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Home / Best Recipes

Picnic Pleasures: 28 Recipes for a Delicious Outdoor Spread

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

06/03/2024

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There’s something special about dining al fresco, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the warmth of good company. A picnic is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that combines the simple pleasures of food, fresh air, and togetherness. In this collection, we’ve gathered 28 mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for your next picnic adventure. From classic finger foods to refreshing desserts, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and make your outdoor gathering a true picnic pleasure.

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Overhead view of a basket of pressed Italian sandwiches.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

Indulge in a taste of la dolce vita with these scrumptious pressed Italian picnic sandwiches! Filled with the bold flavors of Italy, these easy-to-make sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or a summer picnic. Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious appetizer recipe that’s sure to become a go-to favorite!
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Tomatoes filled with burrata on a serving tray.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

Add a pop of color and flavor to your Italian-inspired gathering with fresh burrata-stuffed tomatoes – a delightful and effortless appetizer that’s sure to impress! With just four ingredients, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, these bite-sized treats are light, refreshing, and utterly delicious. Perfect as a starter or snack, they’ll leave your guests wanting more without filling them up, making them an ideal beginning to a memorable Italian feast.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Stuffed Tomato Appetizer

Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcake with a bite taken out.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These cupcakes boast a depth of chocolate flavor so intense that they’re practically sinful. Topped with luxuriously smooth ganache frosting, they’re a decadent treat fit for a chocoholic’s dream.

Get The Recipe: Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Freshly baked corn muffins cooling on a cooling rack.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This classic recipe is just the beginning! Easily customize it to your taste with a few simple ingredients. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of cheese for a savory twist.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Baked Breaded Garlic Mushrooms

A plate of fried breaded garlic mushrooms next to a bowl of dipping sauce.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget the deep fryer! Our Baked Breaded Garlic Mushrooms deliver an irresistible crunch with a delightful garlicky kick – all without the fryer.

Get The Recipe: Baked Breaded Garlic Mushrooms

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

A pile of Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with a white background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

If you’re a fan of donuts, you’ll absolutely adore these baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! They are soft, fluffy, and taste incredibly delicious!

Get The Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

a pile of Lemon Shortbread Cookies stacked around each other
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Pucker up for perfection! Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of tangy lemon zest and buttery sweetness. They’re a guaranteed treat for any cookie lover.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Egg Custard Tarts

custard tarts lined up on a tray
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Egg Custard Tart is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine a buttery haven filled with a warm, creamy custard and a sprinkle of fragrant nutmeg. It’s a taste of England in every bite, perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a delightful dessert.

Get The Recipe: Custard Tarts

Brie Bites with Bacon

A plate of 4 baked brie bites with a white background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who knew Brie and Bacon could be best friends? These Brie Bites are a revelation! Bite-sized puff pastry cups are filled with gooey Brie cheese, a burst of cranberry sweetness, and the salty magic of crispy bacon.

Get The Recipe: Brie Bites

Nutty Homemade Brownies

two Nutty Homemade Brownies stacked and ready to eat
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Take your homemade brownie game to the next level with this Nutty Brownie recipe! Packed with rich chocolate flavor and a fudgy center, these brownies are elevated by the addition of your favorite nuts. The crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast, making each bite an unforgettable experience.

Get The Recipe: Nutty Homemade Brownies

Easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

a close up image of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate with herbs in the background
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who needs a reservation? These Easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms bring the restaurant experience home, ready in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Cherry Peppers

a white marble bowl of Stuffed Cherry Peppers and a cloth napkin under the bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a delicious and adaptable appetizer? Look no further than Stuffed Cherry Peppers! This recipe allows you to experiment with different creamy cheese fillings, making it a versatile option that’s perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to special events.

Get The Recipe: Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Tzatziki

a close up image of a bowl of Tzatziki topped with chopped dill and lemon zest and surrounded by pita bread.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Experience the invigorating taste of homemade Tzatziki, a creamy Greek yogurt-based delight infused with the soothing coolness of cucumber and a hint of zesty flair. This versatile dip or sauce is ideal for dipping, drizzling, or elevating your favorite dishes with a burst of refreshing flavor!

Get The Recipe: Tzatziki

Key Lime Cupcakes

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Our Key Lime Cupcakes are a burst of sunshine. They feature a tangy cake bursting with lime flavor and a dollop of creamy lime cream cheese frosting. 

Get The Recipe: Key Lime Cupcakes

Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta

a slice of Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta on a pan
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Embrace the charm of homemade goodness with this Savory Galette. Featuring a flaky crust filled with creamy spinach and tangy feta, it’s a simple recipe that delivers a rustic and delightful centerpiece for your table.

Get The Recipe: Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Fresh-out-of-the-oven bliss! This recipe delivers molten chocolate chip cookies, perfect for that ultimate warm, gooey indulgence.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

close up of Crostini with burrata cheese, tomato jam and basil
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Savor the flavors of Italy in this elegantly simple appetizer, featuring crispy toasted bread, indulgent burrata cheese, and a tangy tomato jam that will leave you wanting more. Bellissimo!

Get The Recipe: Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

Easy Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole with sliced lime on top.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the chopping and head straight to the good stuff! This recipe uses readily available fresh ingredients to create a delicious and authentic guacamole in under 20 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Easy Guacamole

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

An overhead shot of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Everyone deserves a treat occasionally, and this Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies recipe, brimming with chocolate and oats, is a true delight.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Best EVER Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a wood block with dipping sauce in the background
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Take your chicken wings from ordinary to extraordinary with this simple marinade! It delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, requiring minimal effort for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

Get The Recipe: Best EVER Chicken Wings

Feta & Sweet Pepper Pastry Swirls

This simple recipe for Feta & Sweet Pepper Pastry Swirls is perfect for the holidays, dinner parties or just as an everyday snack.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dress up your holiday table or elevate an ordinary day with these easy-to-make Feta & Sweet Pepper Pastry Swirls. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of savory feta and vibrant peppers in a flaky pastry crust.

Get The Recipe: Feta & Sweet Pepper Pastry Swirls

Best EVER Potato Wedges

a metal basket filled with crispy, golden Potato Wedges
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Transform ordinary potatoes into crispy, golden wedges with this simple recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, these homemade potato wedges are guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.

Get The Recipe: Best EVER Potato Wedges

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Pasta salad with chicken, peppers and herbs.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This hearty pasta salad is packed with flavor from pesto and chicken, making it a great main dish for summer picnics or barbecues.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Popcorn Chicken

A close-up image of crispy, golden chicken nuggets served in a red cup. On the left, a hand is dipping a nugget into a bowl of dark, rich dipping sauce. Fresh parsley leaves are scattered around, enhancing the presentation.
Photo credit: Tornadough Alli

This Popcorn Chicken Recipe is a popular choice for lunch, snack, or dinner. With just the right amount of seasoning, these bite-sized treats are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Devil’s Food Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Frosting

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Frostingon a pink cupcake stand
Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat yourself to this recipe for Devil’s Food Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Frosting. It features a heavenly, moist, and fudgy chocolate cake, exquisitely topped with dark chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Get The Recipe: Devil’s Food Cupcakes

Bacon Pasta Salad

A close up image of pasta salad with bacon and green onions in a bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Bacon bliss in 15 minutes! This easy pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, refreshing green onions, and cool cucumber for a side dish sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Pasta Salad

Homemade Potato Salad

A close up image of potato salad in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t stress about side dishes this summer! This recipe for homemade potato salad is here to save the day. With its combination of creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice for any barbecue or potluck.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

Fried Chicken

A basket of golden brown fried chicken on a red and white checkered napkin.
Photo credit: CopyKat.

Recreating KFC’s signature fried chicken at home is easy with this straightforward copycat recipe. Uncover the secret seasoning blend that replicates the flavor of KFC’s 11 herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

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