Picnics are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, soak up some sun, and share great food with friends and family. It’s a staple for our extended family over the summer months, and although the potlucks have been successful, I do sometimes lack new ideas for making easy picnic friendly munchies. What’s a picnic without perfect finger foods? Here’s are some easy to make picnic finger food ideas beyond your burgers and hot dogs.

Salads in Sandwiches
Salads in sandwiches are essentially hearty salads stuffed into bread or wraps. Think chicken salad, tuna salad, or even a vibrant veggie salad. They are perfect for when you want something refreshing but filling. You can make the salad a day ahead and assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread fresh. Use whole grain or artisan bread for an extra touch and consider packing some extra salad in a container for those who want to refill their sandwiches.

Cookies
Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser and come in various flavors—from classic chocolate chip to oatmeal raisin or even peanut butter. They are ideal for sweet treats after a meal and perfect for keeping little ones happy and energized. Most cookie recipes require around 30 minutes of prep time and about 10-15 minutes of baking. So to get the best taste you will need to bake cookies the day before your picnic and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Rolls
Rolls can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as deli meats, cheeses, and veggies. Think of them as mini sandwiches rolled up into bite-sized pieces. They are easy for little hands to grab and eat and great for larger groups where everyone can mix and match flavors. You can prepare the fillings a day in advance and roll them up right before heading out. Just make sure you cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces and secure them with toothpicks for easy serving and to prevent them from unrolling.

Dumplings
Dumplings can be filled with meats, veggies, or even sweets. They can be steamed, boiled, or fried, making them a delightful finger food. But dumplings often require a bit more time to prepare, especially if you’re making the dough from scratch. So make a large batch ahead of time and freeze them. You can cook them fresh on the day of the picnic for a warm treat!

Stuffed Pockets
Stuffed pockets are pastry or dough filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, or even sweet fillings. Examples include calzones or hand pies. They are ideal for picnics where you want something more filling than snacks. Great for when you need food that can be eaten easily without utensils. You’ll need time to prepare the dough and fillings, but you can make them ahead of time and bake them just before you leave. Consider making a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes (sweet and/or savoury) and serve them with dipping sauces for added flavor.

Premade food
Of course, nothing wrong with getting croissants, premade sandwiches, small pizzas, Arabic style “Maneesh”, spring rolls or pizza. Sometimes it’s just easier to get outside help, especially if you are strapped for time. Just make sure they are hand-held friendly and wouldn’t need any utensils.

You can create a delightful spread that caters to different tastes and preferences. From refreshing salads in sandwiches to sweet cookies and hearty stuffed pockets, there’s something for everyone. Remember to consider the ease of preparation and prep work required when planning your picnic menu. Happy to hear about some other ideas in the comments section.