craving something new and exciting to satisfy their sandwich cravings, you’re in luck! The classic sandwich can get stale after a while, but what if I told you there’s a game-changing alternative? Say hello to pull-apart ham and cheese sliders – the perfect solution for tiny hands that pack a big punch of flavor. Not only are they bite-sized, making them ideal for little ones, but they also offer a delightful surprise with each delicious pull.
Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
If you’re a fan of strawberry shortcake, ditch the traditional picnic setup and opt for a portable, stick-based alternative. Simply cube up your shortcake, thread it onto a skewer along with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of sweet candy icing. This sweet treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal option for a family gathering or outdoor adventure.
Easy Apple Pie Bites
Imagine having bite-sized versions of classic treats like apple pie. Who says you can’t? By using canned crescent rolls as a base, you can create your own miniaturized masterpieces. Start by cutting the rolls into triangular shapes and filling them with a sweet mixture of sugar and spices. Next, add some crunch by incorporating pecans, and give it an extra layer of flavor by placing a slice of apple in the center.
Once everything is in place, simply wrap it up and pop it into the oven to bake until golden brown. Voilà! You’ll have a collection of adorable, edible mini-apple pies that are sure to impress.
Salad on a Stick
The convenience of eating on-the-go often comes down to one key factor: portion size. When food is broken down into bite-sized pieces, it’s much easier to enjoy in a variety of settings. This phenomenon isn’t limited to snacks like fruit or cheese – even salads can benefit from this format. Consider building your salad ingredients onto skewers for a picnic-perfect twist.
By presenting the greens and toppings in a visually appealing way, you’ll make the experience just as enjoyable as it would be if served in a traditional bowl.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad
As the seasons change, certain dishes and ingredients become synonymous with warm weather. For many of us, these recipes evoke memories of backyard barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. One such recipe that instantly conjures up feelings of sunshine and relaxation is a classic broccoli salad. My own mother has a special affinity for this dish, often serving it at our larger family gatherings.
Its refreshing flavor and satisfying crunch are sure to put you in the mood for al fresco dining and quality time with loved ones.
Mason Jar S’mores
When embarking on a picnic adventure, it’s only natural that sweet treats play a starring role. However, finding the perfect spot to create every dessert whim can be challenging. Enter S’mores in a Jar, a game-changing solution for kids (and let’s be honest, adults too!) who crave this classic campfire treat. By packing these delightful treats into mason jars, you can satisfy their cravings without needing a dedicated marshmallow-roasting area.
Simply grab the jar and enjoy a S’mores experience anywhere, anytime.
Greek Salad Skewers
Imagine embarking on a carefree picnic adventure, surrounded by the warmth of the sun and the company of loved ones. As you seek out a refreshing snack to accompany your outdoor escapade, do Greek salads typically come to mind? Now, picture being able to transform this beloved dish into a unique, portable treat that’s just as delightful as it is easy to prepare. Simply combine four all-star ingredients on a skewer, and you’ll have a deliciously reimagined Greek salad at your fingertips.
Chicken Picnic Pie
Compact and convenient, savory chicken hand pies are a game-changer for outdoor gatherings. Typically filled with sweet fruits, these bite-sized treats take on a new dimension when stuffed with flavorful chicken. This recipe is sure to impress at your next picnic, offering a satisfying and delicious alternative to traditional sandwiches.
Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies
For those who prefer a vegetarian option that still satisfies their craving for a savory dish at a picnic, consider filling hand pies with a spinach and artichoke mixture. This twist on traditional picnic fare is sure to be a hit, even among meat-lovers.
Picnic Potato Salad
Are you a fan of classic potato salad? Do you often find yourself struggling to transport it to outdoor gatherings like picnics due to the messy mayonnaise? Well, say goodbye to those worries! With this simple recipe for mayo-free vinegar-based potato salad, you can now enjoy your favorite side dish at any outdoor event without worrying about making a mess.
Salad in a Cup
When it comes to picnicking with kids, maintaining a healthy diet can be a significant challenge. Kudos to you for prioritizing wellness! Fortunately, innovative picnic food ideas have made it more feasible to enjoy nutritious meals outdoors. One such solution is the clever ‘salad in a cup’ concept, allowing you to effortlessly pack a balanced meal for your little ones.
Brown Sugar Glazed Smokies
When it comes to satisfying your kids’ cravings for hot dogs, packing them on a picnic can be a challenge. However, there’s a clever solution: smokies. These bite-sized treats offer all the flavor of traditional hot dogs without the hassle of transporting them. To take it to the next level, consider adding some extra flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy. With this recipe, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands, so be sure to make plenty!
Breaded Italian Chicken Drumsticks
In the good old days, outdoor gatherings were often characterized by wholesome, homemade fare. The thought of reaching for store-bought sandwiches or spreads would have been unheard of. No, back then, picnickers would meticulously prepare and pack an assortment of tasty treats to savor in the great outdoors. This classic drumstick recipe is a nostalgic nod to those carefree days.
If your little ones are fans of finger-lickin’ good drumsticks, whip up this easy-to-make delight and let them indulge in the fresh air.
Fruit in Waffle Cones
Looking to craft a treat that’s both refreshing and appealing to kids? Consider filling waffle cones with their favorite fruits. The sweetness of the fruit will be perfectly balanced by its natural freshness, making it a hit with both children and adults alike.
Zucchini Picnic Muffins
When packing a picnic, don’t let your garden surplus go to waste! This recipe is the perfect way to utilize any excess zucchini you may have on hand. By combining it with eggs, cooked rice, cheese, bacon, and of course, zucchini, you’ll create a delightful muffin that’s not only a hit with kids but also boasts impressive health credentials.
Fresh Raspberry Buttermilk Muffins
Starting my day with a morning picnic is a treasured tradition for me and my kids. When we head out on our boat, the adventure can last all day long, making it essential to pack a variety of meals. In fact, I typically prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner to ensure everyone stays satisfied throughout the outing. Among my go-to picnic staples are these scrumptious muffins, which make for an ideal morning pick-me-up.
Crispy Fried Chicken
Packing savory dishes for your picnic is perfectly acceptable. Think of them as substantial finger foods that your kids will thoroughly enjoy. A great option for families who love fried chicken is a recipe that yields a deliciously crispy exterior with juicy interior. This dish has the potential to become a beloved family favorite.
Mac and Cheese Bites
The classic comfort food of mac-and-cheese has gotten a clever makeover. For kids who adore this creamy delight, the good news is that it’s now picnic-perfect! To make it so, the recipe is scaled down to create bite-sized portions. These smaller servings are then transformed into kid-friendly finger foods, making it an easy and enjoyable addition to your outdoor gatherings.
Mini Cheese and Corn Quiche
This delightful picnic recipe is a breeze to prepare, thanks to the convenience of premade pastry shells. Simply fill them with an assortment of tasty ingredients, including corn, cheese, water, and eggs. Not only will this dish satisfy your appetite, but it’s also a clever way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids – and who knows, they might just surprise you by asking for seconds!
Italian Pressed Sandwiches
While sandwiches are a classic picnic food idea, it’s time to elevate the game. Ditch the plain old peanut butter and jelly on white bread and opt for something more exciting like this pressed Italian sandwich. The combination of ciabatta bread, various meats, cheese, and fresh herbs and spices is sure to impress.
Banana Bread Cookies
Forget the dilemma of choosing between a decadent dessert bread or a batch of chewy cookies for your next picnic – with this clever recipe, you can bring the best of both worlds together! By combining the moist, sweet goodness of banana bread with the richness of chocolate chip cookies, you’ll create a show-stopping treat that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or just want to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this innovative dessert is guaranteed to be a winner.
To Go Cold Cut Sandwiches
For those who swear by sandwiches as their go-to savory treat, or perhaps you’re short on time and need a quick picnic solution, we’ve got just the thing. As we embark on our own picnic adventure tomorrow, this is what’s making it onto our menu: a deliciously easy combination of cold cuts, melted cheese, and tangy sauce all nestled within the soft, fluffy confines of Hawaiian rolls.
Mini Picnic Calzones
When venturing out on errand-filled days with my kids, we often make it a point to indulge in a special treat for lunch. One of their absolute favorites is a calzone – a miniaturized, handheld delight packed with an array of tasty fillings. If your little ones share this enthusiasm for calzones, you’ll definitely want to give this picnic-perfect recipe a try.
PB&J on a Stick
When faced with the daunting task of persuading a picky eater to adopt a new eating routine, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, what if we told you that making a few simple yet clever tweaks to traditional picnic fare could make all the difference? By transforming familiar favorites into visually appealing and easily portable options, you can subtly nudge your little one towards more adventurous eating habits.
For instance, try reimagining the classic PB&J by serving it on a skewer – not only does this make for a fun and easy snack to pack, but it also adds a pop of color and visual interest that’s sure to pique their curiosity.
Dirt the Dessert
A childhood classic that’s sure to delight both you and your mini-me’s is this dirt dessert masterpiece! The nostalgic treat has been a staple in many households for generations, and it’s not hard to see why. With its colorful combination of whipped cream, chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, squiggly gummy worms, and a splash of milk, this dessert is as fun to look at as it is to devour. The best part?
It’s ridiculously easy to whip up (pun intended) – just gather your ingredients and let the kids get creative with their own dirt-ational masterpieces!
Walking Tacos
When my kids are craving tacos, I know I’ve got a winner on my hands. Despite their picky eating habits, they’ll happily devour tacos – it’s like a guarantee! Given this, when I stumble upon a taco recipe that’s sure to be a hit, I’m quick to pounce. For those times when you need a quick and easy taco fix, try repackaging all your favorite toppings into a chip bag and serving them with a fork. Voilà – instant tacos on the go!
And if you’re looking to take your outdoor adventures to the next level, I’ve got over 30 recipes to share that’ll elevate your picnic game. Your kids will be thrilled when they see the array of delicious options at their disposal, and you’ll have created a fun new experience to cherish together. Don’t feel pressured to try them all in one go; instead, experiment with different combinations until you’ve found the perfect blend for your family.
