10 Easy Cottage Meals to Make

Spending time at the cottage is all about relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors. If you want to avoid being stuck in the kitchen for hours, we can help. This guide provides ten easy and delicious cottage meals that are quick to prepare, allowing you more time to unwind and enjoy your surroundings.

Breakfast

• Pancake Breakfast
• Breakfast Burritos

Lunch

• Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
• Summer Salad with Grilled Chicken

Dinner

• BBQ Burgers
• One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp
• Veggie Stir-Fry

Snacks

• • Homemade Trail Mix
  • Caprese Skewers

Dessert

• S’mores Dip

 

 

Breakfast

Breakfast is known to many as “the most important meal of the day,” essential for fueling up to provide energy for the day’s activities and adventures.

Pancake Breakfast

Pancakes are a classic and easy breakfast option, fun for kids and a treat for the grown-ups alike. There are many variations on the classic pancake, like blueberries, chocolate chips, and bananas. They go great topped with berries, syrup, whipped cream, butter, peanut butter and jam, and can be incorporated as a fun addition to a classic bacon and eggs breakfast. You can use a pancake mix for convenience, or make your own classic mix with flour, eggs, milk, and water. They’re even great for people with special diets, because the ingredients can be altered to suit those with allergies or preferences towards dairy free, gluten free, and even low carb diets. 

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix
• Water or milk
• Toppings: fresh berries, maple syrup, butter

Instructions:

1. 1. Combine the pancake mix with water or milk according to the package instructions.
2. 2. Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease.
3. 3. Pour batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
4. 4. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Breakfast Burritos

For a savoury, filling, and customizable breakfast that can easily be taken to go, burritos are a classic choice. As an edible wrap, tortillas keep all your ingredients together, and make eating on the go simple. There are some classic ingredients, listed below, but make them according to your taste for a great start to the day. 

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Scrambled eggs
• Cooked bacon or sausage, or other protein
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Veggies
• Rice
• Beans
• Avocado
• Sauces

Instructions:

1. 1. Scramble the eggs and cook the bacon or sausage.
2. 2. Warm the tortillas in a pan.
3. 3. Fill the tortillas with eggs, meat, cheese, and salsa.
4. 4. Roll up the burritos and serve.

Make-ahead Tips: Wrap burritos in foil and reheat them on the grill or in the oven.

Lunch

The midday meal, lunch options are numerous and varied. At the cottage, the ideal lunch is eaten outside on a patio or picnic table, maybe by the water, with a shade umbrella giving shade from the strong sun.

 

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This classic is a comforting and quick meal that almost everyone loves. (It might not be the best choice for those that don’t like tomatoes.) It’s easy to make, and has that nostalgic element, as well as the fun part of dipping your sandwich in the soup. The recipe and ingredients we’ve provided are for the most convenient and simple way to make it, but you can spruce it up however you like, with artisanal bread and cheeses, adding toppings like bacon, and herbs like parsley and oregano. 

Ingredients:

• Bread
• Butter
• Cheese slices
• Canned tomato soup

Instructions:

1. 1. Butter the bread and place cheese slices between two slices.
2. 2. Grill the sandwich in a pan until golden brown on both sides.
3. 3. Heat the tomato soup according to the can instructions.
4. 4. Serve the grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup.

 

Summer Salad with Grilled Chicken

This light and refreshing option is great for those that want to stay active in the afternoon and not slip into a food coma, as it’s packed with protein and fibre, and light on the carbs. .

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• Grilled chicken breast
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Any other of your favourite vegetables 
• Feta cheese
• Balsamic vinaigrette or your dressing of choice
• Toppings like nuts, seeds, berries, nutritional yeast

Instructions:

1. 1. Grill the chicken breast and slice it thinly.
2. 2. Toss the mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
3. 3. Top with grilled chicken and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner

BBQ Burgers

Many cottage rentals include a barbeque for guests to use, and no better way to spend an evening at the cottage than a burger cookout on the porch. A vacation classic, easy to prepare and customize, and suitable for most types of diets with the availability of veggie burgers, vegan cheeses, and gluten free buns.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Burger buns
• Cheese slices
• Lettuce, tomato, onion
• Any other toppings, like pickles, grilled onions and mushrooms, avocado – whatever you want!
• Condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. 1. Form the ground meat into patties. 
2. 2. Grill the patties over medium-high heat until cooked to your preference.
3. 3. Toast the buns on the grill.
4. 4. Assemble the burgers with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments.

Variations and Toppings: Try adding bacon, avocado, or different cheeses.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This seafood dish is a simple and flavourful dinner option, and the general idea can be used for different types of protein. Pair with a side of vegetables and some rice for a healthy, balanced, and delicious meal. 

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Lemon
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
3. 3. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
4. 4. Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread.

Veggie Stir-Fry

This healthy dinner option can be easily customized by using any of your favourite vegetables, sauces, and condiments. 

Ingredients:

• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• Soy sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Rice or noodles
• Extras like baby corn, water chestnuts, heart of palm
• Sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, teriyaki sauces
• Protein like shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. 2. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
3. 3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
4. 4. Add soy sauce to taste and stir until evenly coated.
5. 5. Serve over rice or noodles.

Snacks

For between meals, snacks are essential to keep energy levels high for all the activities and adventures a cottage stay includes.

Homemade Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great snack to have on hand, whether for active adventures like hikes, or just when lazing at the beach or by the pool. No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with a healthy handful of nuts and seeds with some chocolatey treats.

Ingredients:

• Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
• Chocolate chips or M&Ms
• Pretzels or cereal

Instructions:

1. 1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. 2. Store in airtight containers or portions into snack-sized bags in a cool, dry place.

Caprese Skewers

This tomato and cheese snack is a fresh and easy one that’s perfect for hot days. Leave it simple, or dress it up with some prosciutto or anything else you desire. 

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Sprinkle of sea salt

Instructions:

1. 1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
2. 2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Dessert

S’mores Dip

This is a fun take on the classic campfire snack. It’s an easy dessert to prepare that anyone with a sweet tooth will love.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Graham crackers for dipping

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Spread chocolate chips in the bottom of a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
3. 3. Top with a layer of marshmallows.
4. 4. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate is melted, about 10-12 minutes.
5. 5. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

Tips for Serving: Use different types of chocolate or add a layer of peanut butter for a twist.

These easy cottage meals are designed to make your time at the cottage enjoyable and stress-free. With minimal prep and delicious results, you’ll have more time to relax and savor the beauty of your surroundings. Enjoy these simple, tasty dishes with family and friends, and make the most of your cottage getaway!

Having a cottage meal can only happen if you’re in a cottage! Browse a list of available cottages for rent in Ontario’s beautiful countryside, as well as our wealth of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation. If we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call. Happy planning!

 

More Reading on Cottage Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Cottage vs Cabin: Differences Between Vacation Homes