15 Graduation Party Food Ideas Everyone Will Be Obsessed With
So you’re throwing a graduation party and want the food to be next-level? I’ve got you. Whether you’re keeping it chill in the backyard or going full Pinterest board with the decorations, the snacks and sips are what everyone actually shows up for (besides the grad, of course). From delicious pulled pork sliders to crispy air fryer chicken wings, this list is packed with 15 graduation party foods everyone will love. Let’s get into it. 15 Graduation Party Food Ideas 1. Delicious Pulled Pork Sliders These mouthwatering pulled pork sliders are the ultimate party snack and are perfect for your graduation party! Filled with shredded pulled pork and coleslaw, these warm sandwiches are the perfect combination of savory and crunchy. The buns are brushed with a flavorful onion poppy seed butter and baked to golden brown perfection, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be the star of the party in no time! 2. Mac and Cheese Bites These crispy, gooey, and so-satisfying fried mac & cheese bites are amazing! Imagine golden, crunchy bites of macaroni and cheese perfection. Let me break it down for you – first, you make a creamy cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. Then, you mix in cooked elbow macaroni, chill it, cut it into squares, coat it in a breadcrumb mixture, and fry it up until irresistibly crispy. Serve them with some dipping sauces you like and watch as your guests gobble them down faster than you can say “graduation”! 3. Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers Get ready to impress your guests with mini beef bacon cheeseburger bites! These delicious appetizers are the perfect addition to any gathering, packing all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into bite-sized form. To make them, simply mix ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning, then form into patties and bake. Top with melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on slider buns for the ultimate snack experience. Perfect crowd-pleasing finger food that’s sure to be a hit at your party. Related: 15 Cricut Graduation Ideas That Are Full of Style 4. Walking Tacos Looking for a fun and easy party dish to impress your guests? Try walking tacos – the ultimate portable and delicious snack that is totally out of the box! All you need are small bags of Fritos or Doritos, ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and salsa, and a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and more. Simply cook up the seasoned beef, scoop it into the chip bags, add your favorite toppings, and voila – you’ve got yourself a tasty treat that’s sure to be a hit at any graduation party. 5. Soft and Fluffy Cheese Rolls If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your graduation party, check out these soft and fluffy cheese rolls. Packed with rich cheddar cheese and a savory tomato and grilled pepper sauce, these homemade bread rolls are a cheesy delight. The dough is light and airy, making each bite a flavorful treat that your guests won’t be able to resist. To make a batch, simply mix warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and yeast before adding in flour and salt. Knead the dough until soft and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size. Roll out the dough, add your fillings, shape into rolls, and let them rise again before baking until golden and gooey. These cheese rolls are so delicious, especially when you serve them right when they are ready! 6. Easy 30-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Looking for the crispiest chicken wings to wow your guests at your graduation party? Then go for these easy 30-minute crispy air fryer chicken wings that are a total game changer. All you need are split chicken wings, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavor explosion. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl, coat the wings, pop them in the air fryer, and voila! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy wings that are perfect for munching on during weeknight dinners or game days. Trust me, your friends and family will be obsessed with these delicious wings! 7. Crispy Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe (No Oil + Healthier) If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your graduation party that’s not only delicious but also healthier, try these crispy air fryer spring rolls! Packed with a flavorful ground chicken filling and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these spring rolls are lighter and crispier than their deep-fried counterparts. Plus, you can customize them with ground pork, turkey, or beef, or make them vegetarian or vegan with tofu or extra mushrooms. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these air fryer spring rolls are sure to be a hit at your celebration! Related: 21 Best Finger Food Ideas to Serve at Your Next Party 8. Loaded Ground Beef Nachos Are you ready to take your graduation party to the next level with some mouthwatering loaded ground beef nachos?! These sheet pan super nachos are a serious game-changer, packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Juicy ground beef infused with moisture and flavor, layered with black beans, freshly shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of homemade nacho cheese sauce. And did I mention they’re baked on a sheet pan for easy prep and cleanup? Seriously, these nachos are a party MUST HAVE. Just assemble in two layers to ensure the perfect ratio of ingredients to tortilla chips – no dry nachos here! 9. The Best Fajita Bar Have you ever tried a fajita bar for a dinner party? It’s fun to eat and so yummy. Imagine a huge platter filled with all your favorite fajita fixings, from juicy protein options to creamy guacamole and tangy pico de gallo. Perfect for your graduation party. My go-to fajita bar features mouthwatering fajita-style chicken, steak, shrimp, or veggie options, warmed flour tortillas, and all the classic toppings like refried beans, Mexican rice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Simply arrange everything on a large board, and serve! 10. Potato Bar Potato bar is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any graduation party. Start with baked potatoes and keep them warm in a cooler filled with hot water. Offer a variety of toppings like salt, pepper, butter, sour cream, and different types of cheese. Don’t forget the meat options like chili, taco meat, and crispy bacon. You can even serve it with fish like salmon or sea-bream. Include veggies like broccoli and salsa for added flavor and nutrients. And of course, don’t skimp on the sauces – whether it’s gravy, alfredo, or ranch, having multiple options will take your potato bar to the next level. 11. Gourmet Hot Dogs Get ready to elevate your graduation party with some mouthwatering gourmet hot dogs that will WOW your guests! With options like the classic dog with diced onions, sauerkraut, and pickles; a Mexican-style dog with pico de gallo and jalapeños; or an Asian-inspired dog with fried onions and teriyaki sauce, there’s a topping combo for everyone. And if you can’t decide which one to try, why not set up a hot dog bar and let your guests customize their own creations? Just grill the wieners, toast the buns, and let the fun begin! These juicy and delicious hot dogs will definitely take your graduation party to a whole new level. 12. Accordion Potatoes I love these accordion potatoes! They are so crispy, delicious, and easy to make. All you need is some unsalted butter, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, paprika, fresh rosemary, oregano, garlic, and of course, Yukon gold potatoes. Prep them by slicing them up and cutting those slices with chopsticks to create that accordion effect. Then pop them in the oven and let them bake to crispy perfection. Top them off with some flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for that final touch. Trust me, everyone will be obsessed with these delicious potatoes! Serve with mayo, ketchup , or any other sauce you like. 13. Best Ever SPANAKOPITA If you have not tried the best ever spanakopita recipe before, you’re in for a treat! This savory Greek pie is a delicious combination of crispy phyllo dough layers and a comforting filling of spinach and feta cheese. The first time I tasted them was during my visit to Greece and I fell in love! And guess what? It’s easier to make than you think! This foolproof family recipe is perfect for any occasion – from holiday dinners to graduation parties. Serve it alongside lamb or lemon chicken, or make it the star of the show with a big Greek salad and your favorite dips. Trust me, once you try this spanakopita, you’ll be obsessed! Related: 15 Insanely Cute Graduation SVG Designs We Can’t Resist 14. Easy Hummus & Veggie Platter Craving a healthy, colorful snack? The easy hummus & veggie platter is a great option! Loaded with fresh vegetables and creamy hummus, it’s perfect for dipping and snacking. Check out this simple recipe for a nutritious, easy-to-assemble platter! It’s always a win when you find a recipe that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This easy hummus & veggie platter has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. From family gatherings to simple weeknight snacks, it’s always the first thing to disappear. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, love snacking them too. 15. Summer Cheese Board This summer cheese board is the perfect appetizer to impress your guests at your graduation party. Packed with cheddar and Colby Jack cheese cubes, slices of savory salami, fresh fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and grapes, and crunchy crackers, this board is a showstopper. Simply place everything on a wooden board, pour some jam into a bowl, and arrange your ingredients in a visually pleasing way. Don’t forget to top off any gaps with rosemary marcona almonds for an added touch of flavor. Serve immediately at your party or save it in the fridge until your guests arrive. So easy and delicious, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your party! Final Thoughts So there you have it; 15 perfect graduation party food ideas to make. From delicious pulled pork sliders to crispy air fryer chicken wings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at your celebration. Whether you’re looking to create a fajita bar or wow your guests with gourmet hot dogs, these graduation party food ideas are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, start planning your menu and get ready to impress your guests with these tasty foods. Happy Graduation!
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15 Insanely Cute Graduation SVG Designs We Can’t Resist
It’s graduation season! If you have someone special in your life who’s graduating this year, why not craft them something special with your Cricut or Silhouette? To inspire your creative mind, we’ve rounded up 15 insanely cute graduation SVG designs. If you haven’t purchased a Cricut machine yet, make sure to peruse our guide on determining the best Cricut machine for every project. 15 Insanely Cute Graduation SVG Designs We Can’t Resist 1. Will Trade Students for Chocolate Not all graduation SVG designs have to be focused on the students. Sure, they’re the stars of the show, but what about the teachers who worked behind the scenes to help them reach this point? A custom bag, t-shirt or mug will be much appreciated. You could fill the bag with supplies or tuck a gift card into the mug. There’s no question that the teacher will appreciate the gesture and the appreciation. If you want to thank the teachers in your student’s life, this cute but playful SVG design is perfect. Funny-teacher-svg-will-trade-students-for-chocolate-cut-file-cricut-cover Facebook Pinterest Funny-teacher-svg You can find this fun design in our shop! 2. On to the Next Chapter Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the start of another. Why not celebrate this transition with a custom grad cap, planner or water bottle with the quote “On to the Next Chapter?” This type of design is perfect for any graduate, whether they’re moving on to high school, college or somewhere else. Perfect Stylish Cuts has a free SVG that you can use for this kind of project. Or you could make your own typography design using your machine’s design space. Handwritten fonts work best and will give the design a natural feel. 3. Act Like a Lady Think Like a Boss Forget the usual graduation SVG designs. Let’s inspire the graduate to be the best they can be! Here’s an awesome SVG design for lady grads who are moving on to big things. Act-Like-A-Lady-Think-Like-A-Boss-svg-cut-file Facebook Pinterest Act-Like-A-Lady-Think-Like-A-Boss-svg You can grab this design in our shop! It’s a quote that you can add to anything you like and give as a gift to celebrate the exciting road ahead. If you want to make a t-shirt, like the one above, you only need a few supplies: Blank t-shirt Iron-on vinyl Weeding tool Iron or heat press And, of course, you need your Cricut! Related: 15 Mind Blowing Cricut Ideas for Gifts 4. Senior Tribe If you have a teen who’s graduating high school, this SVG design is perfect for them. Senior year feels different from other years in school. You know you’re moving on to something big. It’s the final hurrah, right? And it feels like everyone in your class is going through this together – just like a tribe. You can add your “senior tribe” design to a t-shirt, water bottle, planner, bag or whatever you want. If you want to make a planner with this kind of SVG design, you’ll only need a few supplies: Iron-on vinyl Cutting mat Weeding tool Iron or heat press 5. Believe in Yourself No matter where the graduate is headed, they’ll need to believe in themselves to reach their goals. As a friend, family member or mentor, you can remind them of the importance of staying the course and chasing their dreams. Add the saying “believe in yourself” to your graduation gift, whether it’s a tote bag, mug or whatever you fancy. They’ll appreciate the encouraging words when the going gets tough. You don’t have to look far to get this SVG design – we have it in our shop! 6. Off to Change the World The graduates of today shape the world of tomorrow. Whether your grad is moving on to college or finishing their degree, there’s no doubt their next moves will change the world. That’s why we love this SVG design, which celebrates the grad’s future achievements. You can add this “off to change the world” design to the grad’s cap, but it would also be the perfect design for a custom planner, mug or even a sticker. You can grab this free SVG file from Kate Creates. 7. One Degree Hotter Looking for witty graduation SVG designs? This one is perfect – One Degree Hotter. We love this saying for t-shirts or even banners if you’re throwing a party. This design is ideal for students graduating college, whether they’re an undergrad or graduate student. If you have an iron or heat press and some heat transfer vinyl, you can easily add this design to just about any fabric. You could add it to a water bottle or planner, too. Why not make multiple gifts to give? The grad will appreciate their new custom swag. 8. The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155303887639712579/ College grads know that a lot of time and effort goes into earning a degree. But at the end of the day, “the tassel was worth the hassle,” right? This SVG design is perfect for students who are graduating college and headed to the next big chapter in their lives. You can add this design to the grad cap, a shirt or even a mug. 9. Proud Mom of the Graduate Are you a proud mom who wants to shout out to the world that your baby is graduating? If so, this is the perfect design for you. There’s a cute graduation cap at the top of the design sitting right between the “P” and “d” of the word “Proud.” The entire phrase says: “Proud Mom of the Graduate.” While you’re free to add this design to any project that you like, it’s simply perfect for a t-shirt design that you’ll wear: On graduation night At a graduation party You’ll need heat transfer vinyl, weeding tool and cutting mat for this project. Related: 17 Unique Cricut Projects to Sell and Make Money from Home 10. She Believed She Could, So She Did Cute and cuttable designs are perfect for graduation. You’ll find that these designs say the following quote on them: “she believed she could, so she did.” If the graduate in your life is someone who has been through a lot of adversity in life and has had an uphill battle the entire time, this is the perfect SVG. You’ll find that the design has the following: Two unique graduation caps Two unique diploma scrolls You can use these designs to add fun stickers to a person’s graduation card or even put them on napkins if they’re having a party. Sending invitations? You can also add these designs as stickers, which are so easy to make if you have sticker paper on hand. 11. Grad Cap and Diploma Graphics Graduation caps and diplomas are synonymous with graduating classes worldwide. You can use these graphics to make fun invitations to a grad party, or you can even make confetti with them. You’ll want to start with some: Thick cardstock (choose any color you like) Envelopes Weeding tool Scoring tool Sticker paper You can also have fun by adding glitter or other fun stickers to the card. 12. I Am So Done Graduation SVG designs like this one fit a quirky, humorous person perfectly. The cut file says, “I am so Done,” and has an adorable cap right on top of the “D” with nice accents, such as the underlined “o” and the emphasis on the “e.” What should you add this design to? A t-shirt is the best option because it’s not something that the person will wear daily. After all, they’re only graduating one – for this degree. Related: 15 Cricut Graduation Ideas That Are Full of Style 13. Motivated Educated Graduated Motivated, educated and graduated are such powerful words, and they all relate to the experience that the graduate has had in their lives. Imagine starting your day with this awesome design. You can add this design to napkins (like these fancy cloth ones), or if the person is transitioning into a desk job, you can even make them their own mouse pad with the design. Of course, you can follow a similar concept as above and add this design to a t-shirt or mug if you like. 14. ConGRADulations ConGRADulations is a beautiful SVG to have for the recent grad in your life, and it’s a great option for anything from shirts to napkins or even a coffee cup. If the grad loves coffee, making them a cute mug with this design is a good option. Why? The fancy black and gold lettering stands out is beautiful, there are fun stars and a graduation cap, too. Adding this design to a coffee cup will take a little work (dishwashers can ruin it), but it’s possible with a coffee mug, cutting mat, heat transfer vinyl and some alcohol. 15. I Did It! Finally! The person did it. School or university is such an integral part of a person’s life, and while it seems like the day will never come, it’s over before you know it. This super cute design features “I did IT!” in text, but it also has a cap with tassels on it featuring the year the person graduated. This fun design is perfect to put on t-shirts with just a few supplies: iron-on transfers and, of course, a t-shirt. If you want to make a shirt, I highly recommend these ruler guides for heat presses because they’re so helpful.
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15 Cricut Graduation Ideas That Are Full of Style
Graduation is right around the corner, and we have more than a dozen awesome Cricut graduation ideas to help you celebrate this big day. From mugs to custom caps and earrings, we have so many fun ideas to try. If you haven’t purchased a Cricut machine yet, make sure to peruse our guide on determining the best Cricut machine for every project. 15 Cricut Graduation Ideas That Are Full of Style 1. Custom Mug with Inspirational Quote Is the grad a fan of coffee or tea? A custom mug will make a great gift. You can use your Cricut to make an inspiring mug to motivate them to do big things in life. They can take their mug with them wherever they’re headed next, whether that’s college, a new job or something else. Here’s what you’ll need: Premium vinyl Transfer tape Blank mug Of course, you’ll need your Cricut, a weeding tool and a design. Our “believe in yourself” design is perfect for this kind of project. It will serve as a reminder for them to continue believing in themselves and the path they’re following. Believe-in-yourself-quote-SVG-mug-print Facebook Pinterest Believe-in-yourself-quote-SVG Get this design in our shop! 2. Custom Grad Tee Custom t-shirts are fun projects for your Cricut machine, and they make great gifts for special occasions like graduations. You can add whatever quote or design you want to your shirt. You need just a few supplies: Heat transfer vinyl T-shirt Iron Weeding tool Our flower SVG bundle is great for a project like this one. Add it to your design or quote to make it special. Rose-svg-flower-svg-bundle-vector-cut-file-png-cover Facebook Pinterest Rose-svg Check out this design in our shop 3. Personalized Cap What better way to celebrate graduation than with a custom cap? Using heat transfer vinyl, you can create a custom grad cap that will make this day extra special. You can add custom graphics, quotes and more. Heat transfer vinyl Iron Graduation cap SVG file If you want to add a motivational quote to the cap, our “Do What You Love” quote design is perfect. Do-What-You-Love-Quote-SVG-shirt-print-416x606 Facebook Pinterest Do-What-You-Love-Quote-SVG Get this design in the shop 4. Graduation Banner If you’re having a party or family gathering to celebrate the graduation, one of the best Cricut graduation ideas is to make a “congrats” banner. It’s easier than you think to do this project, and you likely have everything you need already: Cardstock Tape roller Scissors Baker’s twine Design Related: 8 Trendy Gift Ideas for College Girls 5. Graduation Cap Gift Card Holder If you’re giving a gift card to the graduate, you can make a fun gift card holder with your Cricut. The holder has some slits in it, which makes it easy to keep your gift card secure. There’s also some space to add a custom message to the card. This is a fun project that won’t require many supplies. Here’s what you’ll need for this project: Cardstock Embroidery floss Metal brad X-acto knife Scissors Skip to My Lou has a great tutorial on how to make this gift card holder. 6. Teacher Appreciation Gift Graduation is all about the grads, right? But what about the teachers who helped them get this far? A teacher appreciation gift is another great graduation idea. With just your Cricut and a few supplies, you can make a custom tote bag with a fun message for the teacher. If you’re a parent of a graduate, then this is a thoughtful way to say thanks. Here’s what you’ll need: Heat transfer vinyl Tote bag Iron or heat press Weeding tool We have the perfect design for this kind of project in our shop, especially for teachers who have a great sense of humor. Funny-teacher-svg-will-trade-students-for-chocolate-cut-file-cricut-cover Facebook Pinterest Funny-teacher-svg Grab this design in our shop 7. Graduation Cap Earrings Does the grad like to wear earrings? Why not make them a pair of custom earrings with our Cricut to commemorate this occasion? These earrings are so cute, and you can customize them however you want. Amy Romeu Crafts has a great tutorial on how to make graduation cap earrings. Here’s what you’ll need: Faux leather Heat transfer vinyl Tiny tassels Weeding tool Painter’s tape Earring hooks Flat nose pliers The grad can wear these special earrings on the big day, so you’ll forever be a part of that special moment. Related: 17 Insanely Cool Cricut Projects with Vinyl 8. Customized Water Bottle Labels Most students graduate in the early summer when temperatures start to soar. It’s important to stay hydrated. But who says that the grad’s water bottle has to be boring? Custom water bottle labels are one of our favorite Cricut graduation ideas. You can make lots of labels if you’re planning on handing out bottles or having a party. Here’s what you’ll need: Water bottles Glue stick Label design You can use your Cricut to cut your labels and then attach them to your bottles. We have the perfect label frames to use in your design. Label-frames-SVG-png-vector-cut-file-with-transparent-background Facebook Pinterest Label-frames-SVG Get these labels in our shop 9. Congrats! Cake Topper Want to make the graduation cake even more memorable? Make a cake topper that says, “Congrats, grad!” You can make this topper with your Cricut and a few basic supplies. And because you’re making it yourself, you can use colors that will match the cake and the theme of the party. Here’s what you’ll need: Two sheets of cardstock Foam adhesive squares or crafting glue Your cake topper design You can easily make your own design in the Cricut Design Space or grab a design from our shop to get started. 10. Pretty Water Bottle If you’re looking for practical but fun Cricut graduation ideas, a custom water bottle is a great option. Just find a pretty water bottle and get to work customizing it for the graduate. We love this saying: “Hydrate, radiate, graduate,” along with the year. To add a quote, saying or graphic to the water bottle, you’ll need permanent vinyl and some other supplies, including: Water bottle Transfer tape Cricut tools The grad can use their new water bottle all summer long and hold onto it as a keepsake as they go through adult life. 11. Customized Gift Tags with Thoughtful Messages Want to give the graduate a gift? They’ll love these gift tags with thoughtful messages on them. You will need to have the following supplies to get started: Cardstock (choose the person’s favorite color) Ribbon (feel free to swap these out for a single color option) Hole punch (a tool every crafter should have) You can spend a ton of time editing in your favorite design tool, but it will be a lengthy process. We have awesome gift tag SVG bundles that I’m sure you’re going to love. gift-tags-svg-bundle-vector-cut-files-cover Facebook Pinterest gift-tags-svg Click here to get the entire bundle of gift tag designs in SVG. 12. Graduation Centerpiece One of the most ingenious Cricut graduation ideas on this list is the centerpiece. If you plan on having a dinner for the person or a party, this idea will fit perfectly with your decor and add a nice touch to the table. You’ll need to have a few items to get started, including: Cardstock (super bright colors) Tissue paper (this one uses pastels, but choose one you like) Tea lights (these electric ones are safe) Crafting glue Once you have all of the materials you need, follow these instructions to make this centerpiece. Note: Be sure to use LED tea lights with this design or you risk your centerpiece catching fire. 13. Paper Cap Gift Box Creating a DIY gift box isn’t something I imagined would be on this post, but it was also something that I couldn’t resist. You’ll need a few items to get started: Black cardstock Embroidery thread Party foil Scrapbooking tape Glue gun You’ll find that this idea is a lot of fun and is the perfect choice for crafters who don’t mind trying more complex crafts with their Cricut. Since this is quite an advanced gift box to make, you’ll want to follow the directions on Abbi Kirsten Collections. 14. Graduation Confetti Confetti does not need to be boring. The person in your life who is graduating will love your custom graduation confetti. You can make numerous designs that you can shower the graduate in, including: Graduation year Person’s name Little graduation caps Stars A great idea is to create confetti in the school’s color. You’ll need a pack of colored cardstock, like this one. Feel free to add some glitter to your confetti. 15. Custom Party Napkins Graduation is a time of celebration, and what does every party need? Food. Personalize your napkins with awesome lettering, including “PERSON’S NAME” and the year of graduation. You can also add fun decorations right on your Cricut, such as a graduation cap, cute quotes and anything else you can think of. You’ll need just a few items to get started: cloth napkins, iron-on vinyl and a Cricut machine. Since this is a fast and easy idea, you can add anything you want to the napkins. And because you’ll be using cloth napkins, the person can use them for years to come. You can also give them out as gifts to people who attend or just allow the happy graduate to keep them for themselves.
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26 Delicious Picnic Finger Food Ideas That Look Fancy
I love a good picnic with friends on a warm spring day when the weather is just right. But finding the perfect picnic finger food can be tricky, especially if you want to impress everyone with something fancy. I’ve searched far and wide for recipes, and these 26 are some of my favorites. 26 Delicious Picnic Finger Food Ideas That Look Fancy 1. Creamy Asparagus Puffs These creamy asparagus puffs are perfect for a picnic, and they’re so easy to make. Adorable carrot-shaped puff pastries are stuffed with asparagus tips, slices of smoked turkey and a creamy spread. You’ll need pastry horns to give these treats their shape. I also recommend using ready-to-bake puff pastry sheets, but feel free to make your own if you want. 2. French Pressed Sandwich Bites These French pressed sandwich bites have ultra-fresh ingredients and are full of flavor. They’re perfect for picnics, and you can substitute any ingredients you want. This recipe uses smoked salmon, radishes, hummus, pesto, baby spinach, beets, cucumber, red onion and other tasty sandwich ingredients. I recommend getting fresh ciabatta from a local bakery if you can. 3. Mini Lasagna Roll-Ups Who says lasagna can’t be picnic finger food? These little roll-ups are kept together with small skewers, making the perfect little bite-sized appetizers. The addition of tiny fresh basil leaves makes them look so fancy. I recommend making your own tomato sauce, but if you’re in a hurry, quality jarred sauce will work perfectly. 4. Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches These little pinwheel sandwiches are so simple but the way they’re rolled makes them look fancy. The Italian cream cheese spread is divine and loaded with flavor. The rest of the ingredients are simple. Use your favorite cold cuts (salami, ham, capicola, etc.) and toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.). Related: 23 Low Carb Lunch Ideas You Can Meal Prep 5. Mini Pancake Skewers with Strawberries These mini pancakes are the perfect picnic food because they taste great cold, and you don’t have to worry about anything spoiling. These skewers are loaded with mini pancake rounds, Nutella and strawberry slices. If you’re not a fan of Nutella, you can use peanut butter or apple butter. 6. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Sundried Tomatoes These gourmet-style grilled cheese sandwiches are loaded with flavor, thanks to the sundried tomatoes. Instead of the usual cheddar cheese, these sandwich bites are stuffed with cream cheese and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Add a toothpick to each bite-sized slice to keep everything together. 7. Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Portable. Fancy. Pizza. Need I say more? These pizza pinwheels are the perfect picnic finger food, and they use puff pastry sheets to save time. Top the sheets with a good marinara sauce, pepperoni (optional) and mozzarella cheese. Roll it all up, cut it into 2-inch slices, bake it, and enjoy. 8. Cold Tortellini Salad Kabobs Fresh tortellini, juicy tomatoes and cheese – all on a stick. These kabobs are great for picnics because they’re easy to pack and transport. All you need are tortellini, pesto (jarred or homemade), balsamic vinegar, grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls and wooden skewers. Facebook Pinterest Get our free printable meal planner delivered to your inbox! Grab your copy of our 42-page meal planner to track your meals and sign up for our newsletter for more updates! 9. Watermelon Feta Bites If you want to pack something light and refreshing, these watermelon feta bites are perfect. You’ll need about two cups of cubed watermelon for this recipe. If you want to make it extra fancy, you can use cookie cutters to make your bites into fancy shapes. 10. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic picnic food, and with the right toothpicks and fresh herbs, you can make them look extra-fancy. To make these sandwiches, you’ll need fresh bread (crust removed), mayo, cream cheese, English cucumber, chives, dill and a few spices. 11. Greek Salad Skewers Here’s a picnic finger food that everyone is sure to love. I love that it’s such a simple dish, but the presentation makes it look so fancy. For this recipe, you’ll need fresh feta sliced into chunks, oregano, black olives, tomatoes and mini cucumbers. Slide each ingredient onto a skewer and serve. 12. Mini Cannoli Cups If you want to pack a dessert for your picnic, try these mini cannoli cups. Use pre-made refrigerated pie crusts and a mini muffin pan to shape and bake your cups. The filling is super simple (ricotta cheese, sugar, lemon zest and vanilla). Related: 17 Best Camping Meal Prep Ideas 13. Pink Deviled Eggs These pink deviled eggs look so fancy, but that’s all thanks to the pink food coloring and garnishes (sprouts and baby’s breath). The trickiest part here is removing the yolks, but the rest of the steps are super simple. Use a pastry piping bag to make the filling look perfect. 14. Pickled Peach, Mozzarella & Prosciutto Skewers Here’s a unique finger food to serve as your picnic. Homemade pickled peaches with mozzarella pearls, fresh basil and spices, all wrapped in prosciutto slices and assembled on cocktail skewers. The pickled peaches are the star of the show here, and your guests are sure to devour them. 15. 10-minute Pickle Roll Ups If pickles wrapped up in deli ham and ranch-flavored cream cheese sound good to you, then you’ll love this 10-minute recipe. I Am Homesteader shares this recipe with us and it uses just four ingredients. Dry ranch seasoning is the one ingredient you’ll likely not have in your pantry. 16. Strawberry Brownie Kabobs Four ingredients and a handful of skewers are all you need to make these kabobs. You can either use premade brownie bites or make your own. And then, you’ll put one strawberry, a brownie, a marshmallow, a brownie and finally a strawberry (all in this order) onto the kabob and serve. 17. Spinach Puffs Do you have a muffin tin? If so, you’re going to love these spinach puffs because they’re filled with flavor and not overpowering like some of the spinach puffs on the market. You’ll need some frozen puff pastry, feta cheese, scallions, garlic, eggs, parsley and some chopped spinach. And the hardest part is ringing all of the water out of the spinach before adding it in to keep the shell from getting too soggy. 18. Cheesy Bruschetta Bites Bruschetta is so easy to make, and with this recipe, it takes maybe 15 – 20 minutes to make. You’ll need phyllo shells, which you’ll find in most grocery stores, along with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Roma tomatoes and a soft cheese spread. 19. Mini Pimento BLT Cheddar Biscuits If you don’t mind a heavier snack, I can’t recommend this picnic finger food enough. You’re mixing pimento cheese, strips of bacon, lettuce and tomato on cheddar biscuits for your own little slices of BLT bliss. And, like with most of the recipes on our list, you’ll need a few toothpicks. 20. Mini Quiche Bacon and Cheese Mini quiche is something my aunt served at one of her parties long ago, and I’ve had an affinity for them ever since. You will need ready-made puff pastry, cheese, bacon, spring onion, eggs, heavy cream, milk and a few spices. A round cookie cutter will help you shape your quiche perfectly. 21. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Bacon. Meatballs. Melted cheese? Sign me up. You can add a pickle, lettuce and a tomato and make little skewers with toothpicks for this delicious treat. You’ll stack all of your favorite ingredients of a hamburger onto your toothpick, and you can skip the bread to keep this a low-carb finger food – if you like. 22. Mashed Avocado Finger Sandwiches These mashed avocado sandwiches are filled with healthy fats and take 15 minutes total to make over a dozen. You’ll need to be an avocado-lover for this food, which includes fresh herbs, lime juice, tahini, cucumber, microgreens, avocadoes and sandwich bread. Related: 23 Mouthwatering Finger Food Desserts We Love the Most 23. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich I’m a sucker for any picnic finger food that includes grilled cheese. And with fresh melted cheese and a few additions, this flavor-filled treat will definitely hit the spot. You’ll need to use a French baguette cut into small slices, aged cheddar cheese, mushrooms, basil, arugula and sundried tomatoes. And if you don’t like some of these ingredients, you can easily omit them. 24. Peach Caprese Bites Fresh, delicious and good for you? I never would have thought of making this recipe on my own, but I’m so happy that I found it. You’ll need basil leaves, balsamic glaze, mozzarella balls and peaches for this recipe. And I love how Homemade Hooplah has neat additions that you can add, such as black pepper, fresh mint and prosciutto. 25. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls Twenty minutes is all it takes to make smoked salmon rolls for ten people. But I promise you, these are different from any other rolls that you’ve tried. With your large vegetable peeler, you’ll create wraps from the cucumbers and then roll in your smoked salmon, cream cheese, arugula leaves and a handful of other ingredients. 26. Strawberry Shortcake Delectable doesn’t even begin to describe these sweet buttermilk biscuits. You can bake these in just 35 minutes, and with eight servings, there’s more than enough for everyone to enjoy. All you need are a few basic ingredients, such as strawberries, sugar, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, heavy whipping cream, butter and eggs.
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How to Plan a Beach Picnic: Food, Games & Epic Setup Ideas
What better way to celebrate summer than with a beach picnic? Whether you’re spending time with friends or family, these beach picnic ideas will help you plan the most epic day. I’ll give you ideas for food, games and your picnic setup to help inspire your plans. What to Eat First on your agenda should be the food. Grab your beach cooler and load it up with these tasty treats. The Best Beach Sandwiches Simple yet satisfying, these beach sandwiches are the perfect lunch to pack for your picnic. The recipe calls for ciabatta bread, turkey, cheddar cheese, pickles, arugula, fresh basil, sundried tomato butter, avocado and spices Feel free to use any other type of deli meat you want. Salami, pepperoni or ham would be just as tasty. Want to make it vegetarian? Add thin slices of veggies instead of meat. Wrap your sandwiches in deli paper and pack them up. Watermelon When it comes to food, one of the best beach picnic ideas is watermelon. It’s the ultimate summer snack because it’s cool, refreshing and hydrating. You can buy a whole watermelon and slice it yourself, or you can buy pre-cubed watermelon. I recommend going the DIY route. Get the freshest watermelon you can find – it will be worth it. Moscato Strawberries For the adults, these moscato strawberries are perfect. Just pour some moscato over whole strawberries and let them soak for at least an hour. Drain and roll your berries in pink sanding sugar. If you want to skip the alcohol, you could just pack some fresh berries or dip them in chocolate. Related: 26 Delicious Picnic Finger Food Ideas That Look Fancy Snackle Box A snackle box is a tackle box filled with all your fave charcuterie snacks: deli meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, fruit, sweets, veggies – you name it. Grab a new tackle box (here’s a great one) and load it up with whatever ingredients you want. The compartments will make it easy to keep things separate. Load the box in your cooler, and you’re ready to go. Roasted Veggie Wraps These wraps are light and delicious, making them a great choice for a post-lunch snack. Stack roasted bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant and onions on a tortilla topped with hummus. It’s as easy as that! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you like for this. Peppers and squash are ideal because they can easily be sliced and rolled up. I also recommend packing drinks and some snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated, like crackers, nuts or chips. These are also great sides to eat with your sandwiches and charcuterie. What to Play You’ve got the food covered. But how will you stay entertained? I have some awesome beach picnic ideas for games that everyone will love. Paddleball Challenge each other to a fun game of paddleball. The goal is to volley the ball back and forth until someone misses and the ball hits the ground (a.k.a. beach tennis). You can find paddleball sets for two or more players on Amazon. Take turns challenging each other, or have a tournament to see which player can beat everyone else. If you have extra paddles on hand, ask other beach-goers to play along. You may even make some new friends. Scavenger Hunt One of our favorite beach picnic ideas is to have a scavenger hunt. If you have kids, they will love this idea. And you can even offer a little prize (or snack) to whoever can find everything on the list. You can make up your own hunt, or you can use a pre-made checklist like the one in this Pin. Be sure that your list contains items that everyone can find pretty easily. Otherwise, you’ll have some frustrated players on your hands. Charades Charades can be a fun game to play together, especially on the beach. There are a few ways to play. Buy a charades game, like this one or this one. These games often have 100+ cards with prompts, so you’ll never run out of ideas. Make up your own prompts. Write them on pieces of paper, toss them into a hat and have everyone pick one. Buy printable prompts, like the one in this Pin. The great thing about charades is that it forces everyone to relax and have a good time without worries or cares. DIY Classic Board Game If you love a good DIY project, this classic board game is perfect for your beach picnic. You only need a few supplies to get started: An old table runner Some fabric paint Sponge brush Duct tape A few boxes to hold your game pieces When you’re done, you’ll have three different games to play: tic-tac-toe, checkers and mancala. Of course, you can also customize this to create any board game you want. Kojo Designs walks you through the steps of making this fun project, which you can easily roll up and take to the beach. These are games that will keep the older kids (or even the adults) occupied for hours. Plus, I love the idea of using seashells for game pieces. You can collect new pieces to play with, and there are no worries if a few pieces get lost. Related: 10+ Picnic Date Ideas That Are Cheap, Fun & Totally Romantic Cards Card games are a classic choice for picnic games, and there are unlimited options out there: Skip-Bo Uno Phase 10 Traditional card games Card games are more fitting for smaller groups or if you need to keep older kids entertained. But they’re a great way to have some laughs and friendly competition while soaking up the sun. Beach Volleyball A classic beach game that you can play with groups of all sizes. If your local beach doesn’t have volleyball nets set up, you could bring your own. Split into teams and compete to see who wins. Try getting other beach-goers in on the game. Aesthetics & Setup You have so many great beach picnic ideas that we’ve walked through so far. But, you need to also think about the setup and aesthetics, too. You’re on the beach, the sun is beating down on you and whoever goes on the picnic with you. A little prep time can make it more comfortable. Small changes, such as adding shade, are almost a must-have during mid-summer and add so much comfort to your outing. I’ll share some of my aesthetic and setup ideas below. Shade A boho beach shade is always a good idea. You can still work on your tan by moving out of the shade, but the space will make it far more comfortable for you. Plus, you can keep your drinks and food cool, which is a bonus. You can use a beach canopy, like this one, for the boho vibes and shade. While your shade may be the focal point of the setup, you should add in cute totes and blankets to complete the look. The Ultimate Comfort Setup Comfort is important on the beach, especially with the way sand seems to get everywhere. A small gust of wind is enough to blow sand right on your sandwich, which is a fast way to ruin a picnic. But with this comfortable setup on the beach, it’s almost like you’re glamping on the beach with: Portable beach tent Inflatable foot bath Portable beach tent fan Cooler You can bring any beach chairs you like, or you can also sit on the floor of the tent. If you like, the Pin setup also has a wireless speaker for you to listen to your favorite music while relaxing on the beach. I have to say that the portable foot bath is a complete game-changer and will help you keep the inside of your tent much cleaner. Luxury Boho Setup Luxury is in style at this year’s beach picnics, and this certainly checks all of the boxes. You’ll start with a boho beach umbrella, which will protect you from UV rays and offer some much-needed shade on a hot summer’s day. Bamboo beach mats (who even knew these existed?) are perfect for your trays or to sit on. You’ll put all of your picnic food on tiered trays. And you’ll even notice that this Pin has candles. Any beach that I’ve ever been to, and it’s been a lot, is too windy for me to trust candles. I am just envisioning the candles falling on the wooden mat or my towel and catching fire. A nice compromise is these LED candles that offer the same ambiance without real flames. Related: 25+ Picnic Food Ideas That’ll Make You The MVP of Any Picnic Simple and Romantic All of these setups have been rather complex, and even over the top, for many people. For me, this idea is the most realistic because I just know that I’m not going to want to lug a huge umbrella, mats, tents or portable fans around if it’s a hot, muggy day. But this idea is the classic “movie-inspired” picnic with a: Beach towel Woven picnic basket on top Small flower vase Of course, the Pin also has a super cute heart drawn into the sand with flowers in the middle, but this is something that everyone can do. Plan for the perfect picnic, but don’t stress too much. Enjoy the waves crashing on the beach and the beautiful sunsets (if you’re staying for one).
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10+ Picnic Date Ideas That Are Cheap, Fun & Totally Romantic
Need picnic date ideas that are fun, romantic and budget-friendly? I have 10+ picnics you can plan that your partner will love. There’s something for every couple on this list, whether you enjoy hiking, sitting by the lake or gazing at the stars. 10+ Picnic Date Ideas That Are Cheap, Fun & Totally Romantic 1. Moon Picnic When is the next full moon? Every full moon is magical, so plan a picnic to celebrate. You can find full moon calculators online to plan properly. Remember to pack your: Outdoor blanket LED candles You can make this even more romantic if you choose a spot near any body of water, even a pond will work. The reflection of the moon on the water is nothing short of magical. 2. Switzerland Picnic I understand that it’s not possible to walk outside and be in Switzerland for 99% of you reading this (me included). But what you can do is search for magical spots near you to recreate this idea, such as: Mountain top views (my fave) Lake views City views You need to find the idyllic spot for this idea. If you have a waterfall, lake or mountain near you, these are the spots to choose. As for the food, bring some watermelon, grapes, apple slices, pears and any other fruits that you like. And many of these locations have walking trails that you can enjoy. Related: 25+ Picnic Food Ideas That’ll Make You The MVP of Any Picnic 3. Beach Picnic Beach picnics are always romantic. You can opt for a morning picnic when it’s cooler or a sunset picnic with spectacular colors filling the sky. If you have a beach near you with a sunrise, a good option is some coffee, bagels or pastries. Just set yourself up on a beach blanket with: Cute picnic basket Outdoor pillows Food trays If it’s a midday picnic on the beach, opt for fruit salad or potato salad. A nice cold lunch will help you keep cool if it’s hot outside. For dinner, sandwiches or even picking up a to-go order from your favorite restaurant and bringing it is a good option. For anyone who is lucky enough to live near the boardwalk, you can always grab food and walk it to the beach for your picnic. 4. Peaceful Lake Picnic Picnic date ideas that include a lake? Count me in. I try to choose a location that isn’t overrun by tourists or other people. It’s nice to have a secluded location for your outing, but this is 100% based on my own preferences. Find a nice park or lake near you and set yourself up with a picnic basket filled with water, tea, sandwiches, and an unforgettable view. I really like how this Pin makes the lake and tree the focal point. If it’s a warm summer’s day, the trees around you will provide the perfect amount of shade to keep you cool. 5. Picnic Date Catering I almost feel like this is “cheating,” but it’s still a good idea for anyone who is in a rush and wants to have a picnic. You can pick up your food from a restaurant before heading out to your picnic. If you don’t want to have catering, you can still pull this off with: Blackberries and blueberries Mozzarella cheese slices Bread Grapes and apple slices And for the drinks, bring anything you wish, from soda to alcoholic beverages. For this Pin, you’ll notice that they chose a spectacular waterfall as their location. You can find nearby waterfalls by searching Google. I tried Worldwaterfalldatabase.com, but it missed so many great options outside of the US. Related: 25 Easy Party Appetizers You Can Whip Up in No Time 6. Dinner on the Docks If you’re lucky enough to live on or near the water, a picnic on the docks is perfect. You can let your feet hang off of the deck in the water and then bring: Wine Olives and cheese Soup (keep it hot in a thermos) Bread to dip in the soup You can bring any food you like if you have a portable food warmer. 7. Fall Picnic Outing Fall is the perfect time to look for picnic date ideas because you can go to apple farms midday and it will still be cool enough for a picnic. During summer, it’s always a hit or miss when eating outside because it can quickly get uncomfortable. Bring your bottle of wine with you and a few foods: Sandwiches of your choice Apples or anything you can purchase at a local farm Chips or snacks that you prefer Brownies or cookies for dessert You can have a picnic near a waterfall or at your local farm if you have one. I remember going on picnics in the apple farms after going on an apple-picking date, and it was always so romantic and memorable. 8. Truck Bed Picnic Truck bed picnics will require you or your partner to have a pickup truck. And if you do, it is such a romantic idea with pillows propped up close to the truck windows and a soft, comfy blanket lining the bed of the truck. You’ll need a food tray, outdoor lights and then food. A few goodies that are perfect for a truck bed picnic are: Sandwich sliders Meats and cheeses Snacks (chips, cookies, etc.) You can bring wine or beer, and if you would rather have desserts, you can bring brownies, cakes or anything you like. 9. Enhanced Movie Night in the Garden You’ll obviously need the right space for this picnic, but it almost looks like something out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. It’s a romantic night with a lot going on that I’ll try breaking down for you below: Fairylights across the trees Projector screen and projector Outdoor lanterns Bean bags Outdoor rug And the food comes second to the ambiance and decor of this idea. Since you’ll be close to home, you can have a traditional picnic or even bring out something hot to eat. 10. Stargazing Picnic Can I just say that I adore this picnic idea? You’ll enjoy a night with some food and company while staring up at the stars. Of course, you need a telescope, but there are plenty of affordable ones to choose: Gskyer Telescope ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids Of course, you can choose any telescope you like. This nighttime picnic will also include good snacks, such as pretzels, chips, popcorn, cookies – any goodies you like. A few “accessories” that will help include an outdoor blanket, hurricane lantern and a sheet to sit on while having your picnic. 11. Wine Tasting Picnic Wine and picnic date ideas go together naturally. You’ll need the wine(s) of your choice, along with the sides that you prefer. I recommend that you bring: Cheeses Grapes Bread If you don’t know much about wine and cheese pairing, don’t worry because most people don’t. You can pair Pinot Noir with Gruyete cheese or Moscato with Gorgonzola cheese. For anyone who likes Sauvignon Blanc, a good goat cheese will work. But I will say that you have to be cautious of where you bring your wine because of local laws. Otherwise, you can enjoy a relaxing weekend with a few bottles of wine and cheese. Anyone with a gazebo outside finally has a reason to break free from the daily motions and enjoy some time outside having a picnic. 12. Sunset Beach Picnic Sunsets. Picnics. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that, right? You can bring anything to this outing: wine (if you can drink on the beach), sodas, desserts, sandwiches, meats and cheeses. But the food comes second to the views with this idea. You’ll want the setup to be perfect: Large, comfy beach blankets Candles (if it’s not windy you can opt for real ones) Trays If this is your first date together or your 100th, sunset picnics are always unforgettable. 13. Breakfast Picnics For breakfast, you have a lot of options. Do you have a nice piece of land? You can bake a quiche, put it on a plate and then bring it out to your picnic location. It’s a fun idea for a hot meal. Of course, you can also bring out: Waffles Pancakes Breakfast picnics away from home can include fruit, berries, granola bars, croissants or bread with spreads. You can bring a cooler along with you if you want to have bagels or bread with cream cheese and jam, or any cold items. Related: 26 Delicious Picnic Finger Food Ideas That Look Fancy 14. Apple Orchard Picnic Apple orchards are so romantic, and if you’ve never lived near one, you’re missing out on one of the most idyllic picnic date ideas. Why? Every orchard is different, but the ones near me offer: Outdoor seating Picnic benches Some even let you relax on their land and have a picnic. But aside from picnicking, something that has always been very romantic, especially to younger couples, is to go apple picking. You can pick apples or sometimes seasonal fruits (strawberries, raspberries) and then have your own picnic with the items you hand-picked. It’s a fun little outing that shouldn’t break the bank. 15. Picnic in a Car I know – this sounds cramped and uncomfortable, but with the right car, it’s actually really comfortable and romantic. You can pull this off with an SUV, truck or if you have a car where the back seats fold down for extra space. Lay your comfy blanket down, set up your food tray and enjoy the scenery. If you can back up to a lakeside view or something similar, this idea works even better. You can bring along anything you like, such as drinks, small snacks, or sandwiches – the sky is the limit.
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25+ Picnic Food Ideas That’ll Make You The MVP of Any Picnic
Planning a picnic with friends or family and don’t know what to bring? I have 25+ amazing picnic food ideas that will make you the MVP of the party. From creative sandwiches to grazing boxes and desserts, there’s something for every taste on this list. 25+ Picnic Food Ideas That’ll Make You the MVP of Any Picnic 1. Cheese and Tomato Tarts Shortcrust pastry tarts filled with a rich tomato ragu and béchamel sauce – who could ask for anything more? These are not quiche, so they are picnic-friendly. The filling is a mix of tomato, garlic, onion and a creamy, cheesy sauce. I recommend using ready-rolled shortcrust pastry to save time, but feel free to make your own if you’re not in a rush. 2. Italian Turkey Club Sandwiches Sandwiches are the quintessential picnic food, and these turkey clubs are delicious. They’re so simple to make, too. Each tasty sandwich is filled with slices of fresh turkey, prosciutto and provolone cheese. Top with pesto, a homemade vinaigrette, sundried tomatoes and arugula. This recipe calls for ciabatta bread, but you can use whatever type of bread you want. 3. Corn Pasta Salad Salads are always a great choice for a picnic, and this tasty pasta salad has all the flavors of summer: corn, red bell peppers and fresh cilantro. The dressing is a mix of pesto, Greek yogurt, mayo and lime juice, but I recommend just using a simple vinaigrette instead. Orecchiette pasta is perfect for this dish, and you can opt not to add bacon if you’re worried about it spoiling. Related: 20 Delicious Finger Food Appetizers for Your Next Party 4. Chickpea Salad Sandwich Need vegetarian picnic food ideas? This chickpea salad sandwich will impress everyone. Mashed chickpeas have a similar taste and texture to chicken, making them perfect for this type of sandwich. This recipe adds green onion, celery, shredded carrots, bell pepper, dill pickles, mustard, mayo and fresh herbs for a garden flavor everyone will love. We like to serve this on wholegrain bread, but feel free to use whatever you like. Be sure to add some extra basil and tomatoes on top. Facebook Pinterest Get our free printable meal planner delivered to your inbox! Grab your copy of our 42-page meal planner to track your meals and sign up for our newsletter for more updates! 5. A Full-Course Picnic How gorgeous is this picnic? If you’re in charge of hosting and bringing all the food, this spread will impress everyone. Start by preparing croissant sandwiches. Add whatever deli meats and cheeses you want to them. I recommend using a mix of different flavors and maybe even a vegetarian option. Then prepare a tray of fresh fruit: melons, raspberries and strawberries are perfect. And don’t forget the charcuterie board. This board has fresh cheese wedges, crackers, chocolate-covered pretzels, more fresh berries, macarons, deli meats and grapes. Finish off with a basket of breadsticks. 6. Dill Pickle Tortilla Roll-Ups Simple yet delicious! These roll-ups will be the talk of your picnic, and they take just a few minutes to make. Spread cream cheese onto a tortilla and top with chopped ham and pickles. Roll up and slice your tortilla. If you’re not a fan of ham, you can use turkey or even pepperoni. Sliced veggies would work well for a vegetarian option. 7. Antipasto Skewers Simple and easy to enjoy on a picnic! These antipasto skewers are so flavorful, and you can customize them however you want. The recipe calls for salami, basil, grape tomatoes, black olives, pepperoncini and mozzarella pearls. You can marinate these ingredients in a vinaigrette or leave them plain. They’ll be less messy plain but not quite as flavorful. 8. Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry Flaky pastry dough baked with fresh tomatoes, herbs and cheese. It’s the perfect picnic food, especially paired with fresh fruit and sparkling wine or juice. You can easily bake these ahead of time and pack them in deli paper sheets. Don’t forget to top each tartlet with fresh basil before packing them up. 9. Summer Dessert Board I love the idea of packing trays of food for a picnic, and this summer board is ideal. You can never go wrong with sweet treats, and this dessert board has something for every taste. Fill a wooden tray with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, lemon cake, pound cake, yogurt-covered pretzels and cranberries, powdered donut holes and pastries. Add creme fraiche and berry cream cheese for the cake slices and to dip the berries. I love the idea of adding fresh chamomile flowers as a garnish, but you can skip this step if you can’t find any. 10. Individual Charcuterie Boxes Here’s a fun idea that everyone at the picnic will love – individual charcuterie boxes. Fill small charcuterie boxes with sliced cheese, crackers, nuts, olives, fresh veggies and fruit, and a dipping sauce (hummus is a great choice). You could also add fresh deli meats if you want. The beauty of this idea is that there’s so much room for creativity. Use fresh herbs to create a pretty presentation, or remove or add ingredients as you see fit. 11. Summer Watermelon Goat Cheese Appetizer These watermelon cups are adorable and the perfect addition to any picnic. You’ll need to slice the watermelon and hollow out each cup, which may be a little tricky. But from here, it’s easy: use a piping bag to fill each cup with goat cheese, garnish with a cucumber slice and add a squeeze of lime juice over the top. 12. Prosciutto Cups with Pear and Goat Cheese Crispy prosciutto cups filled with fresh pear, savory goat cheese and thyme. Your guests will love the flavors of this appetizer, and you can even make them up to a day in advance. 13. Individual No-Bake Berry Cheesecakes I love dessert picnic food ideas, and these berry cheesecakes are perfect. Fill mini mason jars with a biscuit base and then layer with cheesecake filling and top with a homemade berry compote. Pack some spoons and be sure to add the lids to make these transport-friendly. 14. Vegan Pesto Cheese Twists A tasty vegan addition to your picnic that takes less than 40 minutes to make. Top half of a rolled-out puff pastry dough with vegan pesto. Add pine nuts and vegan mozzarella, and fold over. Slice, twist, bake and enjoy. 15. Easy Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs Kabobs make the list a lot, but this recipe is one of the most unforgettable. You’ll use cubes of shortcake, strawberries and whipped cream to make your kabobs. If you like, you can even melt some white chocolate chips and pour them on top before cooling the refrigerator. 16. Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Sandwiches Goat cheese and fig jam are so tasty. Add them to a sandwich, and you have the perfect picnic food. You’ll need cream cheese, parsley, pecans and multi-grain bread for this recipe. Toast the pecans for added flavor. 17. Dessert Kabobs Kabob desserts are always a good choice for a sweet treat during a picnic. Start by adding strawberries to a kabob stick, followed by a marshmallow, rice Krispies, brownie and another strawberry. You can also add in little cake bites if you like and drizzle with chocolate. Related: 23 Mouthwatering Finger Food Desserts We Love the Most 18. Carrot Cheddar Curry Tea Sandwiches I bet you didn’t think a curry tea sandwich would be on this list of picnic food ideas. But this recipe is delish and has sharp cheddar cheese, grated carrots, mincemeat pie filling, mayo, curry powder and ground black pepper. You’ll combine all of the ingredients together before making them into mini finger sandwiches by spreading the mixture on your bread. 19. Raspberry Hand Pies Six ingredients are all you need for these adorable hand pies. You’ll use a premade pie crust to save time, but you’ll also need fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch and lemon zest. Creating the raspberry filling is the most time-consuming part, but even then, this recipe is so easy to follow. You will need a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make your pies, but you can also make them into little pockets if you don’t have one. 20. Lavender Lemon Bars If you don’t mind a recipe that is just a little bit more complex, you’ll love these lavender lemon bars. You’ll need about 20 minutes of prep time for these. Start by mixing cream butter and confectioner’s sugar together in a small bowl. Add in your lemon zest, lavender, flour and almonds. Continue beating the mixture together until it’s crumbly, and then put it in a 13×9-inch baking dish. While baking, you’ll make a pour-over that you’ll add on top. 21. Salad Sticks You’ll need long kabobs for this one, but it’s very simple to put together. Start with a slice of carrot, followed by cucumber, lettuce and a cherry tomato. Repeat until you fill up the entire kabob. Drizzle with ranch dressing, or any dressing you like, and enjoy. 22. Graze Boxes Graze boxes are always a favorite of mine because you randomly add food and snacks people will love, such as crackers, dried fruit, grapes, hard cheeses, olives, pickles and cured meats. The best part? You can just do your own thing and add any items you like to your box – there’s no right or wrong way to assemble them. 23. Haloumi and Corn Fritter Bites Mini cheese and corn fritters like these are simple to make and delish. You’ll spend about 30 minutes making these (with prep) and it’s as simple as combining your corn, egg, flour, lemon rind, chives and halloumi together, and then placing it in mini muffin pan cups. You’ll then bake it until it is golden brown while making a dip from avocado, coriander, garlic powder, lemon juice and yogurt. 24. Watermelon Canapés Picnic food ideas for the hot summer months can be simple and refreshing, just like these watermelon canapes. You’ll need some fresh mint, blueberries, cucumbers and watermelon. Start by cutting your watermelon into cubes. Using a vegetable peeler, slice the cucumber into thin slices that you can wrap around the watermelon. Place the two on a toothpick, place down your mint, cucumber and then put your blueberry on top. Related: 26 Delicious Picnic Finger Food Ideas That Look Fancy 25. Easy Strawberry Tea Sandwiches Strawberries. Tea sandwiches. What’s not to love? And all you need are the simple ingredients to make these: 8 fresh strawberries, or any number you like 12-ounce strawberry cream cheese spread 6 slices of fresh white bread Spread the cream cheese on your bread, use a cookie cutter to make the heart shapes (I like this one) and arrange your strawberry slices on top. You can serve as an open-faced sandwich, or if you like, a closed-face sandwich. 26. Easy Modern Relish Tray Grab your favorite tray and dive in with this super simple, modern relish tray. Perfect for any party, all you need to do is add your favorite ingredients. The author recommends black olives, picked corn and okra, pepperoncini, giardiniera, pickles, stuffed olives, brussel sprouts and asparagus.
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21+ Best Camping Finger Food Ideas That Are Way Better Than S’mores!
If you’ve ever tried cooking at a campsite with hungry kids, zero counter space, and a pile of tangled skewers—you know finger foods are the real MVP. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and don’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. From walking tacos to foil-wrapped campfire nachos, to bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks and campfire pizza pie iron, this list has got something for everyone. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want snacks that hit the spot after a long hike, these camping finger food ideas totally deliver. 21+ Best Camping Finger Food Ideas 1. Walking Tacos If you want something delicious without dealing with plates or cleanup, walking tacos are a no-brainer. Just prep your taco meat, cheese, and toppings at home, then when you get to camp, hand everyone a single-serve chip bag (Fritos or Doritos work great), load it up, and you’re done. No dishes, no mess, just grab a fork and eat. You can swap out the meat for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or whatever you like, and toppings are totally customizable. It’s an easy, fun twist on taco night that always hits around the campfire. 2. Foil-Wrapped Campfire Nachos Who doesn’t love a good plate of warm, gooey nachos to snack on by the campfire? These foil-wrapped campfire nachos are a lifesaver when you’re out in the wilderness and craving something savory and satisfying. All you need are some tortilla chips, cheese, and your favorite toppings layered in foil, then heated over the fire for a delicious treat that’s ready in about 30 minutes! You can get creative with toppings like black beans, tomatoes, olives, and more to suit everyone’s tastes. Plus, pre-cooking the taco meat at home and using a disposable foil pan makes cooking and clean-up a breeze. 3. Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets If you’re in need of a salty, crunchy, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for camping, then try these peanut butter pretzel nuggets. These delicious bites are easy to make and travel well without melting in the heat. The main ingredients you’ll need include yeast, brown sugar, milk, flour, Wild Friends Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter, butter, sea salt, and sugar crystals. To make these tasty treats, simply mix together the yeast, brown sugar, and warm water, then add the flour, milk, and additional ingredients to form a dough. Roll out the dough, add dollops of peanut butter, and roll it up into ropes before cutting into individual pieces. Boil the pretzel bites in water and baking soda, transfer to a sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Then brush with butter and they are done! Related: 17+ Best Camping Meal Prep Ideas 4. Dehydrated Strawberries Dehydrated strawberries are the bomb, let me tell you! Just slice them up, pop them in the dehydrator (like this one from Amazon), and hours later you’ve got yourself a shelf-stable, sweet-as-candy snack. Perfect for munching on during a camping trip or throwing into your trail mix for an extra burst of flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home. Just prep the strawberries by cutting off the tops, giving them a good rinse, and slicing them up. Then, toss them in the dehydrator at 130 degrees F for about 10 hours. Once they’re crisp and dry, store them in an airtight container. 5. Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are so amazing! All you need is some frozen mozzarella cheese sticks, bacon, and toothpicks. Soak those toothpicks in water before you get started to prevent any bacon-induced fires on the grill. Wrap that bacon around the cheese stick, secure it in place with the toothpicks, and throw them on the grill over the campfire. Sizzle them up, turning occasionally, until that bacon is nice and crispy. Trust me, these savory bites will be a hit at your next camping trip. 6. S’mores Walking Dessert This one takes the classic s’mores vibe and flips it into a fun, no-mess dessert. All you need are honey Teddy Grahams, chocolate pudding cups, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Just tear open the Teddy Grahams bag, spoon in some pudding, sprinkle on the toppings, and boom—campfire dessert without the sticky fingers. Want to switch it up? Add peanut butter chips or crushed cookies. It’s the sweet, shareable treat that totally upgrades traditional s’mores. 7. Air Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Roll Ups This is your go-to if you want something sweet, crispy, and way more satisfying than a sticky marshmallow. Grab a whole wheat tortilla, spread on peanut butter, honey, and hemp seeds, then roll it up with a banana inside. Slice, sprinkle with cinnamon, and toss in the air fryer for that golden, toasty finish. Want to go extra? Drizzle with melted chocolate and a pinch of sea salt. And don’t skip the dip – Greek yogurt mixed with maple syrup and cinnamon takes it to the next level. Bonus: you can prep these ahead, wrap in foil, and crisp them up at camp. 8. Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches Forget soggy sandwiches – these Italian pinwheels are bold, fresh, and built for easy eating outdoors. Start with a zesty cream cheese spread (just mix cream cheese, mayo, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and basil), then layer it on flour tortillas. Pile on shredded lettuce, sweet onion, roma tomatoes, salami, capocollo, and ham. Roll them up tight, slice into bite-sized pieces, and secure with toothpicks. They’re flavorful, portable, and perfect for picnics, hikes, or chill campsite lunches. 9. Amazing Crunchy Chickpeas These crispy little bites are everything: salty, crunchy, protein-packed, and way too easy to snack on. Just toss canned chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite spices, roast until golden, and boom—campfire snacking leveled up. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and ridiculously addictive. Snack on them straight from the bag or sprinkle them over salads if you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, once you make a batch, you’ll wish you doubled it. 10. Homemade Uncrustables Skip the overpriced store-bought stuff, these DIY uncrustables are just as good (if not better) and way cheaper. Just flatten soft bread, spread on peanut butter and jam, stack, seal, and freeze. That’s it. They’re the ultimate grab-and-go snack for camping, road trips, or anytime you need something fast and filling. Want to mix it up? Try different jams, nut butters, or add a little crunch with chopped nuts. Kids love them, adults secretly do too. Related: The 21+ Best Camping Food Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Outdoors 11. Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Yes, you can totally make Pop Tarts from scratch, and yes, they’re so worth it. Flaky pastry, warm cinnamon brown sugar filling, and that classic frosting on top? It’s like the grown-up, way-more-delicious version of the ones you used to beg for. Make the dough ahead, cut into rectangles, fill with the cinnamon-sugar mix, bake until golden, then top with a quick icing. These are next-level campfire breakfast vibes or a sweet snack anytime during the day. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast. 12. Easy Pull Apart Ham and Cheese Bread Sandwiches This one’s a total crowd-pleaser. Grab a loaf of Italian bread, slice it up (but not all the way through), and stuff each section with deli ham, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère. Mix up some Dijon mustard and melted butter, brush it all over, then top with more cheese and bake until melty and golden. The result? A gooey, pull-apart sandwich that’s perfect for passing around the campfire. No plates, no fuss, just cheesy, toasty perfection in every bite. 13. Waffle fruit skewers I love making these waffle fruit skewers when I’m out camping with my friends! They’re so easy to put together and absolutely delicious. All you need to do is make some mini waffles and slide them onto skewers with sliced bananas, strawberries, and any other fruits you fancy. Then, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a sweet finishing touch. These skewers are a hit, plus, they’re easy to transport and make for a fun and interactive snack. 14. Breakfast Trail Mix This mix is the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast for camping. Toss together dried cranberries, pistachios, banana chips, Honey Nut Cheerios, yogurt-covered pretzels, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. No cooking, no cleanup, and it won’t melt in the sun. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and super easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or a pinch of cinnamon. Make a big batch before your trip and snack on it all week long. Breakfast just got way more fun. 15. Granola Bars These bars are everything you want in a camping snack: easy, satisfying, and super customizable. Start with a base of oats, Rice Krispies, nut butter, honey, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. From there, go wild with add-ins like chocolate chips, coconut, dried fruit, or nuts. Try mango and coconut for a tropical twist or keep it classic with peanut butter and chocolate. They’re no-bake, loaded with fiber and protein, and give you that perfect energy boost when you’re out exploring. 16. Beef Jerky This one’s a total classic for a reason. Slice up some beef, toss it in a quick marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, and your favorite spices, then let it do its thing in the oven, smoker, or dehydrator. A few hours later, you’ve got savory, chewy perfection that’s packed with protein and made for snacking by the fire or on the go. Way better than store-bought, and way more satisfying. Related: 17+ Genius Camping Snacks You’ll Regret Not Bringing 17. Seeds & Cheese Crackers These crunchy little bites are seriously next-level. Just sprinkle shredded fontina and asiago with a mix of pepitas, sunflower, poppy, flax, and sesame seeds on a baking sheet, bake until golden, and snap into pieces once cooled. That’s it. They’re cheesy, nutty, naturally gluten free, and perfect for snacking straight from the container or adding to a campfire cheese board. So simple, but so addictive. 18. Campfire Charcuterie No need to go gourmet. This board keeps it simple and tasty. Slice up your favorite cheeses, sausages, and crackers ahead of time, then throw it all together on a rustic board when it’s snack o’clock. It’s low effort, high reward, and totally campfire-approved. Perfect for grazing under the stars with zero cooking required. 19. Campfire Cinnamon Roll-Ups These are sweet, gooey, and ridiculously easy. Just wrap crescent roll dough around a stick, roll it in cinnamon sugar, and roast it over the fire until golden and melty. Rotate as you go, about 5 minutes. Want to level it up? Drizzle a quick glaze of powdered sugar and water on top. Perfect for breakfast or dessert by the flames. 20. Campfire Pizza Pie Iron I have a killer recipe for Pie Iron pizzas that is guaranteed to be a hit on your next camping trip! All you need is some Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and refrigerated pizza crust. Cook up the sausage, then assemble your pizzas in the pie iron with the dough, sauce, toppings, and cheese. Close it up and cook over the campfire, camp stove, or grill until the crust is toasted and the cheese is melted. Slice it up and watch your family go crazy for these ooey gooey, handheld pizzas. Perfect for a fun and easy camping dinner that everyone will love! 21. Campfire Banana Boats This sweet camping classic is always a hit. Slice a banana lengthwise (leave the peel on), then stuff it with your favorite mix of melty, sweet, and crunchy. Try mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers—or go fancy with Nutella, strawberries, and hazelnuts. Wrap it in foil, heat it over the fire, and dig in with a spoon. It’s messy, gooey, and totally worth it. 22. Mason Jar Eggs I recently discovered this genius Mason jar eggs recipe that is perfect for camping trips. Just crack and season the eggs at home, store them in a Mason jar, and then scramble them in a pan at camp. All you need is nonstick cooking spray, eggs, Cheddar cheese, onion, ham, red bell pepper, salt, pepper, and chives. Simply grease the Mason jars, crack in the eggs, add in the cheese, onion, ham, and bell pepper, and give it a good shake. Pop off the lids, microwave for a few minutes, garnish with chives, and it’s ready! The perfect camping finger food. Easy, delicious, and minimal cleanup required. Final Thoughts No matter what kind of trip you’ve got planned, lazy weekend at the lake or full-on wilderness adventure – having a few go-to finger foods makes everything easier (and way more fun). These recipes are low-stress, big on flavor, and guaranteed to keep the crew happy. Bookmark this list so you’re not scrambling before your next trip, and if you try any of them, let me know which ones were a hit!
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The 21+ Best Camping Food Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Outdoors
Finally! Summer is here and we can start planning BBQs and camping trips. What’s the hardest part about planning a camping trip? Figuring out what to eat. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. I have 21+ delicious camping food ideas for every meal that the whole family will love. The 21+ Best Camping Food Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Outdoors 1. Pie Iron Sausage & Egg Hobo Pies Pie irons are perfect for camping. They create the most amazing sandwiches, and this recipe creates the ultimate camp breakfast. Add breakfast sausage, egg and cheese on your favorite bread. Place your sandwich in the pie iron and cook it over the fire for a tasty way to start your day. Feel free to use whatever ingredients you want in your sandwich, like bacon or veggie sausage. 2. Caprese Gnocchi Foil Packs Gnocchi for camp dinner? Sign me up! I love this recipe because it’s super easy and you can cook it right over the fire. Just load the ingredients up into an aluminum foil packet, and you’re ready to go. Pair your gnocchi with tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. Add a little balsamic vinegar for a kick of flavor. Make sure you use shelf-stable gnocchi that doesn’t require refrigeration. Related: 17+ Genius Camping Snacks You’ll Regret Not Bringing 3. Campfire Frittata A delicious campfire frittata is the perfect way to start your day, and you can feed the whole family from just a single skillet. You’ll need to wait until the fire dies down so that you can cook over the leftover charcoal. This frittata is loaded with flavor – broccoli, onion, garlic, cheese and about a dozen eggs. It takes just 10-15 minutes to cook, so you’re ready to get going in no time. Don’t forget to pack your cast iron skillet for this recipe! 4. Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packets Who knew camping food could be so tasty? Tender sirloin steak cooked over the fire with potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, onion and aromatic herbs. Be sure to chop all of your ingredients into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Create a foil packet for each family member, and you can easily feed a crowd. 5. Campfire Pizza What’s the best way to celebrate a camping trip? Pizza! Pizza cooked over the fire is hard to beat. Use store bought dough (or make your own) and pack all of the toppings everyone will want. I recommend using shredded cheese (fresh mozzarella is too moist for campfire pizza). For toppings, you can use pepperoni, peppers, olives, tomatoes — whatever you want. Keep it light, as heavy ingredients like sausage may make it harder to cook your pizzas evenly. 6. Campfire Spaghetti Bake Spaghetti bake is perfect for camping trips with the family. This is easily our kids’ favorite dinner when we plan weekend getaways. And it couldn’t be easier to make. You just need to do a little prep work first by cooking your meatballs and spaghetti noodles first. Pre-made freezer meatballs will work well if you don’t have time to cook them yourself. Just layer your ingredients in a 9×13 foil tray, cover with foil and bake over the campfire for 30 minutes. We like to top our bake with mozzarella cheese, but you can skip this if you want. 7. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls Looking for something easy for breakfast? These campfire cinnamon rolls are cooked inside of an orange peel. You need just two ingredients for this – cinnamon roll dough and oranges. Easy! Just wrap in foil and cook over the fire. Kids will love eating these, and you can even take them on the go if you have a busy day ahead. 8. French Dip Sandwiches Slice a large baguette and make a mixture of butter, gravy mix, minced garlic, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Between your slices of bread, add your cheese and roast beef in each alternating slice. Brush the top with the butter mixture, grill until toasted and eat. 9. Sweet Potatoes and Chili Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite camping food ideas because they stay good for so long. Hearty and filling, you’ll cook the potato, slice it lengthwise and fill the middle with olive oil, onion, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt and kidney beans. You’ll need a can of beer for the tomato paste and beans that you’ll simmer before adding all of the ingredients to the potato. 10. Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla Three ingredients are all you need for these breakfast quesadillas. You’ll need large tortillas, cream cheese spread (ideally, with cinnamon) and frozen blueberries. Spray a nonstick cooking spray on the skillet, spread your cream cheese on the tortilla and place blueberries inside. Fold the tortilla, place it on the skillet and cook until your blueberries are warm and soft. 11. Cast Iron Brats with Peppers and Onions You’ll put your cast-iron skillet to work with this recipe. Preheat your skillet and add in a tablespoon of olive oil, onions, peppers and spices. Once your peppers soften, you’ll put in your bratwurst so that all of the ingredients meld together. Stir occasionally and cook for about fifteen minutes until the bratwurst is cooked thoroughly. Remove from the skillet and add to your toasted bun. Add any condiments that you wish to the top before serving. 12. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs Delicious kebabs like these are always a fan favorite on camping trips. “Satisfying” is an understatement, and you’ll make 9 to 10 kebabs at once. You’ll need quite a few ingredients for the marinade, such as brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil and spices. Your kebab will have layers of chicken breast, cubed pineapple, green peppers and red onion. Use a gallon size resealable bag for your marinade. Add your chicken chunks, shake the bag well and then add the cubes on your skewers before cooking over the fire. 13. Jalapeno Popper Dogs Hot dogs are an iconic camping food, and this is a very similar variation of the hotdogs that you would normally cook on the BBQ. Slice the hot dogs lengthwise and put shredded cheddar cheese in the middle. Cut a jalapeno lengthwise on one side and then place the hot dog in between the jalapeno. Place over the campfire, put in a bun and then eat with condiments of your choice. Related: What to Wear Camping: 12+ Outfit Ideas That Are Cute & Functional 14. Steak Kabobs Kabobs are always tasty and a welcomed treat around the campfire. You can marinate the steak ahead of time and keep it in a cooler. Marinate in Montreal steak marinade and cut into chunks to put on your kabobs. Assemble your kabob with steak chunks, red, green and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, small button mushrooms and large red onion. Add some Italian salad dressing on top when you’re done for full measure. 15. Cucumber Caprese Salad Caprese salad is a break from some of the delicious grilled options on the list. You’ll assemble your salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano and basil, pepper, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion and mozzarella cheese. It’s as easy as assembling the salad and tossing it well before serving. 16. French Toast Sticks Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavor of these French toast sticks. You can add raspberries, blackberries or blueberries if you like at the end and top with a maple syrup of your choosing. You’ll make your French toast out of Texas toast, cinnamon, eggs, milk and a few other ingredients. Obviously, due to the eggs and milk, you’ll need to bring a cooler filled with ice with you. 17. Sausage Pierogi Foil Packets Pierogies are dough-filled delights, and I’ve never thought about grilling them until I saw this recipe. You’ll make your own foil packets that you fill with frozen pierogies, salt and pepper, yellow onion and sausage rings. Butter will also be added to your foil packet, and the author provides a bunch of topping ideas: Crumbled bacon Sauteed onions Green onions Sour cream But with pierogies, they’re frozen, so you’ll need to cook them quickly when arriving at your campground. 18. Make-Ahead Pizza Pizza as camping food is always a treat, but instead of the usual flat pizza, you’ll be making bread instead. You can make the dough ahead of time or buy pizza dough from the grocery store. You’ll then make a pizza loaf that’s filled with pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, basil, pepperoni and mozzarella. Brush the top with butter and cook until the cheese is gooey and the dough is cooked through. 19. Bacon Ranch Foil Potatoes Gold potatoes, garlic, jalapenos, onion, red pepper, ranch dip mix, olive oil, bacon, shredded cheese, salt and pepper, parsley and sour cream (if you like) are all you need for this recipe. Add all of your ingredients together, except the cheese, and combine well. Roll out three pieces of foil, spray with a non-stick spray and evenly distribute the mixture on the foil pieces. Fold the foil into packets and place them over medium heat. Open the package after all of the ingredients are tender, sprinkle in your cheese and grill for a few minutes more until the cheese is melted thoroughly. Related: 17+ Best Camping Meal Prep Ideas 20. Walking Tacos Tacos while sitting next to your friends and family in nature is a brilliant idea. You’ll need quite a few ingredients: Cilantro Lettuce Kidney beans Red onion White ground turkey Taco seasoning Olive oil Salad dressing Tomatoes Corn chip bags You’ll need a camping skillet for this recipe and a meat thermometer will help, too. The trick is using the meat thermometer to ensure that the ground turkey is perfectly cooked, which should take 15 minutes or so. 21. Breakfast Foil Packets After a night around the campfire and sleeping under the stars, you’ll want something good to eat in the morning. Foil packets mix all of your favorite breakfast goodies into one neat packet: Sausage Hom fries Eggs Onions and pepper Add some seasoning on top for good measure. We’ll make this simple. Roll out foil, add your ingredients, fold the foil up and place it over the fire. Add your egg last, after the potatoes and veggies are nice and tender. 22. Campfire Pizza Sandwiches Campfire pizzas are easy to make with the help of some English muffins. You’ll start with an English muffin with sauce and mozzarella cheese in the middle. And while easy and self-explanatory to make, the trick is to use a pie iron that sits right above your campfire. You can also swap out the muffins for mini bagels or something similar.
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17+ Genius Camping Snacks You’ll Regret Not Bringing
Camping trips are a great way to spend quality time together as a family – until the kids start complaining about being hungry. But here’s the good news: I have 17+ amazing camping snacks that are easy to make and so tasty that they’ll happily devour them. 17+ Easy & Tasty Camping Snacks to Pack & Enjoy 1. Campfire Strawberries Forget the usual s’mores – feed the kids a naturally sweet treat. The best part? You don’t need to haul around a million ingredients to make these. Just dip strawberries in marshmallow fluff and roast them briefly over the campfire. The kids will love making their own, and yes, even the adults will enjoy every last bite of this snack. And I mean, it does have fruit, so it’s borderline healthy, right? Related: 26 Delicious Picnic Finger Food Ideas That Look Fancy 2. Campfire Cones We’ve been making these for years, and they never disappoint. Take ice cream cones and fill them with tasty ingredients like marshmallows, chocolate and fresh fruit. Strawberries, raspberries and banana slices are perfect. Just wrap your filled cones in foil and toss them in the fire. Make sure they’re sealed well, and don’t forget to use tongs to grab them from the coals. You can fill your cones with whatever you want, but just make sure you’re using melty ingredients. 3. Make-Ahead Energy Balls One of our favorite camping snacks is energy balls. They’re so easy to make ahead of time, and you don’t have to worry about keeping anything on ice. You’ll need oatmeal, shredded coconut, peanut butter, maple syrup, flaxseed, chocolate chips, chia seeds and vanilla extract. Just mix all of the ingredients together and roll up the batter into bite-sized balls. Pack them up in Ziploc bags, and you have a handy snack that the kids will love. Take them on hikes or to the river if you’re spending the day near the water. I recommend packing up some extra ingredients just in case you want to make more. 4. Campfire Banana Boats A tasty, healthy-ish treat that everyone will devour. Slice open some bananas and add chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Wrap each banana in foil and heat over an open fire. Carefully open up the packet and enjoy! Use plastic spoons or forks to eat your bananas – they will be messy. We like to use mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, but you can use any type of chocolate you like. You could even add other ingredients, like coconut flakes. Just be careful not to overfill the bananas. You want the peel to hold everything together. 5. Walking Banana Pudding A tasty snack that takes just minutes to make. You’ll need just three ingredients: Packages of mini Nilla wafers, bananas and vanilla Snack Pack pudding cups. Open a package of wafers and add a pudding cup and sliced banana. Mix everything inside of the bag and eat with a spoon. This is a snack that you can take on the go and even prepare while you’re in the middle of a hike if you want. 6. Snackle Box Here’s a snack idea that the kids will go crazy for, especially if you plan to go fishing while you’re camping. Make them a snackle box! You’ll need a “tackle box” to start – it’s really just a snack box. Fill each compartment with a different snack – nuts, dried fruit, Cheez-its, candy, mini Oreo’s, or whatever else you want. Use a big snack box if you want everyone to share, or you could get smaller ones for each kid (or adult) to have their own. Let the kids choose and pack their snacks to make this even more fun. 7. Campfire Nachos Everything tastes better when it’s cooked over a fire, and these nachos are proof of that. What you’ll love about this snack is that you can get as complicated or as simple as you want with the toppings. Use just nachos and cheese, or add more tasty ingredients like avocado, tomato, black beans and peppers. Want to make this a really filling snack? Add cooked ground beef and slices of sweet potato. Layer your ingredients in a foil pan, cover with foil and let it cook over the fire until the cheese is melted and everything is cooked through. Be careful when removing the nachos from the fire. I always pack my grilling gloves for this reason. 8. Foil Packet Pineapple Cake Looking for sweet camping snacks? These foil packet pineapple cakes will hit the spot. It couldn’t be easier to make these. Just fill a foil packet with a pre-made sponge cake and top with a slice of pineapple and a Maraschino cherry. Add a little butter and sugar to the cake before adding the other ingredients to make it extra sweet and tasty. Gently wrap your cake in aluminum foil and warm it up over the fire. 9. Trail Mix Bars These bars are loaded with healthy and tasty ingredients that will keep everyone fueled on your camping trip. They have three layers: A nut and seed mix with walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, quinoa puffs and cranberries. A maple syrup and peanut butter layer that adds coconut oil and vanilla extract into the mix. A final chocolate layer that holds it all together. Feel free to use whatever ingredients you want for the nut and seed layer. Just avoid using anything with too much moisture. Dried strawberries would be a great substitute for dried cranberries. You can also use macadamia nuts or cashews instead of the nuts on the ingredient list. Get creative and use ingredients that you know everyone will enjoy. 10. Easy Popcorn Mix This is a camping snack that doesn’t even require any cooking – just minimal prep work. Toss your favorite popcorn with pretzels, sweet cookie bites, chocolate candies and other salty and sweet ingredients. Cereal, Goldfish and animal crackers are just a few ideas for things you can add to your mix. Carefully portion your popcorn mix into little snack bags and pack them up for your trip. Related: What to Wear Camping: 12+ Outfit Ideas That Are Cute & Functional 11. S’Mores Snack Mix Take your s’mores on the go. Mix together mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and Teddy Grahams. Pack them into snack bags and take them with you on hikes or enjoy them after dinner at the campfire. You could even add these ingredients into a waffle cone, wrap it in foil and heat in the fire to melt it all together. 12. Healthy Trail Mix Protein Bites These protein bites are no-bake treats that make the perfect campfire snacks. The ingredients are simple: peanut butter, mini M&Ms, quick oats, coconut, maple syrup and a mix of nuts and seeds. You can use whatever you want, but the recipe calls for walnuts, raisins, sunflower seeds and peanuts. 13. Baked Apples Delicious, sweet and good for you? I’ll take it. You’ll start by coring your green apples and adding a mixture of oats, butter, cinnamon and pecans in the middle. Pack well before wrapping in foil and cooking over the fire or in the coals. You’ll cook your apples for 10 – 15 minutes, allow them to cool and then eat. Slice the apple with a fork to make sure that it’s tender before removing it from the fire. 14. Chewy Homemade Granola Bars Flavorful and delish, these bars take just 20 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll need an 8×8 inch pan, cooking spray and parchment paper to get started. Spray the pan and then put a small pot on the burner and add your butter, brown sugar and honey. Whisk until the mixture starts bubbling. In a bowl, add your salt, graham crackers, cereal and oats. Pour your butter mixture into the bowl and thoroughly combine. Allow to cool before pressing in your marshmallows and chocolate chips. 15. Sweet and Salt Pretel S’mores S’mores are a classic around campfires and one of the gooey treats that are universally loved. But this recipe puts a little twist on the original by using thin pretzel chips that have milk chocolate and marshmallows between them. Add in cooked kettle potato chips and this four-ingredient treat is complete. Simply layer the crisps with your ingredients, toast the marshmallow and place on top of the kettle chip. Press the kettle chip and marshmallow on to the crisp and enjoy. Related: 17+ Best Camping Meal Prep Ideas 16. Camping Funnel Cakes Funnel cakes instantly remind me of festivals. And for your big camping day, you can celebrate your relaxation, too. You’ll need a skillet for this recipe, olive oil and dough. The author will have you make your dough from flour, egg, baking soda, sugar, salt and milk. You can bring the dough along with you, then simply: Add oil to the skillet Heat until the oil is hot Squeeze out the dough to make strips (you’ll see what I mean when reading the recipe) Remove the cooked dough strips and place on a paper towel Cover with powdered sugar 17. Homemade Coconut Trail Mix Coconut trail mix is one of the easiest camping snacks to put together. Your trail mix will contain: Raw almonds, or if you like, pecans or cashews Coconut shreds and oil Cinnamon Sea salt You can make it ahead of time by mixing all of your ingredients together and placing them on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until the nuts are nicely roasted. Allow the mix to cool before putting it in your container. 18. Campfire Cinnamon Rollups I’m sad that no one ever thought to make these cinnamon roll-ups when I was a kid going camping. But even as an adult, I love these cinnamon roll-ups that require just three ingredients to put together. What will you need? Cinnamon Sugar Crescent rolls Combine your cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, unwrap and place your rolls around a skewer before rolling in the sugar and cinnamon. Cook over a campfire and rotate often to cook evenly. If you have powdered sugar, you can add 1/4 cup of it to two tablespoons of water to create a glaze. Mix well and drizzle on top.
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