travel friendly recipes

Southern Eats & Goodies

These Southern recipes are mouth watering, easy to make, and sure to get you recognized as a Southern cook.

Easy Vacation Dinners

These easy vacation meals will be a breeze to make in your beach house, rental house, or anywhere really that you need to feed the family. For the nights you don’t want to go to a restaurant but still want a yummy dining experience, keep this recipe list at your fingertips.

Depending on where you go on vacation and how much your eating out budget is, you will likely want some easy meals to make yourself. (But if you’re just looking for snack ideas for a day at the beach, head over to our Beach Food Ideas post!)

Whether you are in an VRBO, AirBnb, a townhouse, or a hotel with a kitchenette, you usually will have a few key appliances and ingredients to make these vacation meals.

I’m focusing this post on recipes that don’t require tons of spices, specialty appliances, or less common herbs you simply won’t have on hand.

Watch How to Make Ham and Cheese Casserole

Here’s an easy ham casserole that won’t drag you down with carbs. It’s keto and great for a vacation meal. This dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Easy dinners to make on vacation

When you’re out of town and want to feed our family without having to go out to eat every night (and without sticking them with peanut butter sandwiches) try these easy vacation dinners. They are simple enough and you don’t need tons of ingredients. You also don’t lots of spices or tricky cookware you don’t have.

They’re simple, inexpensive, and satisfying. Of course, while you’re on vacation you’ll want to eat some meals out in restaurants. But for the other nights, try these dishes.

These meals are easy to make on vacation without all your normal spices, tools, appliances, and cookware. Simple and easy to make to fill your family if you want to save money while away on vacation.

Super Easy Spaghetti Recipe (Done in 15 Minutes!)

This easy spaghetti doesn't require hours of cooking (who wants that when you're busy on vacation having fun?) and is tasty.

Caprese Chicken (5 Ingredient)

This is a five ingredient chicken dinner dish. If you need to fill up with some healthy protein, this is a healthy vacation dinner option.

Chicken Feta Pasta (5 Ingredient)

This chicken feta pasta is tasty, cheesy, and healthy. It will be filling and easy to make in an evening after a long day.

Broccoli Chicken Mac and Cheese 

With 5 ingredients (not including salt and pepper, of course) is filling and quick and easy. It won't leave you with a lot of food or ingredients that go bad.

Taco Casserole (5 Ingredient)

This taco casserole blends quite a few spices, still with only a few ingredients. It's inexpensive and super tasty.

Chili Dog Pizza

Now, if you're going for broke and want to cook something that's a crowd pleaser you wouldn't ordinarily eat at home... this is it.

Pasta With Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic

This is another super easy tasty pasta dish that'll fill you up after a long day of sightseeing.

Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

This is a sheet pan dinner (meaning, throw everything on a sheet pan and bake it, voila, SO QUICK AND EASY!) and only requires

Ground Beef Teriyaki Ramen

Ramen is the KING of easy dinners. This 5 ingredient meal throws in some veggies and takes the ramen up a notch.

Chicken Enchilada Bake

This chicken enchilada bake is easy to make, super tasty, and only has a few ingredients.

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole

This cheeseburger and fry casserole is comforting, filling, and uses frozen or canned ingredients.. read: super easy and inexpensive.

Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups

These pizza chicken roll ups combine two beloved dinner staples... pizza and chicken. Put them together with a side of a roasted veggie and voila, easy dinner.

Best Grilled Cheese Recipe 

These yummy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect dinners, serve it up with some roasted veggies or a nice salad and you'll be filled up and ready to sight see again tomorrow.

Best Buttered Noodles Recipe

Talk about only using a few ingredients... this one is simple, inexpensive, and still super delicious.

Easy Crescent Taco Bake

This is one of our family's personal favorites. Easy to find ingredients, quick, filling, and a crowd pleaser on those late vacation nights.

Smothered Chicken Bake (5 ingredient)

This is beautiful, rich, creamy, and a great way to make an inexpensive vacation dinner with baked chicken.

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta (Instant Pot)

Chicken and broccoli pasta is a family dinnertime staple for many. Use the instant pot and make it tasty and quick for a 30-minute meal.

Beach vacation meal planning

Now, we’ve already talked about beach food ideas , which are easy foods for a day in the sand. But this list is about great foods to cook during your beach vacation in your beach rental house.

Tasty, light, fresh, and great off the grill; these are quick ways to whip up an amazing meal.

Idea for Beach Dinners

These are great meals that are beach inspired, you can get easy seafood, or foods you can cook with your grill, and easy beach dinners that you can either eat on the beach or in your beach vacation rental.

Easy Shrimp Pappardelle (5 ingredients!) 

Got some fresh shrimp? Here's a great and super simple 5 ingredient garlic shrimp pasta recipe.

Best Oven-Baked Tilapia Recipe

If you've caught some fresh fish and want to cook it up, this uses the oven (so you don't have to spend an hour on a charcoal grill!) and the result is amazing.

Best Crab Cake Recipe - How to Make Crab Cakes

These can be a little more difficult to make, but if you've been crabbing and want to try and whip up some yummy crab cakes, this recipe is simple and easy to follow.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Embrace the seafood side with this easy to make and delicious glazed salmon.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Spinach

Gone scalloping? Here are some easy recipes to cook a delicious meal with scallops that are wrapped in prosciutto... which is always a winner.

Express Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya

Get some sausage with that shrimp and make an awesome cajun jambalaya one evening.

No-Frills Shrimp Boil Recipe

New to the shrimp boil? This is a no frills shrimp boil that you can make as long as you have a pot, shrimp, potatoes, and corn. This is one of our favorite beach house dinners because it's so easy and delicious.

Fried Whole Fish with Tomatillo Sauce Recipe

Ever wanted to try your hand at cooking a WHOLE FISH? Now's your chance to be the chef of this dish. Plus, you know the kids would think it's fun.

Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay and Aioli Recipe

This shrimp dish is another one of our favorite evening meal recipes for when you're on vacation and want to whip up something quickly. It looks fancy but is super easy to pull off.

Tilapia with Corn Salsa

This tilapia with corn salsa will please even the pickiest of seafood eaters. Plus it's simple and can be baked.

25+ Easy Vacation & Beach Meal Recipes

Ingredients   .

• 15-Minute Spaghetti https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-15-minute-spaghetti/
• 5-Ingredient Caprese Salad https://www.seasonalcravings.com/five-ingredient-caprese-chicken/
• Chicken Feta Pasta https://www.wellplated.com/chicken-feta-pasta/
• Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli with Penne https://southerneatsandgoodies.com/instant-pot-chicken-broccoli-pasta/
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese https://audrasappetite.com/broccoli-chicken-mac-and-cheese/
• Taco Casserole https://www.theseasonedmom.com/lightened-up-taco-crescent-casserole/
• Chili Dog Pizza https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-dog-pizza/
• Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, & Garlic https://cupofjo.com/2014/07/pasta-with-tomatoes-basil-and-garlic/
• Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken https://neighborfoodblog.com/sheet-pan-pesto-chicken-and-vegetables/
• Ground Beef Teriyaki Ramen https://dinnerthendessert.com/ground-beef-teriyaki-ramen/
• Chicken Enchilada Bake https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-enchilada-bake/
• Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cheeseburger-and-fries-casserole/
• Pizza Chicken Rollups https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pizza-chicken-roll-ups/
• Best Grilled Cheese https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a19610233/how-to-make-best-grilled-cheese/
• Best Buttered Noodles https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a25636049/buttered-noodles-recipe/
• Easy Crescent Taco Bake https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/easy-crescent-taco-bake/9c2bd5f7-63f7-4a6c-afa3-56baeedbc35a

Dinners Perfect for the Beach

• Garlicky Shrimp Pasta https://www.cookingforkeeps.com/5-ingredient-garlicky-shrimp-pasta/
• Oven Baked Tilapia https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a19665918/oven-baked-tilapia-recipe/
• Crab Cakes https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a58704/best-crab-cakes-recipe/
• Balsamic Glazed Salmon https://www.cookingclassy.com/balsamic-glazed-salmon/
• Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/249554/prosciutto-wrapped-scallops-with-spinach/
• Express Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252103/express-shrimp-sausage-jambalaya/
• No Frills Shrimp Boil https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/no-frills-shrimp-boil
• Fried Whole Fish with Tomatillo Sauce https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/fried-whole-fish-with-tomatillo-sauce
• Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay and Aioli https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-shrimp-with-old-bay-and-aioli
• Tilapia with Corn Salsa https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tilapia-with-corn-salsa/

Instructions  

• Select meal from list above.
• Follow link provided for the recipe.
• Prepare and enjoy!

Other posts you’ll enjoy!

• BBQ Menu Ideas
• Family Backyard Picnic Ideas
• Beach Food Ideas
• 25+ Champagne Cocktails
• 50+ Easy Southern Pie Recipes
• 30+ Awesome Pound Cakes

Rachel Norman

Rachel is a southern born and bred mother of 5 and founder of Southern Eats & Goodies. She's an entrepreneur, country girl, and world traveler who speaks 3 languages and loves Southern food.

One Comment

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 Subscribe to Newsletter

Click to buy the amazing Instant Pot!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Howdy it’s nice to meet you..

Sign up to receive awesome recipes in your inbox, every month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Popular Hits

• 15 KONG Fillers 279563 views
• Quickest Easiest Beach Food Ideas 63122 views
• Easy Vacation Dinners 58264 views
• Pickled Cucumbers 47496 views
• 35+ Homemade Dog Food Recipes (Vet Approved!) 45992 views

Latest Content

Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, how to make cold brew coffee, our favorite recipes with apples, easter brunch ideas.

Find anything you save across the site in your account

11 Travel-Friendly Foods for a Road Trip

By Tommy Werner

Pan Bagnat Sandwich with Tuna, Anchovies, and Parsley

Pack a few of these French-inspired tuna sandwiches in a cooler and pull over for a picnic at a rest stop.

Potato Chip–Crusted Magic Bars

Okay, so a few bagged snacks are fine, as long as they're in these magic bars. Use crushed bagged potato chips in the crust and stir in smoked almonds, coconut, and chocolate for a treat that's just, well, magical.

Roasted Eggplant and Pickled Beet Sandwiches

This meatless sandwich isn't for a dainty day trip. Roasted eggplant is layered on two hefty slices of focaccia with colorful beets, salty feta and olives, and plenty of fresh herbs. Wrap in wax paper to keep it all together.

3-Ingredient Hazelnut Cookies

While packing your bags for the trip, throw a batch of these crispy meringue cookies with toasted hazelnuts into the oven. For richer flavor, fold in some chopped chocolate.

Sesame-Peanut Bars

Packed with coconuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds, this sweet and nutty bar is a healthy, fiber-rich snack.

Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

So there are ten more exits to go and you're locked in traffic? Nothing a cookie can't improve, especially if it's one of these gorgeous, golden-brown chocolate chip ones.

Mozzarella and Prosciutto Sandwiches with Tapenade

A salty olive tapenade punches up mozzarella and prosciutto on a chewy baguette.

Salted Pistachio Brittle

At home, we like this crunchy, nutty brittle on top of ice cream or over rice pudding. On the road, it's great on its own.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Sure, you could throw some squishy PB&J sandwiches into a cooler—or you could make these sweet and salty bars and happily eat them all day long.

Spiced Pumpkin Seed and Cashew Crunch

Make a big batch of this spicy pumpkin seed and cashew mix and eat it by the handful. Just be sure you don't miss your mouth—the seeds are small and very easy to lose in seat cushions!

Travel Recipes: 20+ Meals to Make in a Hotel Room Microwave or Kitchenette

Categories Travel , Quick Meal , Recipes , Roundup

Save & Share!

We may earn a commission on purchases made after clicking links on this page.

For our next family trip, we need easy hotel kitchenette meals!  That’s what this post is all about: healthy microwave recipes (and other adaptable ideas for hotel travel recipes) for money-saving family travel.

We are less than three weeks away from our next family vacation: a week in San Francisco! As architecture, science, aquarium, Star Wars and nature nerds – it’s the perfect vacation spot for us.

Our planning is coming together well:

• We were able to get a great deal on flights. We’re flying out of a neighbouring state which was much cheaper than flying from the airport closest to us.
• We’ve got our CityPasses – so we will have a few days of unlimited trollies, a boat tour and other transit and our choice of a few museums and aquariums. City Passes are a great deal and you can find them for lots of touristy cities!
• We’ve booked our tickets for our Alcatraz At Night tour.  You need to book these months ahead!

Our favourite way to travel is to rent an apartment or a home for a week. Then we explore the area from our comfy home-like base.  We often do this through AirBNB or VRBO .  There are lots of great reasons to do this:

• more space!
• separate bedrooms for night owls and early risers!
• but the real money saver is the ability to cook our own meals.  Eating in restaurants for an entire week adds up for a family! (Even if you ate fast food, it would likely be over a thousand dollars for four people at three meals a day.)

Usually, our travel meal planning is pretty straightforward. We pretty much make the easiest recipes from our master list of meals .  Then we splurge on a handful of special meals in restaurants.  We pack food or eat at “home” for the rest of the time.

This time around, however, we’ve got more of a challenge: our apartment doesn’t have an oven or a stovetop!  THAT limits our usual cooking options.

Accommodation in San Francisco is EXTREMELY expensive – so the best budget rental we could find has a tiny kitchenette – basically a microwave, kettle and coffee maker. (It’s in a beautiful old Victorian house in a great neighbourhood and has a wonderfully reviewed host who will pick us up and drop us off at the airport!  This tiny kitchen was a trade-off we were willing to make.)

But, as our travel dates approach, I’m left wondering what exactly we’re going to make with our limited kitchen.

We’ve been searching and brainstorming and have some great ideas to share – I think we will eat very well and stay on budget. Plus, these recipes will be great for family road trips! Here are our ideas…

Travel Recipes: Easy Hotel Kitchenette Meals

1. keep meals and snacks simple..

• We each bring a refillable water bottle in our carry-ons. Then we fill it each morning before touring.
• Note to the wise: don’t be as daft as me. Be sure to fill these water bottles AFTER you’ve cleared airport security. On one trip, I lost all sense and filled all four of ours at home.  Then I had to dump them all ~ in a garbage pail of all places ~ while hundreds of other impatient travellers in line glared at me and surely commented about how stupid I am. Yeah – that felt awesome.
• oatmeal, cereal, milk, fruit, toast and microwaved eggs will be our menu.
• fruit, veggies, granola bars, etc. 
• This helps stave off temptation for expensive snack bar junk.
• Some museums and amusement parks don’t allow outside food – grrrrr – if they do pack and save!

2. Travel with your Instant Pot?

• I think this would be especially genius for a road trip: bring your Instant Pot !  You can saute (like a stovetop!) and bake (like an oven!). It gives you so many more options for meals.
• If you do pack your pressure cooker – these Instant Pot Dump Recipes would be perfect! Super low prep, fast and delicious.
• Note: Ed’s concerned that the steam could set off the hotel smoke detector! That would suck. It might be best to vent out a window or on a balcony to be safest.

3. A microwave rice cooker might be useful to pack. Or maybe – one of our favourites – a Griddler ?

4. cooking in the coffee pot.

• In looking for food ideas for our trip I kept seeing ideas to cook soup or noodles and other foods in the hotel coffee pot.
• It’s a kinda cute idea – but YUCK.  I can’t help but think that coffee from that machine will forever taste terrible.  We won’t be doing this one out of our deep respect for coffee.

5. Cooking with the iron (using aluminum foil):

• Iron paninis
• Iron grilled cheese
• Iron quesadillas

6. Easy Healthy Microwave Meals: easy hotel kitchenette meals

• We’re going to use our microwave more than we ever have on this trip.  What follows are some really delicious looking ideas…

Fun & Free Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Printable

25+ Family Fun Road Trip Activities and Games to Make the Hours Fly By!

14 Signs Your Family Vacation Plans are TOO Cheap

25+ Free Road Trip Printables for a Truly Fun Family Car Trip

Family Trip Survival Guide – 13 Road Trip Activities for Kids

Friday 25th of August 2023

Great ideas! Many thanks for sharing - will definitely bookmark for our upcoming road trip of New Zealand :) (If you are interested in demographics of your readers - we are a retired Aussie couple in our 70's about to drive around NZ for a month and 'eating in' will help our travel dollars stretch.)

Robin & Ed Hicken

Saturday 26th of August 2023

I love that! Can I say we're jealous - your trip to New Zealand is at the top of our list of dream trips! Have so much fun!

Wednesday 30th of March 2022

Here's an idea for you: we just travel with a portable electric element, a sauce pan and a frying pan. You can cook just about anything with that, and don't have to worry about e.g. the steam from an instant pot setting off the smoke alarm! We also sometimes take a rice cooker with that, which doesn't emit steam the way an instant pot does.

frugalfamilytimes

Thursday 31st of March 2022

These are great ideas, Sherry! Thanks for sharing. :)

Wednesday 22nd of April 2020

def bookmarking this blog post because it will come in handy once the covid is over and i can travel to all parts of the world.

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for motorhoming & road trips

25 Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meal Ideas they’ll love!

Planning a road trip? Looking for easy, make-ahead meal ideas, whether for a weekend break or a longer trip? Or maybe you want some easy recipes for meals on the road? Here are 25 great ideas for you!

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meals

I’ll be honest- planning meals for a road trip is one of the things I dislike most.

Don’t get me wrong- I like cooking and I DEFINITELY like eating … but I am not good at creating a meal plan.

I also have a daughter who has gone from eating whatever we give her to being more and more particular about what she likes- and she’d rather not eat at all than eat something she doesn’t love. At home, it’s pretty easy to cook separate meals, but in the van, it becomes a whole different issue- and it makes the process of meal planning a lot harder.

Why plan meals on a road trip at all??

Oh, I hear you. In an ideal world, we’d just head off into the unknown and see what we find. One of the things we enjoy most about travelling is sampling local foods and dishes and enjoying discovering new things.

Both Mr WB and myself are fairly easy to please and can make do with all sorts, but anyone with kids knows that it’s just not that easy. I also don’t want to spend my time on the road worrying about whether she’ll eat anything- so it makes MY life easier if I plan it out a little in advance.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

This form subscribes you to our mailing list. We share tips, itineraries, stupid mistakes and guides like this for road trippers and motorhomers.

We never spam (yuck) and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Road Trip Meal Planning

So, where do you even start with planning meals for a road trip??

For me, I break it down into 2/3 day intervals. Generally, we like to pop into a shop and buy fresh bread, fruit and other bits every 2/3 days. We don’t do MASSIVE week long shops when we travel- our fridge is nowhere near big enough to deal with that and there’s the worry about what happens if you lose power or gas? All that food will go to waste.

Of course, if you’re only going to a weekend, you can easily make-ahead several dishes and just heat them up- much easier.

TOP TIP for picky eaters- Make them choose some meals

One way I tackle our favourite picky eater is to get her to pick 5-7 dinners she will eat. (Annoyingly, this seems to change every week or so!) I also make her come shopping with me- I find if she chooses it, there’s a higher chance she’ll eat it.

While we’re on the subject of kids, here are some posts you might find useful:

• 21 EPIC Children’s car games & road trip activities
• 14 quiet time activities for kids, tweens and teenagers

Our Normal Road Trip Food shopping method

On a ‘normal’ two-week road trip to mainland Europe, this is my tried and trusted routine:

• Buy stuff in UK which we struggle to get overseas (see below)
• Make-ahead meals for first night or two
• Buy things as you travel (at local markets, supermarkets or Lidl)
• Do this every couple of days so we can buy fresh bread, fruit and croissants! Yum!!
• Try to ignore jeans not doing up….!! 
• Remember that people eat EVERYWHERE and try not to overbuy before you leave the UK.

This system has worked fairly well for us. It’s allowed us to discover new things, let Jade choose what she fancies and my stress levels don’t get too high trying to plan out a whole weeks worth of meals.

What about perishable foods?

We have a fridge which works both whilst we’re driving (battery) and when we’re parked up (gas). So we bring a small amount of perishable food with us- milk, cheese, ham, meat, yogurt, fruit, bacon.

We don’t buy too much in case there is a problem and the fridge breaks- it’s always been a little tempermental and is the part of the motorhome I trust the least!!

Easy Road Trip Recipes

When I’m on a road trip, especially if it’s a holiday, I don’t want to spend hours of my time in the galley, prepping, washing, chopping, cooking and washing up!

Here are a few easy recipes we use and love. Most only use one pot and many can be made in advance if you prefer.

5 easy road trip Breakfast ideas

• Greek Yogurt and fresh fruit
• Muesli/ cereal
• Scrambled eggs in a wrap or on toast (toast is HARD to cook on a gas hob though!)
• Bacon/ sausage sandwich (bring your own bacon from the UK. Alternatively, look in European supermarkets- but it won’t look the same. It’s usually much thinner and cooks MUCH faster.)
• One Pan English Breakfast 

Note how those went from fairly healthy to full-on delicious! I’m making myself hungry!

10 easy Lunch ideas for a road trip

We tend to do lunch as we travel- or if we’re exploring we’ll treat ourselves to a cheeky lunch out. Just don’t do that at Neuschwanstein Castle ! ( Jeez- you thought Norway was expensive!!!! )

• Fresh crusty bread and… anything. Cheese, ham, tuna, butter, garlic cheese, crisps, chicken, leftover beef, fish fingers…
• Salad. We try and add some fruit or salad in where possible- we’ll pretend to be healthy every once in a while! If we’re parked up I love to fry up some chicken and pop it onto a quick salad with avocado, tomatoes and peppers. Or try these delicious healthy salad recipes . TOP TIP- WASH your salad. Even the ones in bags. They don’t always wash it in Europe. It also doesn’t seem to last as long (that might be the heat) so don’t over buy.
• Grilled Cheese (see below for recipe)
• Couscous (see below)

I have still not found a decent way to make toast in the van. It’s an ongoing process that I will continue to work at! Still, Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a perfect snack:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

• Sliced Bread
• Cheese (Cheddar and Mozzarella work well)

Butter bread thinly and put butter side down into hot frying pan (not too hot and use butter, not oil.) Add slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Add other slice of bread on top, butter side up. After a couple of minutes (when bottom slice is brown but not burnt), flip sandwich over. Grill for a couple of minutes. For an extra touch, transfer sandwich to oven tray and bake in oven at 170’c for 5-7 minutes until cheese is totally melted.

Burritos are basically large wraps, with beans and/ or rice added into the wrap. One of the easiest ones is the bean and cheese burrito, but you can easily add in meat, sauces and any leftovers you might have.

Ingredients: 

• 1 whole-grain tortilla wrap
• 1 medium-sized can of black beans (cook in advance if needed)
• Cheese- sliced or grated

Simply spread ingredients over wrap, fold in all ends tightly and enjoy!

5 Easy Road Trip Sandwich ideas

Sometimes, simple is best. Here are some easy road trip sandwich ideas:

• Sausage or Bacon Sandwich – great for breakfast or lunch!
• Ham/Chicken/ Salami Sandwich – with or without cheese
• Jam or Peanut Butter Sandwich
• Egg Mayo Sandwich
• Tuna sandwich

Couscous is magical. Lighter than rice and so versatile. I make a big helping of this and it lasts for lunch and dinner quite happily.

The trick is to double the amount of liquid to cous cous. One cup couscous= 2 cups stock. I love to use chicken or vegetable stock. Nothing fancy; those little cubes in some boiling water are just fine. Stir until the cube disolves, then pour it over the couscous. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. The beauty of this is you can add whatever you like to it. We like lemon, mint, feta, avocado, red peppers, spring onions, celery… the list is endless. I generally make a bowl of plain couscous and we each add different fillings to it.

10 easy or make-ahead road trip meals for dinner

Ahhhh… now this is the fun part. Everyone’s been driving in the exact same motorhome for several hours… and as soon as you arrive somewhere and the van is parked up for the night, they all turn to you and ask ‘what’s for dinner?’…!

All of these recipes take no more than 30 minutes or you can make many of them ahead for the first few days of the trip.

TOP TIP- Be kind to yourself. Many people dislike ‘pre-made’ sauces, feeling that they’re ‘cheating’ if they don’t cook everything from scratch. But it’s your trip too, so don’t be judgemental about sauces from a jar. Yes, there might be a bit more sugar or salt- but it’s a heck of a lot better than a pizza or McDonalds. So be kind to yourself and make things easy.

Some easy or make-ahead meal ideas for dinners on the road:

• 3-way mince (Bolognaise, Chilli, Savoury)- can be made in the slow cooker

Spanish Omelette

• Easy make-ahead taco Bowl

Chicken Quinoa

• Pea/ Pesto Pasta

Cheats Pizza

3-way mince: bolognese, chilli or savoury.

Here’s the recipe for 3 way mince bulk cooking. You can get savoury mince, bolognese and chilli from 1 pack of mince. It’s the perfect ‘make-ahead’ recipe and is very easy to heat up on the road.

1 pack of 500g mince makes 5 meals: 2 x savoury mince 2 x chilli 1 x bolognese

Start with chopped onion, pepper, garlic and grated carrot all in one large pan with a little oil (or butter) until softened.

Split the mix between 3 pans & add the mince. Cut it long ways in the packet before adding so it’s easier to break up in the pan.

You can add any vegetables at this point. Previously I’ve used courgette, mushrooms and aubergine, all finely chopped. You can get 6/7/8 kinds of vegetables in there!

Brown the mince on a low to medium heat so it doesn’t clump together, break it up with a spoon as it cooks.  Add the seasoning to the chilli pan (cumin, turmeric, chilli powder, garlic powder and paprika) and garlic powder to the savoury mince & bolognese pans. 

Once browned, strain peas & sweetcorn (one small can of corn & 1 small can of peas and add to savoury mince pan.

Add one can of chopped tomatoes to the chilli pan & 1 to the bolognese, stir through. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and add to the chilli. I used half a can of beans, I’ll save the rest for a salad.

Rinse the tomato cans out with a little water & add to the savoury mince pan. Stir in Bisto granules (or beef stock & maybe cornflour or thickener as needed). Add a little Worcestershire sauce & pepper to taste.

Taste & adjust seasonings if necessary.

Divide & eat, or store in the fridge until ready.

Many thanks to Phillippa from PhilyaBelly for the recipe – follow her on Instagram

Serve with:

• Spaghetti, rice or potatoes.
• Garlic or crusty bread
• Grated cheese
• Side salad if your family will eat it.

I LOVE this Spanish Omelette. It’s so easy to make and only uses one pan.

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped

Heat the oil in large frying pan. Peel potatoes and slice thinly. Put the slices in the pan with the onion & garlic. Cover the pan and cook until the potatoes are tender, turning them occasionally. Beat the eggs.

When the potato and onion mixture is cooked, add it to the eggs and mix together. Heat another spoon of oil in the pan, and turn the heat down as low as it will go. Pour the egg, onion & potato mixture into the pan.

The essence of this dish is slow cooking and it should take about 20 minutes. When there is no liquid left turn omelette over for 2 minutes. It’s now ready to serve and eat! Delicious- perfect with salad or french loaf.

Lamb Kebabs

Take 500g (4 people) of lean lamb mince and add spices (salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika… whatever you like!) Mould into balls or around a skewer and cook on BBQ or in oven until browned.

If using BBQ and wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes first.

Serve with Tzatziki- Greek yogurt, mint, lemon and cucumber

Easy make-ahead Taco bowl

• 1 can of beef
• ½ of a small jar of salsa
• Bag of tortilla chips
• 1 can of beans
• 1 avocado/ guacamole

Warm beef and cook beans as directed on label. Mix and add on top of chips (can be warmed in oven) Add Salsa, avocado/ guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese as desired (we pop the whole thing in the oven to melt the cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 tsp. herb de Provence (or any herbs)
• 1 cup. quinoa
• 1/4 cup. white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup. olive oil
• 2 green onions
• 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 4 cup. rocket/ lettuce/ salad
• 2/3 cup. olives, quartered
• 12 oz. tomatoes, halved
• Season chicken breasts with herbs, salt and pepper. Grill 3 minutes per side on medium-high or until cooked through.
• Cook quinoa as label directs.
• Mix vinegar, olive oil, green onions, Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss half of the vinaigrette with cooked quinoa, salad/ rocket, tomatoes and olives. Serve chicken over quinoa with remaining vinaigrette.

Pea / Pesto Pasta

• Pasta  
• fresh or frozen peas
• Chopped chives, for serving
• Cook pasta. Drain and return pasta to pot. 
• While pasta is cooking, roughly chop 1 cup peas. Add ricotta and lemon zest and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. 
• Add ricotta mixture, remaining 1/2 cup peas, and pasta water; toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped chives, if desired.

Alternatively, cook pasta, add several large spoons of pesto and some grated cheese and mix well.

Salmon with rice and vegetables

We eat salmon a lot- it’s very good for you.

Grill (or use a low-wattage air fryer ) and serve with rice, couscous (see above) and vegetables.

Sure, you can make your own dough and add toppings- and if that works for you, then go for it. However, we cheat.

• Grab 2 pitta breads per person and pop them under the grill
• You want them warm, but not ‘crispy’
• Turn over, and spread with pesto (green or red)
• Add mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, mushrooms… whatever you like!
• Grill until bubbling

If you’d like more inspiration, here are a couple of our favourite camping cookbooks:

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

We’ve done an entire post on 15 quick & healthy road trip snacks (many of them Keto friendly) but here are a couple more ideas for you:

• 1 large can of tuna
• ½ cup of cranberries
• A packet of whole-grain crackers

First, take the tuna out from the can and empty it into a bowl. Next, mash a whole avocado and add it with the cranberries into the tuna. Use whole-grain crackers to dip into your tuna.

Apple Cookies

• 2 green apples
• Peanut butter
• Dark chocolate chips
• Almond slices

Cut an apple into slices that resemble a cookie, then layer the rest of the ingredients in between two slices to make the snack look like an apple sandwich. The snack will stay fresh in an ice cooler for two days.

Barabrith – great snack for afternoon tea!

Other things:

Whilst we’re on the subject, don’t forget to bring:

• Washing up liquid
• Big scrubbing pad for BBQ if using
• cleaning supplies
• Kitchen roll
• Bottle/ can opener
• Mugs and glasses
• Tea/ coffee/ sugar

How else can I help you today??

• See the BEST Road Trip Journal to record your adventures!
• Show me essential Road Trip Accessories
• Get 100+ essential road trip songs (+ playlist)
• Help me plan my road trip
• See gift ideas for road trippers

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

15 Quick and Healthy road trip snacks to buy on the go (Keto approved!)

10 ways to stay fit on a road trip

3 Easy & Warming Winter Meals to Make in Your Camper

Hi Kat I’ve not tried these yet but they get a good review on Amazon. As I’ve bought the barbecue you recommended in your blogs I thought I would try to keep my new BBQ clean as I absolutely hate scrubbing it after use. Just bought a pack to try on our trip to France in September BBQ Grill Mat, Set of 5 Beeway® Non Stick Barbecue Baking Mats for Charcoal, Gas or Electric Grill – Heat Resistant, Reusable and Easy to Clean, FDA Aproved – Bonus 12″ Just thought you may also find these useful

They look amazing- let me know how you find them 🙂

The https://wandering-bird.com website is one of the best we have found, and the 15 Easy Road Trip Meal Ideas article is very well written and useful! Thanks and kisses! 🙂

I recommend a ridge monkey for camper van cooking. You can cook chicken breasts, steaks, poach eggs, bake a cake, make an omelette, and it also makes great toast!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

41 No-Cook Meals for Your Next Travel Adventure

We’ve challenged ourselves to come up with the easiest dishes to prepare on a trip. You’ll love these no-cook meals for traveling!

Let’s be real … nobody wants to cook on their vacation. However, it isn’t economical to eat out every meal, and if you are off the grid camping, then you can’t anyway. Luckily, there are lots of great no-cook meals for traveling out there! They might take a bit of preparation beforehand, and you’ll definitely need a cooler or refrigerator of some sort, but it can be done! 

While the options for minimal-cook or prepare-before-hand meals are endless, we are going to challenge ourselves today. For this guide, we will only use only recipes that you need absolutely no heat source for, once you’re on the road.  That’s not to say, you couldn’t modify some of them to make even better meals cooked over a campfire or stove—like s’mores! 

App-Guided Travel Adventures

While you’re traveling, don’t forget to download our app and search for nearby scavenger hunts ! Each adventure is designed to help you get to know new places and learn fun facts. Search through hundreds of tours , pub crawls , art walks, and ghost hunts and find one perfect for you!

No-Cook Breakfast Meals for Traveling

​Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? It certainly is if you plan on taking a long hike or spending the day in one of the blazing hot national parks of the Western United States. While packaged doughnuts are totally an option, let’s what else we can find!

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious way to start the day. All you need is something to keep them cold. There are a million ways to make overnight oats.  Most recipes call for milk of some sort, your favorite nut butter, and then embellishments. For a banana bread flavor, try oats, almond butter, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix, and allow to sit in the refrigerator or cooler overnight. You want your mixture to be fluid and runny, as the oats will absorb the milk overnight. Add cut bananas in the morning and enjoy! Many people choose to add flax seeds, yogurt, or chia seeds for extra protein. There’s no wrong way to do it, whatever ingredients you have on hand will do!

2. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Chilled peanut butter balls are not only an amazing-tasting snack but they’re also packed with protein and all the sugar you need for a long hike. You can make them before you leave the house, and just throw them in the cooler. Five easy ingredients of chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, peanut butter or other nut butter, honey, and oats are all it takes for this perfect camping trip power breakfast.

3. British Bean Bites

Sounds weird to Americans, but the brits eat cold beans and bread for breakfast all the time. Open a can of baked beans and served atop crunchy french or focaccia bread! The British version would be more akin to Showboat Pork and Beans than saucy baked beans. They’re usually in a thin, tomato sauce, not a sweet, thick BBQ sauce. 

4. Yogurt Parfaits

Low-sugar yogurt is packed with healthy protein. Add a little granola and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. We love this one because the ingredients are available at pretty much any grocery store and can be used for other quick meals as well. A large can of rolled oats and a big tub of original Greek yogurt should be on everyone’s packing list for a road trip or camping trip. 

5. Boiled Eggs

This is the one cheater on the list. You’ll have to cook them before you leave, but boiled eggs are valuable to have around. You can at them on their own, or use them in several of the recipes on our list. Boil a batch of 12 before you leave the house, and they will keep for a few days in the cooler. Eggs will keep you full for a while, have healthy protein, and pack easily. Just peel and eat! Plus, you can use them for several of the other recipes on our list.

6. Bagels and Cream Cheese

Don’t know about you, but there’s nothing much better than an “everything bagel.” Pack a brick of cream cheese or goat cheese in your cooler, and you are good to go. You can top with blueberries for some extra anti-oxidants, or sprinkle with un-salted sunflower seeds for a little extra belly-filling protein. 

7. Banana and Peanut Butter

It’s simple, but it’s effective. Just beware with this one if you are sensitive to sugars. Bananas are a high sugar item, so you might consider pairing them with organic nut butter with no extra sugar added. Add a glass of your favorite milk, and you are good to go!

Better yet …

8. Banana Cereal

Nope, we don’t mean put bananas on your cereal, we mean make banana cereal. This was grandma’s specialty. We loved it, and your kids will love it, assuming they like bananas. Cut up the banana in thin slices, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and douse in milk. Eat up!

9. Avocado toast

There’s nothing you can’t do with the superfood avocado. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it will show up everywhere on this list. It’s easy to pack, easy to find in most stores, and works to eat by itself, as a garnish, or as a spread or dip. It truly is a superfood. Since you likely won’t have a toaster, and it’s not as good on untoasted bread, consider grabbing some English muffins from the store. Mash your avocado a bit, making it soft. Spread over your muffin. Shred some of your boiled egg over the top and add a few diced tomatoes or spicy salsa … breakfast of champs!

10. Muffins

One of our favorite road trip treats is Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chocolate Chip muffins. There is just something about them that screams wreckless vacation abandon! 

11. Chia Pudding

Like overnight oats, chia pudding can be made beforehand and kept in the refrigerator. A good chia pudding base only needs 3 ingredients: Chia seeds, milk, and something sweet. For a little extra flair, combine chia seeds, your favorite milk, pureed strawberries, or another berry, and a bit of yogurt. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and the chia seeds will suck up all the liquid, expand, and turn into a kind of gelatinous pudding. Top with almonds and coconut shreds or cacao nibs for the perfect treat! Add a bit of honey if you need some sweetness. 

12. Just be gross, you’re on vacation

When all else fails, Poptarts are tasty. It’s not ideal on the health front, but there is no shame in having some easy, premade stuff on your vacation. While you certainly don’t want to eat 5 Little Debbies a day (well, you might want to, but you probably shouldn’t) it never hurts to have one. There’s nothing better to celebrate conquering that beast of a hike than a Cosmic Brownie. You earned it. If you are absolutely against big-brand packaged foods and all their harmful grossness, there are some stellar organic options out there for granola bars, breakfast bars, and even brownies. 

No-Cook Lunchtime Meals for Traveling

Lunch on a trip needs to be quick, easy, and filling. If you are traveling alone, that’s super easy, but if you need to please a whole picky family, we don’t envy you. That job is much harder. Good luck to you! Hopefully, you’ll find something below that your clan will enjoy. 

13. Charcuterie board

You’ll be the fanciest road-trippers at the RV park with this one. Cold cuts, salami, fresh cucumbers, cubed cheese, an assortment of nuts, grapes, and some tomato slices, and you have a lunch that not only fuels your body but looks super pretty! We love charcuterie boards because they’re easy to feed a lot of people with, and littles can come by and pick up a healthy bite as they play. It can be stuck in the fridge and pulled out later too, so it just works great. 

14. Egg Salad Sandwiches

You still have those boiled eggs right? Turn them into yummy egg salad and slap it on a sandwich. Pair with some potato chips, and get back on the trail!

15. Good Old Peanut Butter and Jelly

Hey, don’t knock it. It’s an American classic, and it is tasty whether you are 3 or 93. 

16. Tuna salad

Tuna salad is another protein-packed option that is easy to carry on the road. Buy some packets or cans, or better yet fresh tuna if you live somewhere you can get it. Add your favorite fixings. This tuna salad recipe with red onion, dijon mustard, and celery is super tasty! Serve with crackers or as a sandwich. It doesn’t get much easier. Tuna is handy to have around, as you can also add it to pre-bought pasta salads for a little extra protein or make tuna-stuffed avocados for dinner (later). 

17. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Chicken Caesar wraps are one of the best backpacking recipes. Whether you choose to grab a rotisserie chicken at the store before you leave or go with canned chicken, either way, it makes for a delicious meal. This chicken Caesar recipe with whole wheat tortillas , parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes is simple and yummy! 

18. Crab Salad

The grainy mustard and sharp cheddar in this creamy crab salad recipe make it extra delicious! However, like tuna or chicken salad, you can pretty much throw everything but the kitchen sink in a crab salad or put nothing but mayo, and it will be just fine in a pinch. Plop it in a pita bread pocket, and pair it with some fresh veggies, and you have the perfect lunch.

19. Berry Salad

Add a little extra beauty to your boring salad with some colorful berries.  Romaine lettuce topped with strawberries, blueberries, shaved almonds, and feta cheese or goat cheese is a quick, healthy camper lunch. Throw on your favorite dressing, we love this Brianna’s blueberry balsamic vinaigrette . 

20. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Pimento cheese is one of those things that we rarely eat unless we are traveling. Grab a tub at the store and use it on sandwiches, crackers, or as a spread for fresh veggies. It also makes a good addition to veggie tortilla wraps, lettuce wraps, or pinwheels.

21. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Here’s where those ten cans of shredded chicken you bought are going to come in handy. Chicken salad can be very plain or really fancy. We love this cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe ! For a healthier option, omit the bread and serve as a lettuce wrap!

22. Smoked Salmon Stacks

A few packets of pre-cooked salmon are also nice to have around for fish tacos, to throw on your salad for a little extra filler, or to make this tasty lunch treat. This flatbread salmon stack is an easy option that requires just a bit of meal prep, so you might want to start the night before. If that is too much work, just load up some Ritz crackers with a bit of salmon, a slice of avocado, and a dash of salt and pepper for a quick and easy lunch. 

No-Cook Dinnertime Meals for Traveling

Dinner is probably the hardest category on the list, at least for Americans. We tend to save our largest meal for the end of the day, and we generally want something warm. So, a completely no-cook dinner is out of the normal for many of us (though sandwich or cereal night is certainly not unheard of in our house)! 

23. Greek Salad

A traditional Greek salad is not only healthy and tasty, but goodness it is pretty. While recipes vary all over the Mediterranean and the Balkans, they generally consist of fresh diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and sometimes bell peppers, red onions, and cucumbers. You can make it any way you want, with whatever you have. Toss in a little olive oil or vinaigrette and a pinch of salt. Magnifique!

24. Stuffed Avocados

This is one of our favorite no-cook camping meals. Split an avocado, and remove the pit. Fill the center with a plop of your favorite meat salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or paprika. You can use any of the meat you have, salmon, chicken, tuna. Use the leftover tuna salad from yesterday’s lunch. Another option is to make taco-stuffed avocados . All you need is a taco-seasoning packet to add to the meat and veg you already have on hand!

25. Crab Ceviche

Ceviche is a cold seafood dish, popular all over Central America. It is traditionally made with fresh fish, lime juice, peppers, red onion, and whatever else you have on hand at the time! You can use any of the packaged or prebought fish you have to create “ camping ceviche .” For a side dish, whip up some 7-layer dip and tortilla chips for a complete no-cook dinner!

26. Veggie Gyros

These vegetable gyros feature our favorite item-avocadoes, plus chickpeas and yummy tzatziki spread. Chickpeas are packed with protein and all these veggies will get you to your daily allotment of vitamins and fiber. For the meat lovers in the group, you can easily add chicken you have on hand! 

27. Mexican 3-bean salad with guacamole

… Oh, sorry! Just dreaming about this Mexican 3-bean salad ! It might be a favorite meal idea on this list. Hiking and exploring make you hungry, and all the beans in this baby give you the fiber you need for a good night’s sleep! Pair it with fresh guacamole for the ultimate easy camping meal.  

28. Layered Taco Salad

Take some of that chicken you brought and mix in some taco seasoning. In a large bowl, layer it with cheese, beans, lettuce, and crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos. Alternate your layers of each until the bowl is full. Let everyone choose their own toppings of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. 

Mexican food is the easiest no-cook dinner to make. Layer nachos with shredded canned meat, beans, and all the veggies and toppings you like! If you can warm your meat and beans, that’s great, but it is just as good cold!

Snack Ideas or Side Dishes

You’ll likely be more active on your vacation than you are in normal daily life. It seems most of us need a vacation from our vacation by the time we get home. So, you are going to need more fuel than usual. Plus, if you have kids in tow, then snacks are a primary food group (maybe the only food group)! Make sure you have some good ones on board!

30. Veggies and Hummus

Nothing super inventive here, but it’s easy and effective. Plus, you might get your picky ones to eat a carrot or bell pepper stick if it is slathered in yummy hummus or guacamole. You could make a big batch of homemade hummus before your trip, or make it easy on yourself and buy some tasty flavors at the store.

31. Trail Mix

No surprise here, trail mix is a great idea to have on hand. It fits easily in the backpack for long hikes. You can throw the bag at a kid in the backseat when needed, and it is filled with tummy-filling protein. Make your own trail mix , or snag a giant premade bag from Amazon before your trip!

32. Fresh-Fruit Salad

Nothing screams summer like a bowl of fresh fruit. This fruit salad with citrus dressing is delightful and is the perfect anecdote for that summer heat! You might even convince your kids to eat something healthy today. 

33. Beef Jerky

Beef jerky just belongs in a backpack. They go hand in hand. 

34. Pesto Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a classic party appetizer, but they also make a great one-bite snack. We love these pinwheels , but there are many great ones out there, so use what you have on hand! It does take a little bit of meal prep time as they need to sit in the refrigerator or cooler for several hours to set up. 

35. Deli Rolls

Don’t know about you, but to us, there isn’t anything better than a slice of your favorite cheese, rolled up inside of a piece of deli meat. Admit it, you have done it. You can make it fancy with a hummus spread or olive-decorated toothpick! It’s quick, easy, filling, and budget-friendly. We love it!

No-Cook Snacks for Traveling

36. s’mores.

Okay, so the best s’mores require a little smoking on a campfire, but technically you can make them with uncooked marshmallows. They’re still super tasty!

37. To-Go Banana Pudding

The banana version is the best, but you can try this treat with any premade pudding cup of your liking. Crush a bag of Vanilla wafers. Add it to your pudding cup. Slice up a banana for garnish and plop a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Yummm.

38. No-Bake Lemon Tarts

Lemon pudding snack packs can easily be turned into a tart. Line a small bowl, or just make a pile of finely crushed Graham crackers. Slather on a healthy slab of cold lemon pudding, and top with your favorite whipped topping. Sprinkle on nuts or coconut shavings to taste!

39. Cottage Cheese and Dried Fruit

This one won’t please everyone, but if you love it, you love it! Cottage cheese has healthy fat and is a good source of protein. It will keep you full, and if you top it with some sweet dried pineapple, it’s pretty tasty!

40. Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Topping

Strawberries topped with a little sugar take on a totally different flavor! If you don’t use granulated sugar, honey works just as well. Slice them up, add your honey or sugar, and allow them to sit in a cold environment for at least 4 hours. If you want a lush dessert, stock up on some pre-made angel food cakes or make one at home before your trip. The decadent strawberry mixture on top of some food cake with whipped topping is a fantastic dessert any day of the week!

41. Fruit Pizza

Pizza! Create this delectable treat with granola, nut butter, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. Combine together to make a delicious crust. You can add honey if you use unsweetened nut butter. Press into a pie pan or dish, or just press flat on parchment paper. Let chill in the refrigerator or ice chest for at least an hour. Cover in yogurt or softened cream cheese, then sprinkle with your favorite fresh fruits, cacao nibs, or drizzle with chocolate syrup!

Other Staples To Keep On Hand

If you tried to make everything on this list, your entire camper would be full of food and ingredients. Instead, try to group your choices by recipes that use and reuse a smaller number of ingredients. Remember you can always repurpose your leftovers from day 1 lunch for day 2 dinner. Get creative. With this sample shopping list, you’ll be able to create several dishes.

• Canned or packed meats: tuna, salmon, and chicken
• Canned beans of several varieties
• Boiled eggs
• Lots of fresh fruit and veggies
• A tub of your favorite “crumbled” cheese – Feta or goat.
• A jar of nut butter
• A large bag of mixed nuts and seeds
• Your favorite multi-purpose bread
• Mayonnaise and brown mustard
• Granola or oats
• Olive oil and lemon juice or a vinaigrette dressing
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Closing Thoughts

Just because you don’t want to cook doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a king on your vacation. With a little forethought, some smart shopping, and perhaps a small amount of meal planning before you leave, you can ensure that you have everything you need to whip up fast, easy meals on the go. 

What are your go-to camping or travel meals? Let us know in the comments!

Going on a long hike? Here are a few more “ Healthy Travel Snack Ideas To Keep Your Belly Full. ” 

If you want an epic camping adventure this summer, check out our list of the “ 20 Best National Parks In The USA .”

Frequently Asked Questions

No one wants to cook on vacation. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals are not only filling but healthy too. While camping, try stuffed avocados, crab salad, or camping ceviche.

Travel food should be easy, and the ingredients versatile. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals can be made with bread, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And don’t knock canned ingredients!

It’s always best to seek travel advice from experts ! For starters, download travel apps to save on fares and an adventure app for fun. Also, plan some no-cook meals to fuel up between adventures.

Featured Products & Activities

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

Delicious Dishes Around The World: 37 Travel Recipes To Cook in Your Own Kitchen

last Updated: May 1, 2020 recipes travel at home

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Longing for a foodie trip but travel isn’t an option right now? Don’t fret – whip up a few of these travel recipes and your gluttonous self will be thanking you during each and every bite.

I’m a girl that’s not ashamed to admit she enjoys her food. I sometimes even plan far-away international travel specifically for a few meals. Yes, I’m that girl. A foodie fanatic. I like food so much that I once scheduled a layover in Taipei just for some authentic xiao long bao. I mean, the beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and mango shave ice weren’t half bad either. 

Nor was the ginger milk pudding in Hong Kong , daifuku in Japan , salt beef bagels and fish n chips in London , po boys in New Orleans , spanakopita and loukoumades in Greece , and poke in Hawaii (just to name a few). My to-eat list is typically just as long as my list of must-see attractions, hikes, and other travel activities. Ya feel me?

Since I don’t travel full time (nor would I actually want to – read more about me here ), recreating travel experiences at home (see: travel-themed staycations ) helps me get by until my next big adventure. And plus, I’m always craving/salivating after the flavors of elsewhere in the world. So why not learn how to make a few recipes inspired by my travels, I thought?

However (yes, of course there’s a however), I’m not the greatest cook (dun dun dun…). While I do love to indulge, I’m not one to attempt new recipes in the kitchen (I tend to stick to my regular made-a-million-times favorites). BUT I’m vowing to change that – starting today!

With that being said, I’ve asked a bunch of my travel and food blogging pals to share their favorite travel-inspired recipes from around the world. And there’s SO many good ones, I had to take out all the desserts and make a whole new post for them (coming soon). Put on your apron and pull out the pots and pans, we’re headed to Turkey, Canada, Bali, Belgium, and Gambia to name a few!

Travel Recipes From Around the World

Bosnian cevapi | recipe.

We first came across Cevapi (pronounced Che-Vah-Pee) in Bosnia as a quick street food bite. From the simple seasoning used and the way they were cooked so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside had us ordering this dish again and again.

Cevapi is a simple Balkan Sausage recipe popular in Bosnia and Serbia. These homemade beef sausages are filled with delectable herbs and spices such as parsley, paprika, salt and pepper. One interesting fact is they use a baking soda mix that they knead into the meat to tenderize it.

You can also switch up the meat to be beef, pork, lamb or a combination of all three. It’s completely up to you! Beef is most popular, but different regions like to make up their own style. The taste is similar to a kofta kebab found in the Mediterranean regions like Greece.

They’re usually enjoyed on a nice hot summer day and best cooked on the barbecue or over a charcoal grill. You’ll find they’re most often served with ajvar – a red pepper based sauce, raw onion rings and fresh lapinja bread. 

contributed by: Sarah and Laura from W andercooks

Guatemalan Jocón de Pollo | RECIPE

One of the most beloved traditional dishes of Guatemala is Jocón, a savory chicken stew popular in the Mayan highlands around the cities of Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango. 

Although the recipe for Jocón de Pollo varies slightly within regions and among individual cooks, this emerald green dish almost always features an abundance of cilantro, green onion, tomatillos (also known as mil tomates) and green jalapeno peppers mixed with ground pepitoria (squash seeds) and sesame seeds.

It’s usually thickened with softened tortillas or masa so makes a hearty main course that’s especially welcome during the cool nights in the mountainous highlands. It’s generally served with rice, slices of avocado, tortillas de maize and wedges of lime.  A shot of venado (local white rum) is a popular accompaniment. 

contributed by: Michelle from A Taste of Travel

Spanish Paella Mixta | RECIPE

Paella is one of the most well-known Spanish dishes.  Many people recognize it as a Spanish national dish but it has its roots in Valencia, where it’s considered a culinary symbol of the region.  

In fact, Valencians are so proud and protective of paella that to them, it comes in just two forms – Paella Valenciana and Paella de Marisco.  Anything else is considered inferior and inauthentic, and has no business being called a paella.  Instead, they dismissively call any variations arroz con cosas, or “rice with things.”

One ingredient they take particular issue with is chorizo.  For reasons I don’t understand, they believe chorizo has no business in any paella.  This was surprising to me because I’ve found chorizo in almost every paella I’ve eaten outside of Spain.  

Celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay list chorizo as an ingredient in their paella recipes.  So does Saveur Magazine.  But for many Spanish people, not just Valencians, this is a big no-no.  In fact, I heard Jamie Oliver received death threats for his chorizo-laden recipe for paella!

At the risk of getting shot, I present to you our version of paella mixta (mixed paella), made with octopus and  *gasp*  chorizo.  But to Valencians and other Spanish people, this is a recipe for arroz con pulpo y chorizo.  Whatever you call it, just call it delicious.  Salud!

contributed by: JB from Will Fly for Food

Jordanian Tabbouleh | RECIPE

Most people have at least heard of tabbouleh, that deliciously fresh and earthy salad from the Middle East. Made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgar, and mint -with a slightly citrusy dressing – this salad goes well with chicken, steak, pork, or seafood. It’s also wonderful all on its own as a vegan meal.

I learned to make this authentic version while taking a cooking class in Jordan at Petra Kitchen, and I’m betting it will be your new favorite side dish! This recipe is also wonderful the next day – so double the batch and serve it alongside a sandwich for lunch!

contributed by: Kelly from Food, Fun, and Faraway Places

Louisiana Style Jambalaya | RECIPE

Chicken, shrimp and sausage jambalaya is a simple, hearty Cajun dish that is full of authentic Louisiana flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd and celebrating Mardi Gras, no matter where you are in the world.

For all the flavor it has, jambalaya is a super simple one pot meal. You basically just keep adding things to the pot and you’ll have a beautiful, Cajun-flavored dish in about an hour!

The ingredients are mostly easy to find in any grocery store. Andouille sausage is a Cajun classic, but if your grocery store doesn’t carry it, you can substitute chorizo, kielbasa, or really any sausage you like.

A dutch oven is great for making jambalaya, but any heavy pot will work. 

With lots of different kinds of protein, a little veg, some rice and lots of spices, it’s a flavorful meal the whole family will love.

contributed by: Ann from Our Happy Mess

Chinese Kung Pao Chicken | RECIPE

Kung Pao Chicken is an iconic Chinese dish that is known worldwide. But did you know that there are different styles of Kung Pao chicken, and that not all of them are spicy??

Traditional Sichuan Kung Pao chicken has been around for centuries, and, in fact, the dish was actually CREATED in the Sichuan province and is named after the province’s governor during the Qinq dynasty (mid-late 19th century). While most of the world knows Kung Pao chicken to be spicy, when prepared in Sichuan, the dish is actually sweet and savory, with a complex blend of flavors!

For the best taste, Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken is prepared with the regionally churned Sichuan soy sauce and chili paste, which have the distinctive flavor of the province. But thankfully, you can recreate the dish straight from home with the right ingredients!

Sichuan Kung Pao chicken features cubed chicken, as the main protein, as well as peanuts, spring onion, and rice wine to round out the flavor palate. It is best cooked in a wok, and only takes a quick ten minutes or so to make! It pairs well with steamed dumplings, white rice, pickled vegetables, and -of course- tea. 

contributed by: Kay from the The Awkward Traveller

Braised Belgian Endives | RECIPE

The cultivation of endives, or ‘witloof’, or ‘chicons’ as they also call them in Belgium was discovered in 1830 by a Belgian farmer. Since then they have become a staple vegetable for many Belgian households, especially during winter time when endives are at their best quality. It’s such a versatile vegetable as it can be used to make soup, added raw to a salad, braised, fried and even eaten with pasta.

Belgian endives wrapped in a slice of ham then cooked in the oven with a bechamel sauce and grilled cheese on top is a classic Belgian dish. I’ve adjusted the recipe to make an easier to cook version of the classic dish for when you are craving a quick bowl of delicious comfort food.

My recipe is braised endives with bacon and a creamy cheese sauce. I used bacon bits to add extra saltiness to the dish and made a fast cheese sauce while cooking the endives. All of this can be made in one pan, which is great if you don’t feel like doing lots of dishes. This is one of my husband’s favorite meals, primarily for that reason.

contributed by: Sabine from The Tasty Chilli

Japanese Udon Noodles | RECIPE

Udon noodles originated in Japan and are beloved all over the world! [Editor’s Note: After visiting Tokyo a few times, I’m now obsessed with udon and go to my local noodle shop at least once a week to get a bowl]. They can be served hot or cold, depending on your taste. Udon are very thick wheat noodles that can take any dish to the next level. This udon noodle soup is inspired by the delicious Japanese noodle and is easy to make wherever you are in the world!

Thankfully, you can make the entire recipe using just one pot (hey there, easy clean up) and you don’t need anything special like a wok. You should have scallions, sesame oil, sweetener, and of course, the udon noodles, but otherwise, customizing the recipe to your tastes is so very easy. You can add a soft-boiled egg (a very popular addition) or the meat of your choice (pork is commonly used) if you’re feeling like you want to test out new flavors.

contributed by: Victoria from Wow It’s Veggie

Brazilian Coxinhas | RECIPE

Crunchy crust and hearty filling, coxinha tastes like more. Brazilian coxinha is a deep-fried croquette made of shredded chicken and cheese covered in a soft dough, which after breaded and deep-fried, becomes a crunchy crust. Will you resist?

This chicken croquette is a typical street food snack from Brazil that can be found in many sizes, from tiny cocktail bites to meal-sized snacks.

It is not a secret that Brazilian food is hearty and yummy, and thankfully, this croquette lives up to this fame. Beyond being a delicious street food snack, coxinha is also one of Brazilian’s favorite party and bar bites.

And if you want a few recommendations, know that coxinha tastes great with hot chili sauce. Even better when an ice-cold beer accompanies it! Oh, what a perfect combination!

So next time you want a delicious snack for holiday parties or barbecues with friends, add a tropical touch to the celebration and impress the crowds with this coxinha recipe. I’m sure you (and your guests) will love it.

contributed by: Bruna from I Heart Brazil

Zimbabwean Chakalaka | RECIPE

Chakalaka is a typical southern African dish that originated with Mozambique workers living in Johannesburg, South Africa, but it is now made in slight variations all over the southern part of the continent. This particular version is from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Chakalaka is a spicy bean and veggie salad cooked so that the flavors meld into a relish that is sweet and savory at the same time and is packed with heat (though you can make it less pepper if you don’t like your food to be spicy). 

For the veggies, you can use what you have on hand, but typical options include bell and scotch peppers, cabbage, and carrots. You can buy a chakalaka spice blend or make your own. 

You can eat it with rice, which is easier to find around the world, but in Zimbabwe, its served with a maize porridge called pap.

Chakalaka can be eaten as a main dish with rice or pap, or as a side dish. It makes a delicious side to a meal of Peri-Peri chicken. 

contributed by: Stephanie from The Africa Cookbook

Taiwanese Braised Beef Shank | RECIPE

When I was little one of the many dishes my mom made that truly reminded me of Taiwan was braised beef shank.  The 5 spice powder in this dish is what makes it quintessentially Taiwanese. Growing up in the USA for the majority of my life I always referred to it as Taiwanese Cold Beef because unlike most braised dishes, this one is served cold.  The proper Chinese name is 卤牛肉, Lǔ niúròu or 卤牛腱子, Lǔ niú jiànz.  

Beef is just one of the items you can braise using this method.  Some other popular foods to braise using this method include chicken wings, drum sticks, seaweed knots (seaweed literally tied into knots), seasoned aged bean curd (tofu), and one of my all-time favorites, pig ears!  

This dish is amazing served with some piping hot rice.  And it’s a great item for a picnic. My mom used to make it for our beach trips and we’d have picnics on the beach, Taiwanese style!  

And if you’ve ever attended a Chinese wedding banquet, this braised beef shank is one of the courses you would call an appetizer during the multi-course feast!

Now my mom of course still believes her original recipe is the best, but I’ve modernized it using the Instant Pot for quicker cook time and super tender beef. 

contributed by: Diana from Sea of Blush

Spanish Boquerones al Limon | RECIPE  

The “boqueron” is one of the most popular fish in the South of Spain, which became over the year a symbol of Malaga. There are festivals dedicated to the boqueron and the locals in Malaga proudly refer at themselves using the same name.

Boqueron is a type of anchovy, also known under the name of blue fish. There are over 140 different species of anchovies around the world, and boqueron is one of them. However, the boqueron that populates the Mediterranean Sea, in the South of Spain, is different. This type of anchovy is big, measuring between 9 and 12 centimetres long, characterised by being quite meaty. It has a distinctive flavour which is enhanced if prepared fresh – not like its anchovy relative, which is usually preserved in a jar.

In the South of Spain boquerones are very popular in the beach bars, as a tapa that accompanies beers, on hot summer days. They are either friend or marinated in vinegar. Boquerones al limon is a classic recipe in which the fish is cleaned, marinated in lemon for a couple of hours, and then deep fried in olive oil until it becomes golden and crispy.

No visit to Costa del Sol is complete without having boquerones at a chiringuito, on the beach.

contributed by: Joanna from The World in My Pocket

Nigerian Jollof Rice  | RECIPE

Spiced and cooked in flavorful tomato and pepper purée, Nigerian jollof rice is a well-loved, classic West African versatile side dish that the whole family loves.

This yummy side dish easily becomes a one-pot meal by adding chicken. For a vegetarian version, add carrots, peas, and celery. Whichever way you make it, it provides a burst of flavor your whole family will love. 

Jollof rice, one of the most common dishes in West Africa, goes perfectly with grilled beef, especially Nigerian suya kebabs, but it would complement any meat or fish. It’s savory and satisfying.

More economical versions of jollof rice are popularly referred to among Nigerians as “concoction rice,” the preparation of which can involve as little as rice and pepper.

Puréed vegetables flavor the rice but are not visible, thus making it a kid-friendly dish. Just adjust the spices for the heat level.

contributed by: Jas from All That Jas

Finnish Salmon Soup | RECIPE

Salmon Soup is a staple in Finland and other Scandinavian countries. In Finnish, salmon soup is called Lohikeitto and its traditionally made with salmon, leeks, and potatoes.

I first had this soup on a trip to Helsinki, Finland and its’ Vanha Kauppahalli, Old Market Hall. There were multiple food vendors selling traditional foods; fish, reindeer, lingonberries  etc. I fell in love with the simplicity of this soup served with artisan bread.

Once I returned home, I recreated that salmon and potato soup to be a true taste of Helsinki. This is simple and so easy to make, which is exactly what you want in comfort food. Enjoy!

contributed by: Nicky from Little Family Adventure

Vietnamese Mango Salad | RECIPE

If you want a healthy and easy-to-make recipe to remind you of your travels to Vietnam , this mango salad is a tasty and simple way to transport you there through your tastebuds! I was taught this recipe by a Vietnamese expat living in Bulgaria, and it’s since become my go-to healthy side dish when preparing Asian inspired dishes.

While the recipe is pretty much identical to what you’d find in Vietnam, this recipe for Vietnamese mango salad uses a ripe yellow mango rather than an unripe green mango, which can be difficult to find outside of Asia or larger Asian grocery stores. However, the sweetness of the mango works perfectly with the spicy, tangy, and umami flavors of the dish — in fact, I may even like this variation a tad more than the original!

The dressing is made of lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and sugar. It’s mixed with small julienned strips of ripe mango (or unripe green mango works here too if you want to be closer to the original). Some punch is added to the salad with quick-pickled red onion, some fresh mint, and some roasted chopped peanuts for texture (optional).

contributed by: Allison from The Passport Kitchen

Filipino Lumpia | RECIPE

Filipino Lumpia are crispy, delicious egg rolls that are a traditional, popular dish served throughout the Philippines. Sometimes known as Lumpia Shanghai, these Filipino egg rolls are usually stuffed with a mix of well-seasoned ground beef, and a lot of chopped vegetables, including carrots, celery, mushrooms, and jicama.

Making them takes some time in prepping the vegetables, but once you have all of the ingredients ready to go, they are ready to assemble and cook up rather quickly. Lumpia are great finger foods making them perfect to serve at parties.

You’ll find most Filipinos serve these with every day meals, and most definitely at every single type of celebration or gathering of friends and family. These crispy, crunchy, hearty Filipino egg rolls are so delicious and they are always a crowd pleaser. Lumpia also freeze well and are great to make for snacks, lunch, dinner, or for last minute guests!

contributed by: Marlynn from Urban Bliss Life

Italian Ragu alla Bolognese | RECIPE

Bologna may be one of the oldest cities, and housing the oldest University in the world. Its old-world architecture and charm can be seen in every crook and corner, it’s amazing to walk around such a civilization. But what’s more amazing to look into is Bologna’s contribution to Italian cuisine. Ragù, the pasta sauce with chopped meat we love is a brainchild of Bologna’s Alberto Avisu. While we cook it quite fast at home, the original recipe takes about 6 hours from sauteing the ingredients until simmering and pouring over pasta. 

Ragù alla bolognese is a dish particularly named after Bologna. Ragù or what we more commonly call bolognese sauce is served over thick pastas like tagliatelle, pappardelle, and fettuccine. No, not over spaghetti, but this is how most of the world has served it. While ragù alla bolognese can be a perfect meal all by itself, you can have arugula salad or insalata verde on the side and a glass of simple Sicilian red. Buon appetito!

contributed by: Gizelle from Kitchen Maus

Georgian Khinkali | RECIPE

One of the most iconic and sought after dishes in Georgian cuisine is khinkali — large soup dumplings with an array of fillings. Traditionally hailing from some mountain villages in the Caucasus, khinkali can now be found virtually everywhere in the country and are a favourite dish to eat amongst tourists and locals alike.

The most traditional of khinkali are filled with a spiced mixture of minced pork and beef that isn’t shy on the coriander or the caraway, however, khinkali with a mushroom are also quite common and easy to find for a vegetarian or vegan option. And despite the fact that they may look complicated and involved, these dumplings are actually quite easy to make at home if you have the right khinkali recipe.

There is also a particular way to eat khinkali, and it isn’t with a knife and fork! These delicious dumplings are eaten as a finger food. You pick up the dumpling with one hand from the tip, take a small bite out of the bottom and suck out the soup, and then eat the khinkali in a few more bites. Make sure not to eat the tip you picked it up from – this is typically very doughy and not fully cooked.

So, if you want to experience one of the most famous and delicious Georgian dishes out there, you can’t go wrong with khinkali!

contributed by: Maggie from The World Was Here First

English Yorkshire Pudding | RECIPE

Yorkshire pudding was traditionally served as a starter to fill the diner up a little before the main course as meat was more expensive and scarcer.  It was simply served with gravy made from the meat juices and thickened with flour.  Now, we tend to serve it as an accompaniment as part of a Sunday roast dinner.  Made from eggs, flour and milk, it puffs up in the oven to a lovely crisp consistency on top but a more stodgy doughy consistency on the bottom that soaks up the gravy giving it a lovely savoury finish.

The key thing when cooking your Yorkshires is to get a quality, heavy bottomed Yorkshire pudding tin.  Add a good dollop of beef dripping for the most authentic pudding (you can of course use vegetable oil) and then heat the tin as hot as your oven will go.  Once the dripping is so hot it is smoking, remove the tin from the oven and add your mix as quickly as possible so that the heat is retained before popping it back in the oven.

Depending on your oven the Yorkshires will take around 25-30 minutes.  If you have a glass doored oven then keep an eye on them, but otherwise resist opening the oven door as the cooler air will stop them rising as much as they should.  Finally, serve with roast beef, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy for a fabulous traditional Sunday dinner.

contributed by: Nikki from Yorkshire Wonders

Peruvian Pollo a La Brasa | RECIPE

Peruvian Chicken, or ‘pollo a la brasa’ is a classic roasted chicken recipe popular throughout the country. Peruvian Chicken is marinated in a quick and easy marinade with ingredients like garlic, lime juice, cumin, and paprika then roasted until blackened. 

Peruvian Chicken is classically served with a side of fresh lime and cilantro, as well as aji verde, or Peruvian green sauce which is a creamy, spicy sauce. This recipe works with just about any cut of chicken you have on hand, the cooking times will need to be adjusted to fit the chicken you are cooking. We love using dark meat, such as boneless skinless chicken thighs. Peruvian Chicken is best marinated overnight, but a minimum of 2 hours will work in a pinch! 

contributed by: Bailey from The Gay Globetrotter

Moroccan Tagine | RECIPE

I first tasted tagine several years ago when I first visited Morocco . For Moroccans, tagine is their main dish that they make for almost every occasion. It’s the first type of meal young Moroccan women learn as the food they will feed their families, and I was astounded how many different varieties can be made. Tagine is kind of a stew that has its own type of vessel that it is traditionally made in, though you can also make it with a stockpot—no need to buy another item for your kitchen!

In fact, when you go to Morocco, you’ll see dozens upon dozens of tagine makers in the markets. You can also experiment a bit with the flavors if you like, and that’s all part of the fun. Feel free to add more cinnamon, sugar, and raisins if you would like a sweeter dish, or go heavy on the turmeric, saffron, and coriander for something more savory. You can also use pretty much all types of meat: traditionally, you’re most likely to find beef, chicken, and fish. However, it also makes an amazingly delicious veggie dish if you want to use squash or pumpkin as a substitute.

contributed by: Alex from Alex on the Map

Indian Chicken Korma | RECIPE

Chicken korma is an authentic gravy passed on from generations into our family. The dish is said to be originated in India in the Mughal era. Korma is basically a creamier and thicker version of curry. It is a creamy and rich dish full of spices and flavors accompanied with butter naan, parathas, or just simple jeera rice. We use both almonds and coconut to give it flavor and make it a thick gravy but you can either use one or both depending on your tastebuds. It really is a pretty versatile dish, meaning you can add or subtract ingredients as you like.

Chicken Korma isn’t as hard as you would think, as long as you have few basic Indian spices in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and almost a staple in every Indian household. We mostly find ourselves making a chicken and potato khurma with ghee rice which is an amazingly delicious combination! So, loosen your pants and try this delectable Indian recipe at home.

contributed by: Sarah from You Cook I Eat

Australian Mini Meat Pies | RECIPE

You cannot get more Aussie than this: meat pie is an iconic Australian dish. You can get it almost anywhere and there are also specialised shops that only sell pies! In fact, they are possibly the go-to lunch for the majority of people on the move. Isn’t a juicy pie so much better than your usual dry sandwich anyway?

Pies can be made with different fillings: minced beef, chopped chuck steak, chicken and mushrooms… and these are only some of the most popular varieties. Mince works best for smaller pies, while chunkier pieces of meat are better for larger pies.

To get the “perfect” pie, you will need two different pastries: shortcrust for a tender base and puff pastry for a crispy top. Meat pies are to be served with tomato sauce – yes, that’s how we call ketchup down-under! If you intend to serve them as a main dish make sure to have mash and peas to go with them for the perfect Aussie meal.

contributed by: Manu from Manus Men u

Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) | RECIPE

One of the wonderful things about visiting Greece is all the wonderful food. It’s wonderful to bring a taste of a destination back to your own kitchen. These simple to make Greek meatballs are the perfect way to do just that.

Keftedes is one of our favorite traditional Greek dishes. These tasty Greek meatballs are comfort food that our family has enjoyed over and over again. Every Greek home has a slightly different spice mix for Greek meatballs you are free to make them any way you like. Use whatever you have in your pantry to create a wonderful Greek meal.

Another great thing about Keftedes is that you can serve them at any mealtime breakfast, lunch or dinner. They pair perfectly with pasta, rice or potatoes to create a perfect homemade Greek meal. 

contributed by: Sue from Food Traveli st

Canadian Tourtiere | RECIPE

Tourtiere is a French Canadian meat pie originating in Quebec. It is served during the Christmas holidays, traditionally on Christmas Eve. Originally it was made with pheasant, rabbit, moose or pigeon. Now a days it is made with a combination of ground meats, the most common being pork, beef and veal.

Along Canada’s coast you can also find it made with salmon and trout. The key is the secret spice blend. Like most traditions, families do not like to share their sacred family recipe.

The just of the blend includes cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg. This is a double crusted meat pie that is very heavy and rich. You only need a small slice. Perfect sides to accompany this meat laden dish are pickles, relishes, homemade ketchup and salad.

You can buy tourtiere at the grocery stores during the holiday season. Some markets will have them as well. Most often they are fresh. They can be frozen after cooking, and leftovers are always delicious.

contributed by: Gloria from Handmade and Yummy

Filipino Chicken Adobo | RECIPE

One of the most iconic of Filipino comfort foods is the very popular chicken adobo which is a favorite throughout the country with everyone doing different variations of this national dish.

Made mostly with garlic, vinegar and soy sauce, this dish is relatively easy and fast to do and you can use any chicken part. BUT the most flavorful are the dark meats with thighs and drumstick being the favorite meats to use in this mouth watering dish. Combined with a nice scoop of rice and you’ll see why you can’t get enough of this delicious comfort food that is also very easy to make.

contributed by: Noel from This Hawaii Life

Scottish Northumbrian Broth | RECIPE

Every New Year, one of my grandmothers made a huge vat of what she  called “Scotch Broth”. Many other Northumbrian households did the  same, and the recipe is indeed based on a Scottish dish. This recipe  differs, however, because it contains no mutton or pearl barley.  Instead, I use ham – just as my grandmother did.

The yellow split peas  are also a nod to the region, as the same pulses are used to make  “pease pudding”, a speciality from North East England that is  generally served in sandwiches with ham. If possible, a locally  sourced bread known as “stottie cake” is used to make the “sarnies” (as Geordies call them).

This makes more of a main meal that most soups. It’s a hearty repast  when served with lots of freshly baked, crusty bread and butter. My  grandmother made hers in a large stock pot rather than the slow  cooker, but I find it speeds things up to cook it that way. A bowl of  this, served steaming hot with plenty of bread and butter, revives  just about anyone who’s cold or hungry. Or even hungover from New  Year’s Eve…

contributed by: Tracy from Blogger by the Sea

Austrian Wienerschnitzel | RECIPE

When one hears Vienna , sausage is the word that probably comes next in mind. 😀 And it’s understandable, Vienna has been associated with the canned hotdog for so long. Ironically, the sausages in Vienna can be bought as street food, and in groceries if you fancy cooking. But to know Vienna through food, one has to try Tafelspitz, Wienerschnitzel, and Apfelstrüdel.

These three are also some of Austria’s national dishes. Tafelspitz may just be boiled veal meat, but it has been a favorite of Austria’s emperor Franz Joseph I, he always had it for his meals.

Wienerschnitzel, probably looks plain as would the Japanese Tonkatsu, or Milanesa, but it’s special because the meat used is veal, which is very tender and moist. It’s even under law that only schnitzel made from veal be called Wienerschnitzel. If made from other meats, this should be identified.

When you visit Vienna, try to go to a tavern by the outskirts where the vineyards are, and have a piece of Wienerschnitzel along with the tavern’s own wine.  Guten Appetit! 

contributed by: Gizelle from Vienna 101 Facets

Pad Thai | RECIPE

Pad Thai to me is like the gateway drug to Thai cuisine – it’s the first thing most people try.  They visit Bangkok for the first time , they get a taste of pad thai and fall in love with it, then they start going for the harder stuff like larb and khao kluk kapi. It happens again and again.

Personally, this is what started my addiction to Thai food.  Some Thai dishes can be challenging for the uninitiated but pad thai is that type of universally appealing dish that everyone likes.  

Pad Thai is easy on the palate with its intriguing blend of sweet, savory, and sour.  Fish sauce gives it a good kind of fishiness while chili flakes impart a touch of heat.  Crunchy peanuts complement soft chewy noodles to create an aromatic balance of flavor and texture that’s appealing to all the senses. There is so much to love about pad thai that I’ve rarely met one that I didn’t like.  From the side streets of Bangkok to the beach resorts of Koh Samui, pad thai will reel you in and make you a lifetime lover of Thai cuisine.

Persian Kashk e Bademjan | RECIPE

Kashk e bademjan is one of the most famous Persian dishes that combines some of the most exciting flavors from the Persian cuisine. While most Persian dishes are prepared with some sort of meat, this tasty eggplant dip is a delicious Persian vegetarian dish. Literally translated, it means kashk (a type of Persian yoghurt) and eggplant.

The preparation process for the dish is quite simple. The eggplants need to be peeled, seared and then cooked. Towards the end of the cooking process, the kashk yoghurt and typical Persian spices are added. These are typically saffron, turmeric and dried mint leaves.

Kashk e Bademjan is served hot and fresh with pita bread. Over the last years, the dish has become quite popular also outside of Iran and is often served in Middle Eastern restaurants on mezze platters. As most dishes in the Persian cuisine, kashk e bademjan is usually not served on its own but along with a number of other dishes.

contributed by: Mike from Persian Experts

Balinese Sambal Matah | RECIPE

Balinese cooking is full of wonderful flavours, with noodles, rice, fish, chicken and vegetable dishes- it’s sometimes hard to choose what to have! They also have side dishes and sauces called sambals which accompany most meals.

Sambals are chilli sauces or pastes from Indonesia usually made from a mix of chilli peppers blended with other ingredients like garlic, ginger, shallots, spring onions, lime juice, or shrimp paste.

When I visit Bali, I head to a warung for a mei goreng – fried noodles – served with my favourite side dish, sambal matah.

Sambal Matah, or lemongrass sambal, is a delicious raw Balinese accompaniment: sweet, sour, hot and cool with a lovely lemony hit all in one mouthful. Great with chicken, fish or vegetables, or any Balinese dish. Lemongrass grows abundantly in Bali, and if you can get it fresh it gives the dish extra zing.

It is very simple to make, with a lot of chopping involved, mix together then let it rest for about 30 minutes to let the flavors combine. It is best served fresh, but can keep overnight in the fridge.

contributed by: Larch from The Silver Nomad

Czech Goulash (Guláš) | RECIPE

Czech Goulash (Guláš) is one of the most typical Czech dishes. Same as other traditional Czech dishes like Svíčková or Vepřo Knedlo Zelo, Guláš is served with our most typical side dish – boiled or steamed bread dumplings. Guláš is usually made with beef or pork meat, it is a thick, hearty stew flavored primarily with paprika. It can be found on the menu of the vast majority of Czech restaurants.

Across the country, there are many variations of Guláš, and different families have slightly different Guláš recipes. Each cook can vary the experience by using different meats or adding other spices like caraway, pepper or marjoram. Guláš is often garnished with slices of fresh onion and is typically accompanied by beer. There are also variations of Guláš, like Goulash Soup or Szeged Goulash (or Segedín), which is cooked with cream and cabbage. The great thing about Guláš is that if you cook the whole pot of Guláš and have some leftovers for another day, it tastes even better reheated!

Czech cuisine is quite heavy but delicious. Basic flavors of Czech food are based in local agriculture – onion, garlic, caraway, and meat, for example, many Czech dishes have onion as a base

contributed by: Adriana from Czech The World

Peruvian Tallarines Verdes | RECIPE

Tallarines verdes, or green noodles, are like Peruvian pesto pasta – a tangible product of Italian immigrants in Peru, adapted to fit local ingredients and taste. It is creamier and milder than Italian pesto, because it uses more spinach than basil in the sauce and the garlic (also onion) is often sautéed before it all gets pureed.

Milk replaces olive oil as the blending liquid in some, if not all, of the recipes, and creamy cheese (like queso fresco or feta) takes the place of nutty Italian cheeses. It’s delicious, healthy, and straight out of Peru!

contributed by: Laura from Eat Your World

Which of these international travel recipes will you be trying out yourself?!

pin for later:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

May 16, 2020 at 10:41 am

These all sound soooo good! I love the look of Peruvian Pollo a La Brasa and I have never even heard of Peruvian Tallarines Verdes, but I think I have made something like that before!

p.s. Yorkshire puddings always make the world better! 😉

May 16, 2020 at 2:46 pm

Cool post. This is the beauty of travel isn’t it. It was my main reason for travel, the food! Living in Mexico and working with Mayans and locals here, I have also learnt so many recipes. They are the best when they are home made! Oh I loved the food in Bosnia too! Wasn’t what I expected actually.

May 16, 2020 at 3:30 pm

Wow! These are all amazing, and I don't even know where to start trying recipes. Wonderful round up you've put together here.

May 16, 2020 at 4:43 pm

My mouth is watering from reading your post! Each of these dishes look so good, and I love that they can easily be made dairy-free or gluten-free for those with food allergies like me. Thanks for sharing. Paella night here I come 🙂

July 22, 2020 at 12:03 am

Wow! I love street food like Brazilian Coxinhas. This is an amazing article to fall in love with food.

April 21, 2021 at 9:40 pm

Wow! These are all amazing, and I don’t even know where to start trying recipes. Wonderful round-up you’ve put together here.

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

40 Simple And Easy Travel Food Ideas

We know you are in full vacation mode now, all thanks to the ease of COVID restrictions and EID . So let’s look at simple and easy travel food ideas.

Some of you have planned for long trips, and some have planned for picnics. We reach our travel destination & forget something back home in our excitement. But we request you not to forget your daily love- Food.

We care for you and have curated 1o simple & easy travel foods for you to pack in your backpack & enjoy the homemade fresh taste.

These foods will become your instant hunger killing tools. Your road journey will be so much amazing. Doing fun with your family, listen to fantastic music, and eat some quick finger foods.

We thought to bring you joy whoever you go through food. Because food makes our life more exciting. Are we right?

Get paper plates in hand because we are serving you some excellent dishes.

You can also check our 15 Fascinating Farsan Ideas For Diwali .

Download our Free Recipe Cookbook

Drinks to keep you refreshed during travelling, fresh raw mango juice.

Lemon Mint Juice Recipe

Variyali Sharbat – Saunf / Fennel Seeds Sharbat

Lemon Drop Shots Recipe (Without Alcohol)

Refreshing Virgin Mojito Recipe – Perfect Mojito At Home

Snacks To Carry While Travelling

Crispy corn kabab recipe.

Singapuri Rice – Singapore Fried Rice

Bombay Veg Sandwich

Fruit Chaat Recipe – Karachi Fruit Chaat

Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe – How to prepare Kuzhi Paniyaram

Poha Cutlet | Quick and Easy Cutlet

Paneer Nuggets | Cottage Cheese Nuggets

Cheese Stuffed Potato Cheese Balls

Rice Flour Nachos (Indian Style)

Leftover Roti Veg Quesadilla

Maggi Bhajiya Evening Snacks

Soya Chunks Manchurian (Dry)

How To Make Corn Fritters – Corn Bhajiya

Easy Corn Cutlet

Paneer Bread Ravioli | Paneer Bread Pakoda

Crispy Onion Rings

Cheesy Mince Tortilla Pie – Bakes Kheema Roti Pie

Elephant Foot Yam Recipe – Karunai Kilangu Shallow Fry

Pocket Pizza – Pocket Pizza with Ready Pizza Base

Spring Rolls Recipe – Chinese Spring Rolls

Aloo Manchurian – Street Food Taste at Home

Main Course Recipes To Eat

Aloo egg curry | anda curry.

Stuffed Karela or Bharwa Karela

Sabudana Khichdi or Sago Khichdi

Turiya Patra Gujarati Shaak

Besan Gatte Ki Sabzi | Besan Gatta Curry

Sweet Corn Pulav Recipe

Arbi / Chamadumpa Pulusu (Taro Root) Masala Curry

Baingan Masala Dhaba Style | Brinjal Masala

Sweets You Can Carry While Travelling

Orange burfi with milk powder.

Urad Dal Mesub – Winter Special Dhoraji Style

Crushed Peanut Chikki

Cocoa Dip Protein Bars

Mango Cupcakes Burfi (Aam Fudge) at Home

You are here: Home » Recipe Collections » 40 Simple And Easy Travel Food Ideas

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• About Marisa
• Work with me

Healthy Airplane Snacks

Published: May 24, 2023 · Modified: Jun 28, 2023 by Marisa Moore ·

Get the best healthy snacks for traveling by air plus non-perishable snacks for road trips and more. This dietitian-approved list of airplane snacks, travel-friendly snack recipes, and tips to pack food for the your next trip is just what you need to keep your healthy eating habits up on the road.

These airplane snacks for adults will keep you help you eat healthier while traveling and keep you full on long days with unpredictable food options. Plus, taking your own snacks on the plane saves money. 

Going by car instead? Check out my ideas for healthy road trip snacks and road trip meals !

Easy Airplane Snacks

Whole fruit. Firm bananas, apples, and oranges are top picks for fruit. But you can also carry along rinsed and dried grapes and blueberries with a little forethought.

Fruit is a good choice for hydration and for an extra dose of vitamin C for the road.

SKIP: Cut melons. Keep cut melons refrigerated and eat within 1-2 hours otherwise.

Nuts. Almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts and other nuts are one of my favorite snacks to bring onboard a plane. Don’t wait for the flight attendants to pass them out.

Carry a small bag of your own to squash hunger when it strikes and keep blood sugar levels stable. You can also carry little packets of nut butter to enjoy on an apple or with crackers.

Seeds. Like nuts, seeds provide plenty of satisfying protein and fiber to help keep you feeling full as you go through the day. These are especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids or others who have a nut allergy. Try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to start.

Dried fruit. Raisins and dried cranberries are common but you can also pack dried cherries, blueberries, mango, apricots and more for an energizing sweet snack.

Dried fruit tends to be high in fiber and iron. It’s a good addition to snack mixes, topper for oatmeal or on its own.

Dried vegetables. Freeze dried peas and beans, okra, carrots and other vegetables are a good option for a crunchy snack and boost of fiber.

Most “veggie” crisps and chips are not the same. Many are simply made with potato or rice flour and very little of the vegetables they claim to contain. 

TIP: Look for the vegetable to be listed as the first ingredient. Bonus points if it’s the main ingredient with only salt, other seasonings or oil listed after it. 

Puffed Beans and Peas. Look for chickpeas, lupini beans, fava beans and lentils. Many will be simply salted and others will be heavily seasoned with flavors ranging from barbeque and buffalo to garlic and herb.

Find these: Check the snack or gourmet foods aisle and end caps for baked peas, beans and lentils.

Trail mix . Pick up a bag of your favorite trail mix at the store or make your own. Include a combination of nuts, seeds and dried fruits, dried vegetables for a nourishing and delicious snack mix that can go from planes to a hiking trail.

Water. Yes. You can buy water in the airport but it’s expensive and a waste of plastic. Consider instead bringing a reusable water bottle to fill once you get through security and to use throughout your trip. 

TSA-Friendly, Healthy Snacks

Peanut butter is classified as a liquid according to the TSA. 

You can’t carry on a jar of peanut butter but you can carry peanut or almond butter squeeze packs . Those are usually just over 1 ounce – well under the 3.4 ounces of peanut butter the TSA allows in carry-on bags.

If you need a jar of peanut butter, put it in your checked bag – preferably with plenty of coverage to avoid any spills.

Yogurt is also considered a liquid. I found this out the hungry way a long time ago as I thought I’d eat my 5 ounce container of Greek yogurt at the gate. No. They took it. 

Other tricky foods limited to 3.4 ounces for carry-on include hummus and other creamy dips or spreads, salsa, jam and jellies.  

Check the full list of foods the TSA allows in carry-on and checked luggage before heading to the airport next time.

As you can see, there are plenty of options to take with you including the snacks I shared above and these travel-friendly recipes below.

Travel-Friendly Snack Recipes

If you have time to prep a few snacks, try these travel-friendly recipes.

Vegan Berry Oat Bars

These bars are one of the most popular recipes here and for good reason. They are made with oats, ground flaxseed, jam and just enough sugar for an easy snack bar that is mostly handoff to make. You can easily cool, slice and carry these for breakfast or a snack throughout your travel day.

Double Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups

These oat cups are perfect for an easy breakfast on the go. They freeze well and are perfect for a filling, slightly sweet snack on the way to the airport or on the plane. 

Prune Oatmeal Cookies Travel can be tough on the digestive system. These cookies might help. These cookies are held together with prunes which add natural sweetness plus sorbitol and phytonutrients which help support gut health.

Prunes can be a natural laxative too. So you might wait to eat these when you get to your destination!

Savory snacks can make you feel like you’re eating a meal. These are some good picks for travel.

Crunchy Air Fryer Chickpeas Seasoned however you’d like, crispy chickpeas are a high protein and fiber rich snack that eats more like a meal. To keep them fresh and uncrushed longer, consider packing in a small glass jar if that doesn’t add too much weight to your bag.

Herbed Cheese Cookies These cookies can be made up to 3 days ahead, packed and enjoyed throughout your travel day or the day after.

Want more of a meal than a snack? This Mediterranean pasta salad , smashed chickpea salad or quinoa salad with apple cider vinaigrette are all great options to carry on the plane.

How to pack snacks for the plane

Prevent spills and keep your meals and snacks from being crushed in your bag with the right gear. These sustainable options can help make plane snacks perfectly portable for years to come.

This section may contain affiliate links.

Get a variety of reusable snack bags – either silicone reusable storage bags or the more affordable reusable cloth snack bags and pouches . 

You can also protect and carry a sandwich or snack bars in reusable beeswax food wrappers .

A reusable water bottle takes up a little room in your carry-on. But it’s a great way to stay hydrated especially on travel day. Most airports have filtered water stations available.

Instead of spending $4 on a bottle of water or waiting a couple of hours or more for a half cup of water from the snack cart on the plane, consider taking your own bottle. Fill it up once you’re through security. Then use it to get water upon arrival in the hotel fitness center.

© ALL CONTENT COPYRIGHT MARISAMOORE.COM. Content may not be used or replicated without express consent.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Marisa's Monday Morsels!

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Details here .

27 Recipes that Travel Well and Look as Good as They Taste

Cindy Richards

From easy brunch recipes to make-ahead desserts, these dishes that travel well include something for just about every occasion, whether you’re going to Grandma’s house for a family get together or meeting your posse to plan your next girlfriend getaway.

We polled our Facebook readers for their favorite holiday potluck recipes they take when they travel, and these 30 came out on top. These foods have all been proven to travel well in the car, making them ideal dishes to bring to your next event.

We’ve broken them up into three different categories — brunch, appetizers and dessert — so you can easily find a dish that works for you.

If none of these potluck recipes work for you, just pick something that won’t be disturbed by a sharp turn or hard brake on the drive over. And make sure it’s something that tastes good whether you serve it at room temperature or cold.

If you really want to bring something that you’re worried might be disturbed when you travel, take the advice of our Facebook readers: Bring the ingredients separately and assemble the dish when you arrive. This works great for things like salads, veggie plates and even cheeseballs.

Our favorite reads for your next Girlfriend Getaway:  

Best Girls Trip Locations

The Coral at Atlantis

Brunch Recipes that Travel Well

Bake up some fresh bread like this apple yogurt bread with streusel topping the day before, then just wrap tightly for the trip.

This sausage breakfast casserole can be made ahead of time and tastes good even when it’s lukewarm. Put it together the night before, then bake it right before it’s time to go.

Like the casserole above, coffee cake is great because you can transport it in the same vessel you used to bake it. If the recipe calls for icing — like this maple walnut coffee cake —  just bring it with you and drizzle it over the top just before you serve.

These sausage, egg, bacon, cheese breakfast sliders are all made and served from a single casserole dish.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a comfort food favorite and if you leave them in the pan, they travel great. Take it up a notch for a Christmas party potluck with these festive eggnog cinnamon rolls .

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Use this  Rachel Ray Casserole Lugger to transport these dishes. It’s as pretty as it is efficient!

Opting for Individual Servings

These individual strawberry coffee cake muffins are calling our name. Make ahead of time and transport in a cool cupcake carrier or a muffin tin .

Make up a full batch of these breakfast burritos , individually wrap them for easy serving at the potluck, then just reheat the morning of the party. Transport in a large storage container that doubles as a way to take home leftovers.

Another great choice is homemade scones like these almond and cranberry ones . They can be made ahead without getting dry if you follow the tips in this recipe.

Appetizers that Travel Well

Go traditional with a cheese plate but take it up a notch by making these  easy Parmesan crackers .

Mix things up with a non-cheeseball like this cranberry, gorgonzola and walnut option.

You can always put together a simple veggie tray with dip at home or bring your veggies and assemble it at the party to avoid worrying about your pretty arrangement surviving the drive. At Christmas, go for a holiday-themed presentation like this incredibly cute Santa veggie tray .

You can’t ever go wrong with dip and dippers. Think chips and salsa, spinach artichoke dip with fresh bread, or even just the standard ranch dip with chopped veggies.

A bowl of candied nuts can be made up in just a few minutes and eaten just as quickly. Try these easy-to-make-and-carry spicy Southern pecans.

Individual Appetizer Recipe Ideas

If we learned anything during a pandemic, it is that we don’t always want many hands dipping into the same tub of dip. In that case, try one of these more individualized appetizers.

Try this cute 7-layer dip in individual serving cups.

Pigs in a blanket are a favorite with kids and adults. To make your recipe go further, try these small versions instead .

Skewers are a great option for easy-to-serve individual portions. Try these these antipasto skewers or, our favorite, these tropical chicken skewers.

One of our readers swore by deviled eggs and taking them in a  deviled egg carrier (that she only uses twice a year). Spice them up with a little bacon and jalapeño like this recipe .

Desserts that Travel Well

Skip the plate full of cute decorated cookies and go with these individually wrapped waffle cookies .

Individual dessert cups are always a pretty sight on a potluck table. These individual tiramisu cups are as easy to transport as they are yummy to eat.

Fudge is always a special treat. Whip up a batch of this no-bake Nutella fudge. To transport and serve, you can leave it in the pan or cut it and wrap individual pieces.

Truffles are simple to make, simple to transport and come in their own individual serving cup. Try these brownie peppermint truffles for a fun holiday twist.

What’s Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? Try these individual crustless pumpkin pies or pumpkin whoopie pie for individual servings. Now that we think about it, why do we have to wait until Thanksgiving? Pumpkin pie is good all year round!

Make upgraded brownies with this delicious mud pie brownie recipe then cut and individually package the brownies before you transport them. No one will ever know you started with a box.

One final option is any sort of sweet popcorn but this Grinch-inspired popcorn is our top choice. Package it into individual servings. Bonus points if you set it up alongside a Grinch doll.

Desserts that Must be Shared

Some things are better when shared. This death by chocolate poke cake is one of those things. It’s made for chocolate lovers and for transporting in a car.

A dump cake is a great choice because it’s not supposed to be pretty. Bake this hot chocolate dump cake ahead of time and bring ice cream or whipped cream to serve alongside.

2 responses

thanks for that

This came at the perfect time! Four parties tagged with the dreaded “potluck” invite! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Watch Full Seasons
• TV Schedule
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Restaurants
• Recipes on TV
• Food Network on Max
• Spring Entertainment
• Comfort Food

• Valerie's Home Cooking 7am | 6c
• Valerie's Home Cooking 7:30am | 6:30c
• Girl Meets Farm 8am | 7c
• Girl Meets Farm 8:30am | 7:30c
• The Pioneer Woman 9am | 8c
• The Pioneer Woman 9:30am | 8:30c
• The Pioneer Woman 10am | 9c
• The Pioneer Woman 10:30am | 9:30c
• Girl Meets Farm 11am | 10c
• Girl Meets Farm 11:30am | 10:30c
• Mary Makes It Easy 12pm | 11c
• Mary Makes It Easy 12:30pm | 11:30c
• The Kitchen 1pm | 12c
• Wildcard Kitchen 2pm | 1c
• Wildcard Kitchen 3pm | 2c
• Wildcard Kitchen 4pm | 3c
• Guy's Grocery Games 5pm | 4c
• Guy's Grocery Games 6pm | 5c
• Guy's Grocery Games 7pm | 6c
• Tournament of Champions 8pm | 7c
• Best Bite In Town 10pm | 9c
• Beat Bobby Flay 11pm | 10c
• Beat Bobby Flay 11:30pm | 10:30c
• Tournament of Champions 12am | 11c
• Best Bite In Town 2am | 1c
• Beat Bobby Flay 3am | 2c
• Beat Bobby Flay 3:30am | 2:30c

• Trending Eats

• Product Reviews
• Shop Everything

• Spring Into Cooking
• All Sweepstakes + Contests

• FN Dish Home
• Best Recipes

15 Packable Lunches That Have You Covered, Whatever Your Situation

Eat something you love, even when you’re on the go.

Related To:

Getting used to work at home is no easy feat, especially when it comes to eating lunch. We asked registered dietitians from around the country what they eat for lunch when working from home. Here are 10 healthier work-for-home lunch ideas using easy-to-find ingredients.

Photo by: JuliaMikhaylova; Getty Images

JuliaMikhaylova; Getty Images

Whether you’re packing a meal for the office or filling up your little one’s lunchbox , it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. When you feel like you’re short on ideas (and making the same things over and over again) turn to these recipes. They’re a breeze to make, travel well — and guaranteed to please.

Jeff Mauro makes a Quick and Slow Mediterranean Lentil Soup, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

In an Insulated Food Jar

If you prefer a warm lunch but don’t have access to a microwave try making a big batch of soup or pasta on the weekend. You can reheat a little at home in the morning, tuck it into an insulated food jar and enjoy midday. I love this Mediterranean Lentil Soup (pictured above) because it comes together in the slow-cooker (translation: you barely have to do anything to make it!). Plus, it yields 8-10 servings so you’ve got enough for the whole week — even if you’re prepping lunches for two. Another great option? Italian Wedding Soup with homemade meatballs.

If you’re packing lunch for a little one, this 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese will be your new go-to recipe. It stays nice and creamy and has a classic flavor, making it a kid-friendly fave. Plus, you’ll end up with 6 servings — and only one pot to clean up afterwards!

Or use your insulated food jar to keep lunch cold until it’s time to eat; pack an Easy Pasta Salad that can be customized to whatever veggies you’ve got on hand.

Food Network Kitchen’s Peanut Soba Noodles with Vegetable Salad for Healthy Dishes Every Grown Up Needs to Know, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Tara Donne

In a Bento Box

The beauty of packing your lunch in a bento box is that many styles give you a few individual compartments to work with. You can just as easily pack all the fixings for a hearty, colorful grain bowl as you can a sandwich or a wrap (with some fruits and veggies on the side). If you’re heading into the office, try whipping up a batch of Healthy Peanut Soba Noodles (pictured above). They’re vegetarian, full of protein and perfect straight from the refrigerator. Other great options include this Quinoa and Chicken Bowl (since your bento box will allow you to pack the tortilla chips in a separate compartment, keeping them crunchy) or slices of this Turkey Frittata (for breakfast-all-day vibes).

Sending your kiddo to school with a bento box? They’ll be excited to open it up and find these fun, swirly turkey-and-veggie wraps in one of the compartments!

Food Network Kitchen’s beet and brussel sprout salad as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

In a Mason Jar

There are a lot of things that you can pack up in a mason jar (especially if you have an assortment of lids ) but none quite as eye-catching as a layered salad. I love all the colors (and flavors) in this hearty Beets and Brussels Sprouts Salad-in-a-Jar (pictured above). It’s packed with tender-chewy barley, buttery walnuts and sweet, crunchy pomegranate seeds. Craving something with a little smoky spice instead? This flavorful Southwestern-Inspired Chicken Salad makes the perfect grab-and-go lunch.

Photo by: Armando Rafael

Armando Rafael

In a Lunch Box

With a little bit of planning, there’s almost no limit to what you can pack in your lunchbox — but nothing quite as satisfying as a good, old-fashioned sandwich. Now, just to be clear, I’m not talking about the boring deli-meat-between-two-slices-of-bread version. My idea of a lunch-worthy sandwich is one with next-level flavor like this Caprese Salad Sub Sandwich (pictured above) with salami, ham, fresh basil and thick slices of mozzarella cheese or a hearty Monster Muffaletta that’s loaded with olives and savory Italian meats.

Looking for something a little lighter and brighter, try a Lemon Roasted Chicken Salad Wrap , fruit-and-nut-filled Waldorf Chicken Wraps or a vegetarian Chickpea Salad Sandwich .

Related Content Our Top 25 Lunch Recipes Food Storage Containers That Make Office Lunch Enjoyable 32 Kid-Approved Lunches

Not Your Ordinary School Lunch

What Food Network Staffers Pack for School Lunch

Load Up the Kids' Lunchboxes for Back-to-School

5 Great Pantry Lunches That Aren’t Sandwiches

6 Lunch Ideas to Get You Through That Dreaded Midday Rut

A Week's Worth of Kid-Friendly Lunches That Skip the Bread

Your Kids Can Be In Charge of Their Own Lunch During the Week — Here’s How

7 Quick Lunches You Can Make on the Fly

5 Lunches That Kids and Parents Can Agree On

Lunchables Launches a Line of Microwavable Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Related pages.

• 35 Easy School Lunches for Kids
• 5 Family-Friendly Lunches
• A Week's Worth of Kid-Friendly Lunches That Skip...
• Kitchen Tools for AirBnB Summer Vacation Rental
• 10 Best Picnic Blankets
• 30 Best Father's Day Food Gift Ideas for Dad 2023

17 Make Ahead Appetizers That Travel Well (Easy Recipes)

• June 2, 2023
• Appetizers , Recipes

Not sure what to bring to a party that you’re traveling to?

Here are 17 easy make ahead appetizers that travel well and can be served cold or at room temperature so that you never have to come to a party empty-handed ever again.

Table of Contents

If you’re anything like me, you get a little stressed when asked to bring an appetizer to a party. What can I make that is both easy to make and will travel well? 

Well, fear not!

I have put together a list of 17 EASY recipes make ahead appetizers that travel well and are sure to become a crowd favorite.

What are some things to keep in mind when planning appetizers to take to a party?

When planning appetizers to take to a party, keep food safety in mind. Choose an appetizer that can be kept hot or cold on the road, or served at room temperature in case an oven isn’t available to use at your hosts’ house.

You may want to consider freezing the appetizer and then thawing it out in a cooler as you travel. Additionally, make sure to take into account any dietary restrictions of your fellow party-goers.

17 Make Ahead Appetizers That Travel Well

From dips and spreads to finger foods and easy cold appetizers, I’ve got you covered. So the next time you are faced with bringing food to a party, take a look at this list of portable appetizers and choose something that fits your needs or any requests from the host.

Cold appetizers that travel well

Here are some easy cold appetizer recipes and finger foods that can simply be made, placed on a serving plate, covered in plastic wrap, and simply unwrapped and served at the location of the party.

1. Loaded Cheese Ball

This easy recipe features a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, walnuts, and dried beef that’s shaped into a delicious ball of goodness and then topped with some green onions. Simply wrap it in some plastic wrap and bring it to a party. You can keep it in the fridge until ready to serve or simply serve at room temperature.

Make sure to also bring some crackers or fresh veggies for the guests to scoop up the cheese ball.

Recipe: Bitz & Giggles

Related: 17 Crazy Cool Ritz Cracker Treats

2. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for game day, family get-togethers, or the holiday season! Shredded chicken is mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch mix dressing and seasoned with hot sauce, blue cheese, and green onions. It’s perfect with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks.

Recipe: Saporito Kitchen

Related Post: 13 Mini Crockpot Dip Recipes

3. Fresh Corn Salsa

Recipe: I Heart Eating

Related Post: 30+ Make-ahead Freezable Appetizers

4. Beet Hummus

Beetroot dip, or hummus, is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy one of the earth’s finest vegetables. This vibrant pink dip is perfect for any party or gathering, and is sure to be a hit. Serve the creamy hummus with some pita chips, fresh veggies, and crackers, or use as a spread.

Recipe: The Salt and Sweet

Related: 50 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers for a Party

Pinwheel Wraps

Pinwheels are a great option for easy make-ahead appetizers as they taste great when served cold, can be easily transported, and are a bite-sized treat that are made with a flour tortilla that’s filled with a creamy filling, and always a total crowd-pleaser.

5. Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Roll Ups

Recipe: From Valerie’s Kitchen

Related: 17 Easy Party Food For a Crowd Cheap Recipes

6. Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Recipe: Will Cook for Smiles

7. Mediterranean Pinwheels

Recipe: Savor The Best

Related Post: 15 Easy No-Cook Finger Food Recipes

Skewers 

Need a last minute appetizer made from ingredients you most likely already have in your fridge? Skewers or kabobs are your best friend!

They are easy cold appetizers that can be made ahead and customized to your liking. Here are 3 skewers recipes to choose from:

8. Antipasto Skewers

Recipe: From Valeries Kitchen

Related: 17 Simple Cold Appetizers on a Stick

9. Salad Kabobs

Recipe: Sunglow Kitchen

Related: 45 Bite-Sized Appetizers for Your Party

10. Fresh Fruits on Skewers

Recipe: Spend With Pennies

Related: Light Appetizers To Serve Before A Heavy Meal

Make ahead room temperature appetizers:

These appetizers taste best when served at room temperature or slightly heated up for a few minutes if you have an oven available.

11. Rolo Stuffed Ritz Crackers

These caramel and chocolate stuffed rolo treats can be made up to 3 days in advance and are perfect for serving at room temperature.

Recipe: OhClary

12. Whipped Feta Dip

This flavorful dip is a quick 5-minute recipe that looks super elegant and is perfect for bringing to fancy events.

You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this unique dip recipe including feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon, and some grape or cherry tomatoes to top.

Serve with pita wedges, crostini, crackers, and veggie sticks. The whipped feta dip would also be perfect to be served as the star on a cheese board.

Recipe: Herbs & Flour

Related: 20+ Appetizers With Ground Beef

13. Taco Pinwheels

Delicious pinwheels stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese topped with your favorite taco toppings. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than a regular taco, these taco roll-ups have come to blow your mind and impress all the party guests!

Recipe: Love From The Oven

Related: 27 Winter Finger Food Ideas for Parties

14. Rachel Rays Swiss Bacon Dip

This creamy dip is the perfect combination of savory and salty, with a bit of a kick from the horseradish!

If you want a dip recipe that will have your guests scraping the bowl for the last drop and asking you for the recipe, try this easy appetizer recipe!

Recipe: Get On My Plate

Related: Best Game Day Appetizers and Easy Finger Foods

15. Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites

Delicious finger food bites made with store-bought puff pastry. It features classic Christmas ingredients such as brie cheese, cranberry sauce, fig jam, and walnuts and would be perfect at serving at a holiday gathering.

Recipe: Simply Scrumptious

Related Post: 25 Christmas Finger Food Recipes

16. Garlic Knots

Little strips of dough that are knotted up and topped with a garlic parmesan cheese topping and baked to golden brown perfection. Serve with some tomato sauce for a satisfying snack.

Related: 25 Savoury Puff Pastry Appetizers

17. Sushi Bake Cupcakes

Indulge in Baked Sushi Cups, a unique twist on a classic favorite. These delicious sushi-inspired appetizers offer a delightful and innovative way to enjoy sushi at your next gathering or party. Plus, they are so easy to make ahead in large quantities thanks to the use of a muffin pan!

18. Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This portable appetizer is the easiest dip you could ever make and it’s super easy to transport in your crockpot. Simply dump all of the ingredients into your crockpot, set it to cook, and when ready, take the whole crock pot to the party and plug it in to keep warm. Serve with some pita chips or crackers and watch how everyone will want to try this delicious creamy and cheesy dip!

Easy Recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip

19. Garlic Butter Steak Bites 

These delicious steak bites in a garlic butter sauce are the perfect easy manly appetizers for Game Day or any other party where there are lots of meat lovers.

They are super easy to transport and will be sure to be a huge crowd-pleaser!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Appetizer Recipe

Related: 10 Easy Chinese Appetizers To Try

17 Individual Appetizers in a Cup

17 Cold Appetizers for Outdoor Party

21 Fall Appetizers for Party (Autumn)

13 BEST Poolside Snacks That Are Easy to Make

17 Appetizers to Take to Christmas Party

31 Blue Foods for a Party

31 Fall Themed Food for Party Ideas

15 Make Ahead Appetizers That Travel Well (Easy Recipes)

No one wants to show up to a party empty handed. These 15 easy make ahead appetizers that travel well will make you the MVP of any party! All of these recipes can be made in advance and are sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

• Loaded Cheese Ball
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Fresh Corn Salsa
• Beet Hummus
• Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Roll Ups
• Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Pinwheels
• Mediterranean Pinwheels
• Antipasto Skewers
• Salad Kabobs
• Fresh Fruits on Skewers
• Whipped Feta Dip
• Taco Pinwheels
• Rachel Rays Swiss Bacon Dip
• Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites
• Garlic Knots

Instructions

• Select your favorite recipe for portable appetizers from the article.
• Click on the link to get the full recipe.
• Cook and enjoy the delicious treats!

Nutrition Information:

The nutritional information is based on the Buffalo Chicken Dip (#2 recipe on the list)

And there you have it.

15 delicious & easy appetizers that travel well to bring to your next party!

What do you think are the best appetizers that travel well to bring to a party?

Let me know in the comments down below. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Holidays & Seasons
• Thanksgiving

23 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes That Travel Well

Appetizers and side dishes that can be made ahead of time—and are guaranteed to please.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Cold or Room-Temperature Dishes

Here's a situation you might find yourself in during the days leading up to Thanksgiving: You're not preparing the full dinner at your house this year (sweet relief!), but you are driving a few hours or taking the train to spend the holiday with family or friends. And, like the avid and helpful cook you are, you've offered to contribute a dish to relieve some of the pressure of your harried hosts. Perfect. Is the time to tackle that task Thanksgiving morning when you're scrambling to pack and map out your route and somehow keep your kids from a minor riot as you occupy yourself with all of the above? It, for certain, is not. What you want is a dish you can start well in advance of Thanksgiving Day—at least 24 hours ahead, but preferably even earlier, just to give yourself plenty of leeway—and one that will arrive at grandma's house unscathed.

If you were quick-thinking enough to volunteer for pie duty, you're set: pretty much any of our Thanksgiving pies can be made a minimum of two days in advance, refrigerated, and then re-crisped for 30 minutes in a warm oven. But if you've been assigned a savory casserole or creamy dip, you still have a number of options that either can be served cold or at room temperature or require only a brief stay in the oven before serving. (Just remember to check with your host before you start cooking to reserve space in that oven—and don't assume there'll be room to spare!) Below, we've assembled some of our favorite make-ahead, travel-friendly Thanksgiving dishes that will let you get the prep out of the way early but also score you full good-guest points.

French Onion Dip

Serious Eats / Victor Protasio

Worcestershire sauce and Parmesan both contribute powerful umami flavors to this intensely oniony dip, while a splash of lemon juice adds a necessary dose of brightness. Not only can you make it in advance (up to five days ahead), but it also improves in flavor as it sits in the refrigerator.

Miso, Pork, and Walnut Dip for Vegetables

Far from being an afterthought, a thoughtfully assembled crudité platter is a great way to ease yourself into a day of heavy eating. Often, it's the dip that separates a great crudité plate from one that's just passable, and this savory, Japanese-inspired combination of salty miso, ground pork, and rich walnuts is a perfect match for crunchy vegetables (either raw or lightly cooked). It lasts for about a week in the fridge, too.

Whipped Feta Dip

Greek yogurt and feta are whipped together to produce a simple—and easy to customize—dip that travels exceedingly well and will fit into any appetizer spread. You may want to cart along a bit of extra yogurt, just in case it needs to be loosened up upon arrival.

Roasted Cauliflower With Pine Nut, Raisin, and Caper Vinaigrette

Serious Eats / J. Kenji López-Alt

Roasting is one of the best ways to treat cauliflower, turning a mild vegetable sweet, nutty, and deeply browned. It's delicious on its own, but adding a complex vinaigrette of briny capers, sweet raisins, and rich pine nuts makes it worthy of a special occasion. Though the recipe calls for the cauliflower to be served immediately, we find it's just as good at room temp.

Beet and Wheat Berry Salad With Pickled Apples and Pecans

Sweet roasted beets, sautéed beet greens, chewy wheat berries, tangy pickled apples, and crunchy pecans combine in a salad that's robust, seasonal, and refreshing. All of the ingredients hold their shape well and retain freshness, so they'll stand up to a long car ride. The beets will stain the other ingredients more deeply the longer the salad sits, but otherwise, there's no downside to assembling it three days in advance.

Roasted-Chickpea and Kale Salad With Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

For hearty fall and winter salads that last surprisingly long in the fridge, kale is a tough base to beat. Here, we combine the sturdy green with earthy chickpeas—canned, yes, but we roast them first for better flavor—and a simple, bright dressing of sun-dried tomatoes, cilantro, and mint. It's a great respite from all the rib-sticking fare of a traditional Thanksgiving spread, and it'll be just as good three days after you make it, if not even better.

Easy Make-Ahead Carrot and Chickpea Salad With Dill and Pumpkin Seeds

This dead-simple, make-ahead salad combines chickpeas, grated carrot, dill, and toasted pepitas for a dish that effectively mixes a range of flavors and textures in surprisingly few ingredients. For best results, simmer dried chickpeas with a few aromatics until tender, though canned beans work, too.

Fall Harvest Salad With Roasted Brassicas, Fingerlings, and Radishes

This salad was designed to be made ahead of time and assembled right before serving, so it's a perfect dish to cart over to a Thanksgiving dinner. One of the key elements of the salad is the mix of raw and roasted radishes and sunchokes, which adds a bunch of textural and flavor contrast to an already interesting combination of roasted brassicas, bitter greens, toasted sunflower seeds, and boiled potatoes.

Make-Ahead Chickpea Salad With Cumin and Celery

Another easy chickpea dish to whip up, this one adds crisp celery and bright parsley to the chickpeas and tosses it all in a vinaigrette of olive oil, shallot, and cumin. Make extra and take a portion to work for lunch on the Monday after the holiday—yeah, it really will keep that long.

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad With Chutney Vinaigrette

Serious Eats / Jennifer Segal

Pairing the inherent sweetness of sweet potato with savory ingredients creates a more balanced preparation for the seasonal root vegetable. In this case, we coat roasted sweet potato chunks with a spicy-sweet dressing made from mango chutney, Dijon mustard, and honey. Chewy dried cranberries, sliced scallions, and toasted almonds add more interesting textures and flavors. This one is best served at room temperature if you're making ahead.

Make-Ahead Roasted Squash and Kale Salad With Spiced Nuts, Cranberries, and Maple

This salad combines sweet roasted butternut squash with roasted kale in a vinaigrette flavored with maple syrup and sherry vinegar, along with some spiced pecans for crunch and dried cranberries for a nice chewy texture. It's a delightful salad when it's made fresh, but the flavors and textures actually get even better as it sits in the fridge overnight.

Wild Rice Salad With Dried Cranberries, Pickled Apples, and Pecans

Since wild rice is native to North America, it makes a particularly holiday-appropriate grain salad. In this dish, the wild rice is combined with cranberries and pickled apples, along with toasted pecans, sautéed onion, and celery for savory depth. Be sure to keep the pickled apples separate from the rest of the components and add them in while dressing the salad with the reserved pickling brine right before serving.

Deviled Eggs

Who doesn't love deviled eggs? Since they're the perfect hors d'oeuvre, they're also the perfect dish to bring along for a Thanksgiving feast. While we have many, many variations to choose from , why not try out the ones Kenji served at his restaurant, Wursthall ? Homemade mayo, a bunch of mustard, a glug of the pickling liquid from pickled peppers, and some added vinegar make a rich and bright filling that you can pipe into perfectly cooked white halves. Right before serving, finish them off with pickled mustard seeds, a sprinkling of fragrant and floral ground pepper, along with a hit of good olive oil and crunchy salt.

Thanksgiving Stuffed Roast Pumpkins

Not everything in life is a competition. But if there were a competition for best dish ever brought by a guest to Thanksgiving, this dish would win it. Roasted pumpkins stuffed with an autumnal mix of mushrooms, kale, kabocha squash, and cheese can serve as a vegetarian centerpiece for a Thanksgiving meal, but they also have the potential to upstage a Norman Rockwell-esque roasted turkey, both in terms of flavor and presentation. These stuffed pumpkins can be made two days in advance and just need a bit of time in the oven before serving.

Warm Butternut Squash and Cheddar Dip

Serious Eats / Morgan Eisenberg

If there's no such thing as too many casseroles at your Thanksgiving dinners, start off in fine form with this perfectly seasonal (and unapologetically cheesy) baked appetizer of nutty roasted butternut squash, sage, caramelized onions, cream cheese, and cheddar. Serve with pita chips or crackers, and make sure they're big enough for scooping up all those stretchy bands of melted cheese. This dip can be made up to three days in advance and then baked just before serving.

Cranberry-Jalapeño Baked Brie Dip

Gooey melted Brie is a hit on its own, but when combined with a sweet, tart, and slightly spicy topping of minced cranberries and a bit of jalapeño, it becomes an instant party favorite. Low effort, high reward!

The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole

While many of us have a soft spot for the canned-beans, canned-mushroom-soup, canned-everything casserole that's traditional at Thanksgiving, a few upgrades and substitutions—blanched fresh green beans, a homemade mushroom sauce, and a freshly fried crispy-shallot topping—will improve on the flavor and texture of the original by leaps and bounds. Once the casserole is assembled, it can be refrigerated for up to two days before baking and topping.

Crispy Mashed Potato Casserole With Bacon, Cheese, and Scallions

Mashed potatoes aren't known for their ability to reheat well, but there are nevertheless a few ways to make them ahead of time and serve them up good as new. One of our favorites is this smooth and creamy whipped-potato casserole topped with all the ingredients of a classic loaded baked potato: cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions. Incorporating sour cream into the mash adds enough moisture to allow the potatoes to keep for a few days without drying out.

Hasselback Potato Gratin

The original incarnation of Hasselback potatoes had its day in the sun, but it pales in comparison to this rich gratin. We line up very thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish and cover them partway with a sauce of heavy cream, Gruyère, and parmesan, resulting in a satisfying combination of gratin-style creaminess and crisp, browned edges. This casserole does require about an hour and a half in the oven, so plan accordingly with your hosts.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

If oven macaroni and cheese is a regular feature at your family's Thanksgiving dinners (or, you know, any celebratory family meal whatsoever), you're bound to find exactly the dish of cheesy comfort you're looking for in one of these two recipes. We've got a more classic, béchamel-based version that allows for a sharper flavor of cheese or a more modern iteration with an extra-smooth-and-gooey, well-emulsified sauce. Either way, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake, with no real damage done.

Sweet Potato Casserole

By incorporating a range of flavors from other ingredients—like nutty brown butter, spicy ginger, and fragrant sage—and roasting the sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sugars, we developed a sweet potato casserole that's just as sweet as it ought to be, no more. (But don't worry—you'll still get your fluffy melted-marshmallow topping!)

Cauliflower Gratin

Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

Here, a miso-enhanced mornay sauce made with Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano and a buttery breadcrumb topping make this an easy and comforting dish with a savory depth. What better way to get your veggies in than drowning them with all the good stuff?

Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprouts Gratin

If your loved ones still aren't on the Brussels sprout bandwagon, perhaps this will be the recipe to bring them into the fold: a super-rich casserole that enrobes the little sprouts in heavy cream and Gruyère and surrounds them with salty bacon lardons. Make it ahead through step two and then pop it in the oven for just 20 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Mmm, vegetables.

November 2019

More serious eats recipes.

Spatula Desserts US

27 Travel-Friendly Desserts To Bring to an Easter Dinner

Posted: March 30, 2024 | Last updated: March 30, 2024

Don't even try to travel with a massive, messy tart or a giant frozen ice cream cake. It won't end well. Instead, bring one of these 27 travel-friendly desserts to Easter this year. These desserts require no refrigeration and are easy to pack up and take with you. Plus, they are all extremely easy and perfect for a fancy Easter dinner! These desserts check all the boxes, so you should really start baking them right away!

Mini Carrot Cakes

Carrot cake has the best texture, I'm sure you'll agree. Crazy moist and topped with soft, silky cream cheese frosting, it's one of my favorites. This mini dessert version of carrot cake is the perfect individual-size portion for the dessert table, you'll love it!

Go to the recipe: Mini Carrot Cakes

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

These easy  raspberry cheesecake cookies  are made with fresh raspberries, stuffed with cream cheese filling, and sprinkled with cheesecake crust. They are divine!

Go to the recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

Pie Crust Cookies

Ever wonder what to make with leftover pie dough? The scraps lying on your counter will never again be thrown away or languish in the fridge with no purpose. Instead, make these delectable little buttery cookies for the perfect mini treat.

Go to the recipe: Pie Crust Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Brighten up your world with a burst of citrusy bliss with this easy-to-make and delectably delicious  Italian lemon ricotta cookies ! With their soft melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of tangy to sweet, these lemon cookies are a true delight!

Go to the recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Brownie Muffins

Crackly on the top, chewy on the edges, and fudgy in the center, this 7-ingredient brownie muffin  recipe is a brownie lover's dream! Baked in a large muffin pan, they are full of decadent chocolate, perfectly balanced with a dash of salt, and downright gooey good!

Go to the recipe: Brownie Muffins

Mini Blueberry Muffins

Moist mini Blueberry muffins are the ultimate cute small dessert or perfect portable breakfast, the best blueberry desserts in my view. Furthermore, this easy mini muffin recipe is made from only a few easy-to-find ingredients, and a full batch takes less than 15 minutes to bake. The only issue is how many of them you'll want to eat.

Go to the recipe: Mini Blueberry Muffins

Nutella Puff Pastry Twist

Filled with the divine flavor combination of rich creamy chocolate hazelnut these crisp flakey  Nutella Puff Pastry Twists  are simply scrumptious! It's a quick and easy 2-ingredient recipe using store-bought puff pastry that takes just 30 minutes to make! 

Go to the recipe: Nutella Puff Pastry Twist

Mini Brownie Bites

There can't be many people in the world who don't love brownies. Certainly, baking brownies is one of my favorite things to do, and brownie bites are the perfect mini-chocolate desserts to make for parties, snacks, and more.

Go to the recipe: Mini Brownie Bites

Banana Mini Muffins

What better way to use over-ripe bananas than super moist banana mini muffins ? What's more, this easy mini dessert recipe has less than 10 ingredients and takes under 30 minutes to make. I love to throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for some added crunch.

Go to the recipe: Banana Mini Muffins

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts

Hokkaido baked cheese tarts are the ultimate rich and creamy Japanese desserts with crunchy shortcrust tart base and distinct sweet and savory cheesy filling. Pâte Sablée aka sweet shortcrust pastry tart filled with a combination of creamy, sweet, and savory dairy and cheese products such as heavy cream, Philadephia cream cheese, and parmesan cheese. You will love it, one of the best finger desserts for summer!

Go to the recipe: Hokkaido Tarts

Elegant French Financiers are long finger cakes made with nut flour and browned butter, and you can have so much fun with flavor combinations.

Their cute and dainty rectangular shape is said to be reminiscent of bars of gold, hence their name. Serve these little tea cakes in the afternoon with a hot drink or as petit fours after dinner.

Go to the recipe: Financiers

Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Butter

These fudgy, gooey, homemade  chocolate chip cookies without butter  are the perfect solution for when you've run out of butter at home or need to replace the butter altogether. This butterless chocolate chip cookie recipe uses oil to create moist, rich chocolatey cookies without sacrificing flavor or texture. They're so delicious; you won't even notice the difference!

Go to the recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Butter

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

These delicious  almond flour peanut butter cookies  aren't just gluten-free and packed with flavor; they are also incredibly straightforward to make! These cookies are made with almond flour, creamy peanut butter, two types of sugar, and a hint of vanilla to create delicious, gooey cookies that the whole family will love.

Go to the recipe:   Almond Flour Peanut Butter

Brownie Blondies

Can´t choose between brownies vs. blondies? You don´t have to! This brownie blondies recipe might become your favorite, the perfect combination of chewy chocolate brownies and fudge blondies! It is rich, yet very well-balanced in sweetness! Absolutely out of this world, a must-try recipe for brownie and blondie lovers!

Go to the recipe: Brownie Blondies

These deliciously sweet and buttery  Palmiers  cookies are perfectly light, crispy, and crunchy perfection with each bite! Made with just a package of store-bought puff pastry and a bit of sugar, this 2-ingredient easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes!

Go to the recipe: Palmiers

Dairy-free Brownies

Ooey gooey on the inside, crinkly on the top, and easy peasy to make, these 8-ingredient dairy free brownies  can be made in under an hour! With oil used in place of butter, these decadent bars of fudgy goodness have perfectly chewy edges, a super moist middle, and lots of intense chocolate flavor!

Go to the recipe: Dairy-Free Brownies

Coconut Muffins

These moist and fluffy  coconut muffins  are the perfect tropical touch to your breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. Made with shredded coconut, a hint of vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness, they are packed with flavor and just the right texture to keep your mouth watering for more!

Go to the recipe: Coconut Muffins

Danish Butter Cookies

For a simple yet flavorful dessert or snack that the whole family will love, these buttery and soft  Danish butter cookies  (also known as Danish biscuits) will not disappoint! Using the same six ingredients from the classic Royal Dansk Danish cookies in the blue tin that many know and love.

Go to the recipe: Danish Butter Cookies

Mini Bundt Cakes

Whether you prefer fruity, nutty, tangy, or chocolatey desserts, you'll find a favorite amongst my 25 different flavor combinations of mini bundt cakes , made in mini! Cute and versatile and with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, what's not to love?

Go to the recipe: Mini Bundt Cakes

Strawberry Muffins

Sweet, light, and packed with fruity flavor, these  strawberry muffins  are the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch menu. This easy strawberry muffin recipe uses fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla flavor to create a delicious and versatile muffin that the whole family will love. And they only take 30 minutes to bake!

Go to the recipe: Strawberry Muffins

Biscoff Brownies

This  Biscoff brownies recipe uses both Biscoff cookie spread and Biscoff cookies so if you're a big fan of Biscoff cookie butter and fudgy brownies, you need to try this! By following my step-by-step guide, you can make wonderfully gooey brownies easily loaded with Biscoff!

Go to the recipe: Biscoff Brownies

Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making  brown butter pecan chocolate chip cookies is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to celebrate the flavors we all love! Luxurious Chocolate chip cookies loaded with pecans, cinnamon, brown butter, and brown sugar make the cookies wonderfully rich yet very well balanced in sweetness with added sea salt. These cookies are chewy on the outside and gooey on the inside with deep chocolate and nutty flavors.

Go to the recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

No Bake Cookie Dough Bites

Indulge in nostalgia with these  edible cookie dough bites  – the perfect no-bake, hassle-free treat to satisfy your sweet tooth! Crafted from just 7 simple ingredients, the dough is infused with aromatic vanilla and generously studded with mini chocolate chips, offering a delightful mix of buttery goodness and chocolatey crunch.

Go to the recipe: Cookie Dough Bites

Pistachio Muffins

If you like pistachios, you will love these delicious bakery-style  pistachio muffins ! This easy muffin recipe uses 100% natural ingredients and combines oil and butter to make the most flavorful, moist, and fluffy muffins, they are then topped with homemade pistachio butter. Pistachio muffins without pudding or artificial flavors and color!

Go to the recipe: Pistachio Muffins

Pecan Snowball Cookies

These sweet and crunchy buttery  pecan snowball cookies are a delicious way to decorate your dessert table! Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cookies, these snowy treats use just a handful of basic pantry staples to create a fun-shaped and eye-catching dessert that all ages will love.

Go to the recipe: Pecan Snowball Cookies

White Chocolate Brownies

These scrumptious  white chocolate brownies  elevate the classic brownie to an entirely new level of heavenly yumminess by blending rich, creamy white chocolate into a perfectly soft and fudgy baked good! Whether you’re a lover of white chocolate or looking to try a new twist on traditional brownies, this decadent sweet treat is easy to make and sure to leave you craving more!

Go to the recipe: White Chocolate Brownies

Apple Roses with Puff Pastry

If you have been looking for an elegant treat to add to your dessert table, these easy  apple roses with puff pastry  are just what you have been looking for! Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a light and flaky puff pastry crust, this dessert isn’t just eye-catching but mouthwateringly delicious.

Go to the recipe: Apple Roses with Puff Pastry

More from Spatula Desserts

Are you looking for some great ideas for  Easter cupcakes? Well, you have come to the right place! I am in love with these 35 amazing Easter cupcake recipes. Each one is perfect for the spring and a great addition to any Easter table. From bright, bold lemon cupcakes to fluffy but rich chocolate cupcakes, I know you will adore every one of these little, sweet cakes. Every bunny will love these Easter cupcake recipes!!

Go to the recipe : Easter Cupcakes

Best No Bake Desserts

When you need to whip up a quick dessert but don’t have access to an oven, this list of the best no-bake desserts  will save the day! The following shares 35 sweet and decadent dessert recipes that are easy to make, use simple ingredients and don’t require you to get anywhere near an oven. Whether you make them to enjoy at home or for a group of friends, these no-bake treats will definitely impress!

Go to the recipes: No Bake Desserts

Best Cookie Recipes

All the different types of cookies  with pictures in one place! Whether you prefer chocolate chip, oatmeal, drop, thumbprint, or icebox, consider this the ultimate guide to different types of cookies.

Go to the recipes: Best Cookie Recipes

This article originally was published as the Top 31 Best Mini Desserts at Spatula Desserts .

More for You

Michael Bloomberg is worth an estimated $106 billion — but you won't find him on the Bloomberg rich list

Experts Say These Are The 5 Worst Foods For Your Cholesterol

Germany's 'Luftwaffe' Deployed To Intercept Russian Plane Over Baltic Sea

"They don't cuddle their guys like ours" - Rex Chapman breaks down why Europeans are dominating the NBA

An America fighting itself in "Civil War": "It's a warning"

6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From Buying

I moved from the US to Ireland. Here are 11 things that surprised me most.

These 5 popular fast-food chains went out of business, but why?

Can You Eat Potatoes with Sprouts?

Cholesterol-gobbling gut bacteria could protect against heart disease

Winter Storm Warning Map Shows 5 States Set for 'Blowing Snow'

Pitcher from Reds 'Big Red Machine' era dead at 71

This new 'blended-wing' plane looks like a military stealth bomber and just got the green light to fly after decades of development

10 Aldi Items Frugal People Always Buy

Supreme Court Likely to Side With Biden on Free Speech Ruling

Tiger Woods opens huge entertainment venue off Las Vegas Strip

12 Low-Sugar Fruits You Should Be Eating, Recommended by Dietitians

Russian Pantsir-M System Destroys Storm Shadow for First Time: Manufacturer

"He blinded me with those diamonds" - When Scottie Pippen motivated the Portland Trail Blazers by showing off his 6 championship rings

These Are the 28 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Braised ribs, potato salad and plum crostata: Sophie Hansen’s potluck-friendly recipes

Need to bring a plate? Whether you need a main, side or dessert, Sophie Hansen – Instagram’s @locallovely – has three crowd-pleasing dishes that will travel well

Braised beef short ribs

This a recipe from my friend Ree Booth and it’s an absolute winner. It’s easy to bring together, tastes wonderful and is a substantial main – a great dish to take to any gathering.

It travels well too. Try to time the cooking so the ribs will be done just before heading out the door. They should keep their heat for a while but, if you have access to a hotplate or an oven, give them a quick reheat just before serving. Or to help keep it warm, wrap the casserole dish in a couple of tea towels and ensure the lid is securely tied down, then tuck it into a laundry basket with some towels to keep as much heat in as possible.

Prep 20 min, plus marinating Cook 4-6 hours Serves 6-8

1.2kg beef short ribs 2 handfuls green beans , trimmed

For the marinade 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cayenne pepper 1 tbsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper

For the cooking sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 brown onion, diced 1 heaped tbsp tomato paste 80ml Worcestershire sauce (⅓ cup) 500ml chicken stock (2 cups)

Trim the ribs of any excess fat and place them in a large container.

To make the marinade, combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl, add to the ribs and mix and rub to coat them well. Cover and place in the fridge to marinate overnight, or for at least four to six hours.

Heat the barbecue or a hotplate to high and sear the ribs on all sides until they are nicely browned. Set aside while you make the cooking sauce.

Preheat the oven to 140C.

In a large ovenproof casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the onion for about 10 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the beef ribs, stirring to coat well. Transfer the dish to the oven and cook slowly for four to six hours, or until the meat is tender and almost falling off the bone. Add the green beans for the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Serve warm.

Super herby potato salad

Even though it’s autumnal in feel, this salad is great for the summer too, as it doesn’t contain any dairy or mayonnaise that will spoil if left out at room temperature, and all that lemon and the herbs bring zing and lightness. I would take this potato salad over its mayonnaise-heavy counterpart any day.

This potato salad is so easy to transport, mostly because it contains no mayonnaise or dairy. Just keep it cool and sealed in its container. It’s generally OK to leave it out at room temperature for an hour or so before serving.

Prep 15 min Cook 15 mins Serves 6-8

1kg baby potatoes , halved or quartered if large 2 tbsp salt 3 tbsp tarragon leaves 1 good handful dill, plus extra for finishing 1 good handful parsley leaves, plus extra for finishing 1 good handful mint leaves, plus extra for finishing 2 tbsp dijon mustard 125ml extra-virgin olive oil (½ cup) 60ml white wine vinegar (¼ cup) ½ tsp honey 3 crisp green apples , cored and finely sliced (into matchsticks is great)

Place the potatoes and salt in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and leave until still warm but cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile, let’s deal with all those herbs. Combine the tarragon, dill, parsley and mint on a board and chop finely. Place in a large jug or bowl and add the mustard, olive oil, vinegar, honey and some salt and pepper to taste, and whisk into a herby sludge (this also makes a great dressing for steamed green beans).

Transfer the warm potatoes to a container or serving bowl and pour the dressing and sliced apples over them. Gently toss to combine and finish with extra chopped herbs.

Plum and ricotta crostata

I spent a few years living in Italy in my 20s and during this time I fell for crostata. I loved how whenever there was a dinner party or gathering, my friends would stop at a pasticceria to buy a beautifully wrapped crostata to give to the host. It’s just the thing to take to a celebration of any kind.

Once cooled, this crostata is a good traveller. Just pop it in a tray or container so it can’t roll around the back of the car.

Prep 25 min, plus resting Cook 40 min Serves 8-10

320g plum jam or other jam of your choice (1 cup), apricot and blackberry are my favourites; quince is amazing, too. 55g caster sugar (¼ cup)

For the pastry 250g plain flour (1⅔ cups) 100g icing sugar 1 tsp grated lemon zest 1 tsp baking powder A pinch of salt 125g cold butter , cubed (½ cup) 1 egg 1 egg yolk

For the ricotta filling 230g ricotta (1 cup) 30g icing sugar (¼ cup) 1 vanilla pod , seeds scraped 3 eggs

To make the pastry, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Tip on to a clean work surface and add the butter, rubbing it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand (with a few small pebbles). Make a well in the centre and add the egg and yolk. Using a light hand, bring the mixture together until you have a smooth dough (it’s OK if there are some streaks of butter). Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

To make the filling, in a large bowl whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.

Place the jam in a small saucepan and gently heat, then set aside.

Preheat the oven to 180C.

To roll out the crostata, remove about one-third of the pastry. Roll out the remaining two-thirds until you have a large disc about 4mm thick. Gently transfer the pastry into a 22cm fluted, loose-bottomed tart tin (a springform cake tin will be fine too – you will want to trim the edges of your pastry first).

Trim any excess pastry, leaving a 1cm border and fold this down into the edge of the tin to reinforce the crust. Spoon the ricotta mixture on to the base of the pastry and top with dollops of jam.

Roll out the remaining pastry and slice into about 10 long strips. Arrange five of these strips across the top of the tart, spaced evenly apart, then arrange the remaining five strips to form a lattice pattern, weaving the strips over and under each other.

Trim any excess pastry, sprinkle with the caster sugar and bake for 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Serve warm or chilled (it slices more easily when chilled).

This is an edited extract from What Can I Bring? by Sophie Hansen, available now through Murdoch Books (RRP $49.99)

• Australian food and drink
• Autumn food and drink
• Australian lifestyle

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

The ultimate Travel guru

Introduction :

If you are a traveler than healthy homemade food for indian Travelers Visiting India can be a pleasant experience, but it often involves lengthy travel times on trains, buses, or local transportation. Healthy food for indian travelers here to help you prepare delicious and nutritious homemade travel food that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout your trip, that’s why we’re here. 

India’s diverse culinary landscape offers a wide range of mouthwatering dishes, but convenience and health are often the top priorities when it comes to travel. Although railway stations and bus stops have a variety of snacks and meals, they may not always match your dietary preferences or nutritional goals. 

By planning and packing your own healthy home made travel food you not only ensure that you have tasty and wholesome options at your fingertips but also save money and reduce food wastage. Let’s explore the world of travel-friendly recipes and tips that will make your journey a gastronomic adventure.

Table of Contents

5 healthy homemade food for indian travelers, paratha rolls.

The numerous fillings and versatility of parathas make them a great travel companion. These flatbreads are not only delicious but also easy to carry. Prepare a batch of parathas filled with your favorite filling before you embark on your journey, such as spicy Aloo (potato), succulent paneer (cottage cheese), or a medley of mixed vegetables. By wrapping them up, sealing them in aluminum foil or airtight containers, you have a hearty breakfast that’s ready to be enjoyed whenever hunger strikes.. Here’s how you can create  Paratha Rolls:

Ingredients :

• Whole wheat parathas
• Filling of your choice (aloo, paneer, or mixed vegetables)
• Aluminum foil or airtight container

Instructions :

• Prepare the parathas and let them cool.
• Add your chosen filling, roll them up, and wrap in foil or pack in a container.
• Enjoy a flavorful and hearty breakfast on the move!

Poha, a popular Indian breakfast dish, is a great option for travellers. It is a popular breakfast in Mumbai and quite popular in Mumbai . As Mumbai is a fast pace city, that we all know.

Poha, a popular breakfast dish in many parts of India, is extremely accessible for travel. Poha can be made with peas, peanuts, and your favourite spices in a flavourful batch without much effort. 

A quick and nutritious breakfast option that doesn’t require refrigeration can be made by putting it in small containers or Ziplock bags. Here’s how to make it travel-friendly:

• Flattened rice (poha)
• Peas, peanuts, and spices
• Small containers or Ziplock bags
• Prepare a batch of poha with your favourite spices, peas, and peanuts.
• Pack it in small containers or ziplock bags for easy access.

Idli with Chutney

Idlis are not only delicious but also portable and a healthy breakfast too. Quit popular amongst South Indians but now a days it has got some popularity in Mumbai to, the reason being easy to make, fast to cook, and healthy to eat.Idlis, the soft and fluffy steamed rice cakes, are not just for breakfast; they also make an excellent travel snack. 

Prepare the idlis the night before your journey and pack them in containers that are easy to carry. To get the authentic South Indian flavor, make sure to include a container of coconut chutney. Here’s how to take them on your journey:

• Steamed idlis
• Coconut chutney
• Travel-friendly containers
• Steam idlis the night before.
• Pack them in travel-friendly containers along with coconut chutney.
• Enjoy a light and nutritious breakfast

Healthy Extras

Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits should be included in your vacation diet to preserve optimum health. Bananas, apples, and oranges are lightweight and give a refreshing snack when you need to take a break from your adventure.

Dry Fruits and Nuts

During those long hours of travel, a tiny bag of mixed nuts and dry fruits might provide the energy boost you require. These nutrient-dense snacks are small and convenient to store.

Water and Hydration

It is critical to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Carry a refillable water bottle with you and use it whenever you have the chance to replenish it. Staying hydrated is critical for staying alert and feeling your best.

Traveling in India may be an exciting journey, and one way to enhance your experience is to prepare your own meals. By preparing and carrying your own handmade travel food, you not only ensure a delicious culinary journey, but you also look after your health and well-being.

Additional Tips

In addition to the recipes and meal ideas mentioned above, here are some extra tips to ensure your homemade travel food experience is a success:

• Plan and prepare your meals in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Use leak-proof and airtight containers to prevent spills and keep food fresh.
• Pack your meals in an insulated bag or cooler to maintain temperature.
• Customize the recipes to suit your preferences and dietary requirements.

Share Your Travel Food Ideas

We’d love to hear about your favorite travel food recipes and tips! Share them in the comments below and help fellow travelers enjoy healthy and delicious meals on their journeys.

With this guide to healthy homemade travel food, you’re ready to embark on your Indian adventures with a well-prepared culinary arsenal. Happy and healthy travels!

• Programming
• Collaborate
• Coming Soon

Get Started

• Brand Assets
• Mobile UI Kit

• Food & Drinks

12 Yummy Yet Healthy Indian Snacks To Pack For Your Trip

Packing snacks for a trip is a ritual followed by most travellers. Here are some healthy Indian snacks that can serve as a source of energy and nutrition.

Some travellers carry food for their trip or journey—either as a wholesome meal or snacks to munch on at intervals. While it isn’t advisable to carry multiple boxes of food for your journey, you can always carry snacks that are light on the luggage as well as your waistline. There is a large variety of snacks that you can carry—from chips and biscuits to homemade brownies or health bars. It’s usually always a better idea to go for the healthier option by making healthy snacks for kids and yourself. India is a diverse country when it comes to culture, traditions, and cuisine and there are a lot of healthy Indian snacks to choose from for your travels.

2 ‘Bimaro Wala Khana’, Khichdi

This is simply a one-pot rice and lentil dish and is made in a wide variety of ways in different parts of the country. An iconic Indian dish, it is known as huggi in Karnataka, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and khichdi in many parts of north India. Khichdi is one of the most ancient foods in India and once cooked, can be paired with anything from yogurt to spicy pickles. Khichdi is known as ‘ Bimaro Wala Khana ’ (food for the sick in Hindi) as it is easily digestible and nutrition-rich, making it one of the many healthy Indian snacks. It is the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein. According to Ayurveda, Khichdi is used for detoxifying and cleansing the body. It is the perfect snack as it is easy to make, healthy, filling, easy to pack, and tasty either hot or cold. However, it is best consumed within at least 12 hours of preparation. Fun fact : 

Khichdi is one of the first solid foods that is fed to babies in many parts of India as it features in the list of healthy snacks for kids.

Mughal emperor Jehangir favoured lazizan , a very rich Gujarati khichdi in his days of abstinence, according to ‘A Historical Dictionary of Indian Foods’ written by historian KT Achaya.

3 Cholesterol-Buster, Thepla

This is a Gujarati breakfast flatbread ( roti ) made primarily of methi (fenugreek), wheat flour, yoghurt, gram flour, ghee, and water. Theplas are made in a similar way chapatis are made, where the dough is rolled into a ball and then flattened into a circular shape and fried. Theplas are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and iron and are known for lowering cholesterol. According to NDTV Food, one of the University of Michigan Health System’s studies states that the steroidal saponins found in fenugreek seeds seem to slow the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Theplas are also said to be able to control diabetes, lower blood sugar levels, and aid digestion. One of the many healthy Indian snacks around, theplas are travel-friendly as they are easy to carry and eat. They are also easy to make as all the ingredients are found in almost all households, but you will need to give yoghurt a miss if you’re making theplas for travel, as it reduces its ‘shelf-life’.

• The more oil you use while cooking the thepla , the longer its shelf life.

5 The Most Versatile Indian Snack, Khakhra

The khakhra is a circular crisp roti -like food item from Gujarat that is commonly eaten as a snack. The primary ingredient in these healthy Indian snacks is wheat flour. Others are gram flour, milk, and oil, but you can add various spices to customise it. Much like rotis , khakhras are roasted in a heated pan, although here, pressure is applied till they become crisp. Khakhras are considered to be healthy snacks in India as they are made of whole wheat. They are rich in carbohydrates and proteins and also contain dietary fibres which help with weight reduction, digestion, and maintaining blood sugar levels. Khakhras are not only easy to pack, but can also be eaten with anything from tea to jam, sabzi (cooked vegetable dish) or plain.

• Khakhras are said to have been invented by Jains many years ago. As they are not allowed to eat stale food, they started dry roasting leftover rotis to take out the remaining moisture so they don’t spoil and food is not wasted.

6 The Snack That Made Chitale Bandhu Famous, Bhakarwadi

A disk of dough stuffed with dried coconut, poppy, cumin, sesame seeds, dried mango, and chilli, bhakarwadis are a popular Indian snack that originated from Gujarat, although it is quite popular in Maharashtra too. These bite-sized mini rolls are a perfect mix of crunchy, sweet, and spicy, and are best enjoyed with a cup of tea.

The original version of bhakarwadis does not make it into the list of healthy Indian snacks, but there are variations that are low-fat and fibre-rich. Baked versions of these are stuffed with flax seeds, grains, pulses, soybeans, methi, or dry fruits. They are dry and therefore easy to pack and carry and are available at all farsan (a collective name for multiple varieties of Gujarati and Maharashtrian snacks) shops.

Fun facts : 

• It is believed that the grandfather of the current owner of Jagdish Farsan, a famous farsan store in Vadodara, invented the snack.
• It was introduced in Maharashtra in the 1970s.
• It made Chitale Bandhu, a shop in Pune, very famous for its wares.

7 South India’s Go-To Snack, Lemon Rice

A tangy yellow dish made from basmati rice mixed with other ingredients like peanuts, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lemon juice— these are the ingredients in the healthy snacks recipe for lemon rice. It originated in south India, and can also be made with leftover rice, making it an easy and convenient breakfast or snack dish. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to prepare, depending on whether you are using pre-cooked rice. The dish can also be made gluten-free by skipping the hing (asafoetida). Lemon rice is very nutritious as it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, potassium, fibre, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, thiamin, niacin, phosphorus, and more. Lemon rice, also known as Chitranna in Kannada, can be eaten with yoghurt or spicy pickle, or plain. It also counts as a healthy snack for kids as it can be packed in a tiffin box easily. However, it needs to be consumed within a day of it being made.

• Its distinctive yellow colour comes from turmeric, also a strong anti-inflammatory.

8 A Health-Buff’s Best Friend, Dalia

Dalia is made of broken wheat, cooked in different ways, according to personal preferences. It is consumed mainly in the Indian sub-continent and features high as a favourite on the list of healthy Indian snacks. You can cook it with spices to make it savoury or sweet by adding coconut and jaggery. This dish is a super-food and a great source of protein, making it a big hit among fitness buffs. Dalia is rich in fibre, helpful for weight loss, a good source of minerals, helpful in suppressing hunger pangs, low in fat, and great for diabetics and children. While it makes for great healthy snacks for the evening or even for breakfast and dinner, dalia needs to be consumed within a day of it being made.

• It is healthier than wheat flour as it contains wheat husk too, which is rich in fibre.

10 The Indian Version Of Nougat, Chikki

Chikkis is a crunchy and sweet snack made of jaggery and a variety of different nuts and seeds, primarily roasted peanuts. These sweet treats are generally flat and readily available in most stores across India. It is said that chikkis were invented by a man named Maganlal, the country’s largest and oldest chikki maker. Chikkis are considered healthy Indian snacks as the main ingredient is jaggery, a solid or semi-solid natural sweetener, usually a concentrate of sugarcane juice. Jaggery contains protein, minerals, and vitamins and is also a great source of iron and copper. Chikkis makes for a great travel snack as they last long (days and even weeks) and are easy to pack and carry.

• Chikkis is considered the Indian (and vegan) version of nougat, a confection made of whipped egg whites, sugar, or honey with nuts and/or fruits. 

11 The Best Snack For Your Gut, Poha

Like most Indian foods, poha has many variants in different parts of the country and is a preferred breakfast item in many households. The dish has its origins in the Maharashtra-Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh region. Poha is made with cooked rice that is flattened and dried resembling flakes of varying thickness. You can make poha sweet or spicy (with peanuts, curry leaves, and onions), depending on your taste. As poha can be cooked with a variety of vegetables, it is considered healthy, nutritious, and filling. It is a great source of carbohydrates and iron, low in calories, and easily digestible. Poha , also known as beaten rice, is easy and quick to make and serves as a delicious healthy snack while travelling.

• Poha is a good probiotic as it undergoes fermentation during its preparation, retaining its microbial flora—great for gut health.

12 The Snack That Comes In Its Own Biodegradable Wrapper, Patholi

This is a snack made with a little extra effort. Patholi (which means steamed dumpling or pudding in Konkani), originates from the Konkan belt (parts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka), and is made primarily of grated coconut and jaggery stuffed into rice dough and turmeric leaves. The ingredients are mixed and lightly fried till they turn golden brown. While this dish is primarily prepared during the Nagarapanchami/Nag Panchami festival and the monsoons, it is also prepared as a tasty snack for family gatherings and other special occasions.

Patholis are considered healthy Indian snacks because they are cooked in turmeric leaves which have a host of health benefits. Turmeric leaves are said to boost digestion and reduce gas and bloating. These also make for great travel snacks as they come in their own packaging (the turmeric leaves), are easy to pack, and can be eaten hot or cold. They can also be stored for a maximum of two to three days (preferably consumed within two days) in a cool environment.

• Patholi is made primarily during the rainy season because it’s when turmeric leaves are abundantly available.

13 The Ancient Medicinal Snack, Til Ke Laddus

Til (sesame) laddus are one of the simplest healthy Indian snacks and brimming with health benefits. Commonly known as Maharashtrian til che laddus (as they are originally traditional sweet from Maharashtra), they are round, sweet, bite-sized snacks made with sesame seeds ( til ), peanuts, ghee, cardamom ( elaichi ), and jaggery. It is believed that til ke laddus were used in the 4th century BCE by Susruta, the father of Indian surgery and medicine as an antiseptic for his patients. While these can be eaten at any time during the year, they are primarily consumed in winter to generate heat and energy in the body. Til ke laddus are also known for increasing hair growth, having anti-ageing properties, boosting the health of your skin and teeth, and aiding digestion. They are a great source of energy. Til ke laddus also serve as great travel snacks as they are easy to pack, readily available at most general stores, and can be stored for days.

Fun facts :

• You don’t need a lot of ghee to prepare these snacks as the crushed peanuts and jaggery provide enough stickiness.

14 South Kanara’s Low-Calorie Snack, Mutlim/Mutlin

This is another of the many healthy Indian snacks originating from the South Kanara (Dakshina Kannada) district of Karnataka. It’s a dimpled, circular, steamed snack made of a mixture of rice and grated coconut. Mutlims , also known as pundis , can also be made with rava or semolina. These are great breakfast dishes, as well as filling and healthy snacks in the evening. Mutlims can be accompanied by a spicy gravy, chutney, or just eaten on their own.

These also serve as healthy snacks for kids, and older generations, as they are easily digested and contain carbohydrates. They are also useful for those looking to maintain their weight, as it is pretty low on calories. Mutlims are also suitable as a travel snack as they can be eaten either hot or cold and can be easily packed. They can last for about a day or two when stored in airtight containers.

• You can stuff mutlims with a mixture of coconut and jaggery (a south Kanara variation) to make a sweeter variant of this snack known as god (sweet) mutlim .

15 The Savoury Cake, Dhokla

Originally from Gujarat, dhoklas are healthy Indian snacks that are most often consumed in the evening. These light and fluffy cube-shaped snacks are made from a fermented batter of gram flour ( besan ) and mild spices and can be had at any time during the day. Since dhoklas are steamed, it is preferred by those counting calories, and as it is fermented, it is easier to digest and improves gut health. This fluffy savoury cake is also packed with proteins. It has a low glycemic index which makes it good for diabetics. They are easy to pack and carry for travel.

• The snack is versatile, so instead of gram flour, you can also use rice flour, chana dal or semolina. The dhokla that is made with gram flour is known as khaman dhokla and the one made with rice flour is known as rice dhokla .

Snack Often But Not Too Often To Stay Healthy

Snacking is an important aspect of a daily diet, as it can boost your energy in the middle of the day or when you exercise. Healthy snacks between meals can help decrease hunger and prevent overeating during regular meals. Snacking is especially important during travel, as it will help you stay alert and energised. Going for something healthy that won’t spoil fast is a bonus as you do not want to risk your health mid-travel. And although snacking is inevitable, you must remember to keep the snacks healthy in order to stay fit.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Lip-smacking Recipes

The days of being confused about what to cook every single day are gone! These easy recipes will have you cooking mouth-watering, lip-smacking food that you and your loved ones will not only enjoy and savor but will definitely want more of!