Looking for delicious and easy picnic food ideas to enjoy with your family? Check out this article featuring recipes for tasty and portable snacks, appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts that are excellent for outdoor picnics, potlucks, and gatherings. From classic sandwiches and pasta salads to no-bake treats, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Jump to:
- 1. Mini German Pancakes
- 2. Easy Watermelon Sticks
- 3. Soft “Crumbl” Oreo Cookies
- 4. Copycat Italian Cheese Bread
- 5. Almond Brittle
- 6. Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers
- 7. Cracker Jack Style Easy Caramel Popcorn
- 8. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- 9. Easy Beef Meatballs
- 10. Hot Taco Chili Dip
- 11. Soft Caramel Popcorn Balls, aka Caramel Corn
- 12. Secret Ingredient Deviled Eggs
- 13. Tasty Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
- 14. Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits
- 15. Southern BBQ Chicken Salad with Barbecue Ranch Dressing
- 16. Easy Beef Enchiladas
- 17. Homemade Pizza Rolls
- 18. Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
- 19. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- 20. Instant Pot Taco Chicken
- 21. Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- 22. Easy Turtle Pretzels
- 23. Easy Turkey Reuben Sandwich
- 24. Easy Caramel Apple Pie
- 25. Easy Chocolate Chip Muffins
- 26. Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 27. Easy Banana Zucchini Bread
- 28. Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad
- 29. Green Goddess Macaroni Salad
- 30. Pellet Grill Chicken Wings
- 31. Pear Jello
- 32. Creole Potato Salad
- 33. Caprese Pasta Salad
1. Mini German Pancakes
These Mini German Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat that is easy to make. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly sweet. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a delicious morning meal.
2. Easy Watermelon Sticks
Watermelon Sticks are a refreshing snack that is ideal for family picnics. These juicy treats are easy to make and fun to eat, especially on a hot summer day. Simply cut the watermelon into sticks, add a sprinkle of salt and lime juice, and serve chilled.
3. Soft “Crumbl” Oreo Cookies
These Soft Crumbly Oreo Cookies are a delicious treat for satisfying your sweet tooth. They are easy to make, with a rich chocolate flavor and a soft, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Serve them as a dessert or snack, and enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
4. Copycat Italian Cheese Bread
This Copycat Italian Cheese Bread is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any event. Made with a soft, fluffy dough and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this bread is full of savory flavors that will leave you craving more. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear at your next picnic or gathering.
5. Almond Brittle
Almond Brittle is a classic candy recipe that is easy to make and always a hit with anyone who loves a crunchy, nutty treat. This recipe requires only a few ingredients, including sugar, butter, and roasted almonds, and can be ready in just 15 minutes. Serve it as a dessert or snack, or package it up and give it as a gift to friends and family.
6. Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers
These Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers are a sweet and salty snack for satisfying your cravings. Made with just three ingredients, including Ritz crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, this recipe is easy to make and can be ready in minutes. Serve them as a dessert or snack, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate coating.
7. Cracker Jack Style Easy Caramel Popcorn
Easy Caramel Popcorn is a delicious snack excellent for movie nights or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. This recipe is made with just a few ingredients, including popcorn, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup, and can be ready in just 15 minutes. The result is a crunchy and gooey caramel coating that makes this popcorn absolutely irresistible.
8. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are a tasty and healthy snack that can be made easily with just a few ingredients. This recipe requires pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and salt and can be customized with different seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you roast them for a snack or use them as a topping for salads or soups, these crunchy seeds are packed with nutrients and delicious flavor.
9. Easy Beef Meatballs
Easy Beef Meatballs are a classic recipe that is simple and tasty for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a variety of seasonings, these meatballs can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop. Serve them with your favorite pasta or vegetable for a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy on a picnic.
10. Hot Taco Chili Dip
Hot Taco Chili Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is ideal for game day or any picnic. Made with ground beef, chili beans, and a variety of spices, this dip is packed with flavor and heat. Topped with melted cheese and served with tortilla chips, this dip is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves spicy, savory snacks.
11. Soft Caramel Popcorn Balls, aka Caramel Corn
Soft Caramel Popcorn Balls are a fun and delicious treat perfect for any affair. Made with popcorn, butter, and soft caramels, this recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be ready in just 30 minutes. Shaped into balls and wrapped in plastic wrap, these treats are easy to store and make a great addition to lunch boxes or as a party favor.
12. Secret Ingredient Deviled Eggs
Secret Ingredient Deviled Eggs are a classic appetizer with a twist. Made with boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard, this recipe also includes a secret ingredient that adds a unique and delicious flavor to the filling.
13. Tasty Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a spicy and satisfying dish that is ideal for any occurrence. Make this recipe with shredded chicken, hot sauce, and various kinds of cheese. It is packed with flavor and heat. Served with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, these quesadillas make a delicious and filling family meal.
14. Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk Biscuits are a classic recipe that is easy for breakfast or brunch. Made with flour, baking powder, butter, and buttermilk, these biscuits are light, fluffy, and flaky. Serve them with butter and jam, or use them as the base for breakfast sandwiches.
15. Southern BBQ Chicken Salad with Barbecue Ranch Dressing
Southern BBQ Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that's quick to make for lunch or dinner. Included in this recipe are grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables. This salad is topped with a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce and a creamy dressing.
16. Easy Beef Enchiladas
Easy Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that is easy to make for a picnic dinner. Made with ground beef, tortillas, and various seasonings, this recipe is topped with enchilada sauce and a blend of cheeses. Bake in the oven for a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
17. Homemade Pizza Rolls
Pizza Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza for game day or a party. These rolls are baked with pizza dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings until golden brown and served hot.
18. Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole is a quick and easy dish that is ideal for busy weeknights. This easy recipe includes pasta, canned tuna, and a variety of vegetables. It is cooked in the Instant Pot for a fast and flavorful meal.
19. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. You'll include elbow macaroni, a variety of cheeses, and a creamy sauce in this recipe that is cooked in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach and is great for bringing on your next family picnic.
20. Instant Pot Taco Chicken
Instant Pot Taco Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be used in various ways. This easy recipe is made with chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa, and this recipe is cooked in the Instant Pot for a fast and easy meal. Serve it on top of rice, in tacos, or on a salad for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
21. Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad is a delicious and satisfying salad excellent for a light lunch or dinner. Made with grilled chicken, pasta, romaine lettuce, and a homemade Caesar dressing, this salad is a completely healthy and flavorful meal.
22. Easy Turtle Pretzels
Easy Turtle Pretzels are a fun and delicious snack that is a great addition to any family picnic. The recipe includes pretzels, caramel, chocolate, and pecans; this recipe is quick and easy to make. Simply melt the caramel and chocolate, dip the pretzels, and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a sweet and salty treat that will satisfy your cravings.
23. Easy Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Turkey Reubens are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Made with turkey instead of corned beef, this recipe is perfect for a lighter, healthier version of the sandwich. Layered with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing and grilled until crispy and melty.
24. Easy Caramel Apple Pie
Caramel Apple Pie is a decadent and delicious dessert for any family picnic. The recipe includes a flaky pie crust, fresh apples, and a homemade caramel sauce; this pie is sweet, tart, and perfectly spiced. Adding the caramel sauce gives the pie a rich and indulgent flavor that is sure to impress.
25. Easy Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Chip Breakfast Muffins are a tasty and satisfying breakfast or snack option that is easy to make. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips, these muffins are great for a quick and easy breakfast or transport to your favorite picnic destination.
26. Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries are a simple yet impressive dessert that will surely please at any event. The recipe calls for fresh strawberries and melted chocolate; these treats are sweet, juicy, and decadent. The process is easy and quick, perfect for a last-minute dessert idea or a fun picnic surprise.
27. Easy Banana Zucchini Bread
Banana Zucchini Bread is a tasty and healthy twist on traditional banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, shredded zucchini, and a few simple pantry ingredients, this bread is moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The addition of zucchini adds a subtle veggie flavor and boosts the nutritional value of the bread.
28. Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a sweet and salty dessert for a summer picnic or barbecue. Made with a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a sweet and tangy raspberry Jello topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
29. Green Goddess Macaroni Salad
Green Goddess Macaroni Salad is a fresh, flavorful side dish ideal for any event. You'll include cooked macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a homemade green goddess dressing. This salad is a healthier twist on the classic macaroni salad.
30. Pellet Grill Chicken Wings
These Pellet Grill Chicken Wings are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish at a family picnic. The wings are first seasoned with a dry rub that includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, and other spices, then grilled on a pellet grill until crispy and golden brown.
31. Pear Jello
This Pear Jello recipe from Together as Family is a refreshing, fruity dessert that's ideal for any occurrence. The Jello is made with canned pears, pear juice, and lemon Jello mix, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
32. Creole Potato Salad
Creole Potato Salad from Creole Contessa is a delicious take on a classic side dish. The recipe features boiled potatoes mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, and other flavorful ingredients. The result is a creamy and savory potato salad with a kick.
33. Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad recipe from Wonky Wonderful is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that's excellent for any family picnic. It features bowtie pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil in a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
