12 Delicious and Portable Breakfast Ideas for Your Next Picnic
Planning a morning picnic? Starting your day with an outdoor breakfast surrounded by nature is a refreshing way to get energized. Packing a delicious and nutritious picnic breakfast just requires a little prep and creativity. Read on for 12 amazing breakfast recipes that are perfect for picnics!
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. Simply combine oats, milk or yogurt, and your favorite mix-ins in a jar or container the night before. The oats soak up the liquid and soften overnight, ready for instant eating in the morning. Some tasty mix-in ideas: fresh or dried fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter, coconut, cinnamon, vanilla, or cocoa powder. Top with extra milk, honey, or maple syrup before eating.
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a grab-and-go solution that contain all your morning favorites wrapped up in a handy package. Scramble eggs with vegetables like peppers, onions, spinach or kale. Layer on black beans, salsa, avocado, cheese, etc. Wrap it all up in a tortilla or flatbread, wrap in foil, and go! Modify the fillings to suit your tastes.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Another great hand-held option is the classic breakfast sandwich. Toast an English muffin, bagel, or biscuit and layer it with scrambled or fried eggs, cheese, ham or bacon, and veggies. The sandwiches hold up well for several hours, making them ideal for picnics on the go. Customize with different breads, egg styles, meats, and condiments.
Egg Muffins
For a fun presentation, make individual egg muffins in a muffin tin. Whisk eggs with milk or cream and seasonings. Pour into greased muffin cups. Add mix-ins like chopped veggies, cheese, meat, etc. Bake at 350F until set, 15-20 minutes. Let cool before removing from the tin. Egg muffins stay fresh for a few days in the fridge.
Breakfast Cookies
Who says cookies are just for dessert? Breakfast cookies are a sweet and satisfying portable option. Make cookie dough using oats, whole wheat flour, nuts, dried fruit, and spices like cinnamon. Fold in add-ins like maple syrup, peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or banana. Scoop dough into balls and bake until lightly browned. Store in an airtight container.
Breakfast Parfaits
Parfaits make an elegant and totally portable breakfast. Layer yogurt or cottage cheese with granola, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut, nut butter, etc. in jars or glasses. The sweet and crunchy combinations are endlessly adaptable. Chia pudding also works great in place of yogurt. Top with extra nuts or fruit.
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Pancakes for a crowd? Make them easily in a sheet pan in the oven. Mix up pancake batter and pour onto a greased baking sheet. Cook at 400F for 15 minutes, flip, and bake 10 more minutes. Cut into squares and serve with desired toppings like butter, syrup, jam, chocolate chips, or fruit. Much less messy than stovetop!
Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? Absolutely! Use refrigerated pizza dough or pie crust and bake into a large round crust. Brush crust with olive oil or butter. Top with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, veggies, and cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Cut into wedges and pack in foil to stay warm.
Breakfast Quesadillas
Quick breakfast quesadillas are perfect picnic fare. Place fillings like scrambled eggs, cheese, black beans, peppers, salsa, etc. between tortillas. Cook in a skillet 2-3 minutes per side until crisp. Cut into wedges and pack in foil. Serve with sour cream, guacamole or extra salsa if desired.
Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast casseroles conveniently bake everything together in one dish, making them a breeze to transport. Combine beaten eggs with vegetables, cheese, and cooked meat or beans. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until set. Let cool, cut into squares, and pack in a container.
Breakfast Wraps
For a lighter breakfast, make veggie-packed wraps. Spread yogurt, hummus, or nut butter on a whole wheat tortilla or flatbread. Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs, shredded veggies like spinach or kale, shredded cheese, avocado, etc. Roll up and wrap in foil. The fiber-rich combo will keep you full and energized.
Breakfast Salad
Yes, salad is totally breakfast appropriate! Make a hearty salad with ingredients like leafy greens, chopped hard-boiled eggs, berries, nuts and seeds, shredded cheese or beans, dried fruit, and light dressing. Pack the dressing separately to pour on before eating. A nutrition-packed way to start your day.
Bagel Sandwiches
For an easy make-ahead option, try bagel sandwiches. Split and toast bagels, then layer with scrambled eggs, cheese slices, sliced deli meat, and veggies. Wrap individually in foil and pack in a cooler bag. Unwrap and enjoy hot, fresh bagel sandwiches all morning!
Tips for Packing a Picnic Breakfast
With some smart strategies, you can keep your breakfast dishes fresh and safe for hours of outdoor dining:
Use Insulated Bags
Pack foods in insulated soft coolers or lunch boxes with ice packs to keep cold foods chilled. Thermal containers are great for hot foods too.
Consider Single Servings
Pack items like yogurt, parfaits, and egg muffins in individual containers for perfect single-serving portions.
Wrap It Up
Foil and parchment paper are picnic picnic-proof. Wrap sandwiches, casseroles, and other items to contain the mess.
Bring Utensils
Don't forget needed utensils like knives, forks, spoons, a spatula, can opener, etc. Pack disposable flatware if you don't want to haul home dirty dishes.
Take Condiments
Bring small bottles or packets of condiments like ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, and salad dressing to allow customization.
Use Resealable Containers
Pack items in reusable containers with tight-fitting lids to avoid spills or temperature changes. Mason jars also work great.
Choose Sturdy Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables that travel well include apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, carrots, snap peas, celery, and bell peppers.
Keep Foods Separate
Pack raw meats, eggs, and dairy like cheese separately from ready-to-eat items to prevent cross-contamination.
Transport Hot Foods Safely
Use an insulated container preheated with boiling water to keep hot casseroles, quiches, or sandwiches steaming hot.
Have an Incredible Breakfast Picnic!
Put together a fun, portable breakfast with all your favorites from overnight oats to sheet pan pancakes. With a little planning, you can enjoy a hassle-free meal outdoors. Just don't forget the coffee or juice! Savor a leisurely morning meal soaked in sunshine and fresh air.
FAQs
What are some good make-ahead breakfast options for picnics?
Great make-ahead options include overnight oats, breakfast burritos, egg muffins, breakfast casseroles, and breakfast sandwiches. Prepare them the day before and pack in the morning.
What are the best proteins to include in a breakfast picnic?
Eggs, breakfast meats like sausage and bacon, and vegetarian proteins like beans work well. They provide long-lasting energy. Cheese also adds protein.
What fruits and veggies make good breakfast picnic additions?
Fruits like berries, bananas, apples, and oranges travel well. Hardy veggies like bell peppers, carrots, celery, and snap peas also hold up. Avoid delicate produce.
How do I keep picnic breakfast foods at the right temperature?
Use insulated bags or coolers with ice packs to keep foods chilled if needed. For hot foods, pack in preheated thermal containers. Eat refrigerated items within 2 hours.
What are some quick and easy portable breakfasts for picnics?
Fast options include whole fruit, boiled eggs, yogurt cups, breakfast bars, bagels with cream cheese or nut butter, and smoothies in bottles. No prep needed!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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