Picnic breakfasts are a delightful way to enjoy the early morning sun and fresh air. Whether it’s a romantic outing or a fun family gathering, having a unique menu can turn a simple meal into a memorable experience. Below are these unique picnic breakfast ideas, complete with explanations of ingredients and steps or reasons why they are a perfect fit for your outdoor morning feast.
1. Mini pancake stacks 🥞
Ingredients: Prepared pancake batter, strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, maple syrup.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes.
Steps: Cook the pancakes in a mini pan or drop small amounts of batter onto a griddle to create bite-sized pancakes. Slice strawberries into thin pieces. Once the pancakes are cool, stack them with a piece of strawberry and blueberry between each pancake. Top with a small dollop of whipped cream and secure the stack with a toothpick. Drizzle with maple syrup just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Why it’s great for a picnic: The mini stacks are cute, portable, and can satisfy that sweet breakfast craving without needing a plate or fork.
2. Savory breakfast skewers 🍢
Ingredients: Small breakfast sausages, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes.
Steps: Begin by grilling or pan-frying the breakfast sausages until cooked through and golden brown. Allow them to cool before slicing into bite-size pieces. Boil eggs until they are hard-boiled, then peel and cube them. Cut cheddar cheese into bite-size cubes. Assemble the skewers by alternating sausage, cherry tomato, cheese cube, and a chunk of hard-boiled egg.
Why it’s great for a picnic: These skewers offer a balanced mix of protein, fat, and a touch of sweetness from the tomatoes, making them a hearty and mess-free breakfast option.
3. Chia seed pudding jars
Ingredients: Chia seeds, almond milk, sweetener of choice (such as honey or maple syrup), mixed berries.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Refrigeration Time: Overnight | Total Time: Overnight + 5 minutes.
Steps: For each serving, combine about 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with a cup of almond milk and a teaspoon of sweetener in a jar. Stir well to prevent clumping, and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring again. Seal the jars and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, top with fresh berries before heading out to your picnic.
Why it’s great for a picnic: These jars are a breeze to transport, won’t spill, and the pudding itself is a creamy and satisfying option that’s also health-conscious.
Easy-to-make picnic appertizers and delicsious sandwich recipes can be found on our site. Yummy!
4. Mason jar omelets 🍳
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, shredded cheese, diced ham, chopped bell peppers, salt, pepper.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 30-35 minutes.
Steps: In each mason jar, combine two beaten eggs, a splash of milk, a pinch of salt and pepper, some shredded cheese, diced ham, and chopped bell peppers. Place the jars without lids into a pot with about an inch of water and cook them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set. Once cooled, screw on the lids and pack them for the picnic.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Each person can have their customized omelet in a jar, and there’s no need for any on-site prep or cooking.
5. Avocado toast bruschetta 🥑
Ingredients: A fresh baguette, ripe avocados, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes.
Steps: Slice the baguette into half-inch thick slices and toast them until they’re golden brown and crispy. In a bowl, mash the avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Spoon the avocado mash onto each toasted baguette slice and top with halved cherry tomatoes. If desired, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt can be added for extra flavor.
Why it’s great for a picnic: It brings the trendy and satisfying flavors of avocado toast to the picnic in a more elegant and easy-to-handle form.
6. Quinoa fruit salad
Ingredients: Cooked and cooled quinoa, various diced fruits (like apples, strawberries, and grapes), honey, and lime juice.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes.
Steps: Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool completely. In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with your chosen fruits, which have been diced into bite-size pieces. Drizzle with honey and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty finish. Stir gently to combine and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Why it’s great for a picnic: It’s a refreshing, light, and nutritious option that provides a variety of textures and flavors.
7. Breakfast burrito cones 🌯
Ingredients: Small tortillas, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, cooked bacon, salsa.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes.
Steps: Prepare scrambled eggs and cook bacon to your liking. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. On each tortilla, layer a scoop of scrambled eggs, a sprinkle of cheese, a piece of bacon, and a dollop of salsa. Roll the tortillas into cone shapes, making sure the ingredients are well-contained. Wrap each cone in foil for easy transport.
Why it’s great for a picnic: The foil-wrapped cones are the perfect handheld item and incorporate a full breakfast without the need for utensils.
8. Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, honey, a selection of nuts (like almonds and walnuts), optional fresh fruit.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes.
Steps: In individual cups or small jars, fill with Greek yogurt. Drizzle honey over the yogurt and sprinkle with a hearty handful of chopped nuts. If desired, add fresh fruit on top for additional sweetness and a pop of color.
Why it’s great for a picnic: This high-protein option is refreshing and energizing, with the added crunch of nuts and the natural sweetness of honey.
9. Smoked salmon bagel sandwich 🍣🥯
Ingredients: Bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, fresh dill.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes.
Steps: Slice bagels in half and spread each half with a generous amount of cream cheese. Lay slices of smoked salmon over the bottom half of each bagel. Sprinkle with capers, thin slices of red onion, and a sprig of dill. Top with the other half of the bagel and press gently.
Why it’s great for a picnic: The combination of flavors feels indulgent, and the sandwich is a substantial, no-mess meal that’s both savory and satisfying.
10. Caprese salad skewers 🍅🧀
Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes.
Steps: On small skewers, alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the assembled skewers with balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent fogginess.
Why it’s great for a picnic: These skewers are a finger-friendly version of a classic salad and are both refreshing and flavorful.
Find the best picnic food ideas for your next outdoor adventure.
11. Banana bread slices 🍌🍞
Ingredients: Ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, walnuts (optional).
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: Varies | Total Time: Varies.
Steps: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix with sugar and beaten eggs. Add vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and fold in walnuts if using. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Banana bread is a sweet, moist treat that’s easy to make in advance and slice into portable, grab-and-go pieces.
12. Frittata squares
Ingredients: Eggs, cheese, assorted vegetables (like spinach, tomatoes, onions), herbs.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Baking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 30-35 minutes.
Steps: Sauté the chosen vegetables in a pan until they are tender. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cheese, and finely chopped herbs. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables and stir gently to combine. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the eggs are set and the top is slightly golden. Once cooled, cut the frittata into square portions.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Frittatas are just as tasty cold as they are hot and can be made ahead of time. These squares are easy to handle and provide a balanced and filling breakfast option.
13. Breakfast pita pockets
Ingredients: Pita bread, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes.
Steps: First, prepare scrambled eggs to your liking. Warm the pita bread slightly to make it more pliable. Cut the pita bread in half to form pockets. Gently stuff the pockets with scrambled eggs, fresh spinach leaves, and a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese.
Why it’s great for a picnic: The pocket format keeps all the ingredients neatly contained, making them an excellent choice for a no-fuss, no-utensils-required breakfast on the go.
14. Cold brew coffee bottles
Ingredients: Coarse-ground coffee, cold water, milk or cream (optional), sweetener (optional).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Refrigeration Time: Overnight | Total Time: Overnight + 10 minutes.
Steps: In a large container, combine coarse-ground coffee with cold water at a ratio of about 1:8 (coffee to water). Stir the mixture well. Seal the container and let it steep overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, strain the coffee concentrate using a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter. Pour the strained cold brew into individual bottles, diluting with water to taste. Add milk, cream, or sweetener as desired.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Individual bottles make it easy for everyone to enjoy a personalized, caffeine-laced refreshment that’s both smooth and cooling.
15. Lemon poppy seed muffins 🍋🧁
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, eggs, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and poppy seeds.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: Varies | Total Time: Varies.
Steps: Preheat your oven and prepare a muffin tin with liners. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Fold in the poppy seeds. Spoon the batter into the muffin liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why it’s great for a picnic: These muffins are a delightful sweet treat with a burst of citrus flavor. They are easy to pack, don’t require refrigeration, and can be eaten without any cutlery, making them perfect for a picnic setting.
16. Sweet potato hash cups
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, onion, olive oil, eggs, salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika and cumin.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 40-45 minutes.
Steps: Peel and grate the sweet potatoes and finely dice the onion. Heat oil in a pan, add the sweet potatoes and onions, and cook until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and spices. Press the mixture into greased muffin tins, creating nests. Crack an egg into each nest and bake until the eggs are set.
Why it’s great for a picnic: These hash cups are a portable, self-contained breakfast item. The combination of sweet potatoes and eggs provides sustained energy, and they can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
17. Bacon-wrapped asparagus
Ingredients: Fresh asparagus spears, bacon strips, black pepper.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Baking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 30-35 minutes.
Steps: Trim the ends of the asparagus spears. Wrap each spear with a strip of bacon, securing the bacon if needed with a toothpick. Lay the wrapped spears on a baking sheet and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake in a preheated oven until the bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a savory, finger-food delight that’s easy to eat and pack. The crispy bacon provides a salty contrast to the earthy asparagus, making it a flavorful, protein-rich addition to any picnic.
18. Brie and apple crescent rolls
Ingredients: Crescent roll dough, brie cheese, apple slices, honey.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Baking Time: Varies | Total Time: Varies.
Steps: Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles. Place a slice of brie and an apple slice on the wider end of each triangle. Drizzle some honey over the apple and roll the dough up. Bake according to the crescent roll package instructions until golden.
Why it’s great for a picnic: These crescent rolls are a gourmet treat that combines creamy cheese with sweet apples, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. They’re delicious, warm or at room temperature, making them a practical choice for a picnic.
19. Spinach and goat cheese mini quiches
Ingredients: Eggs, heavy cream, fresh spinach, goat cheese, pie crust.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: Varies | Total Time: Varies.
Steps: Press pie crust into mini muffin tins to form shells. Sauté spinach until wilted, then distribute among the crusts. Whisk together eggs and cream, season with salt and pepper, and pour over the spinach. Crumble goat cheese on top. Bake until the egg mixture is set and the edges are golden brown.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Mini quiches are easy to handle and don’t create a mess. They offer a sophisticated flavor profile with the tangy goat cheese complementing the mild spinach, and they can be served warm or cold.
More picnic salad ideas can be found on our site.
20. Honey-drizzled ricotta toast 🍞🍯
Ingredients: Thick-cut artisan bread, ricotta cheese, honey, ground cinnamon.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes.
Steps: Toast slices of bread to your liking. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on each slice. Drizzle honey over the ricotta and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cut into manageable pieces if necessary.
Why it’s great for a picnic: This simple yet luxurious dish combines creamy ricotta with the sweetness of honey and the warm spice of cinnamon. It’s fuss-free to eat and provides a filling, energy-boosting breakfast option.
21. Almond butter and jelly sandwiches
Ingredients: Whole grain bread, almond butter, your choice of jelly or jam.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes.
Steps: Spread almond butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other slice. Press the two slices together to make a sandwich. Cut into quarters for easy sharing and snacking.
Why it’s great for a picnic: Offering a nutty flavor with the sweetness of jelly, these sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser that’s both nutritious and satisfying. They’re also very convenient to pack and require no utensils, making them a perfect picnic food.
Each recipe can be prepared in advance and is designed to be easy to transport and serve, ensuring your picnic breakfast is as stress-free as delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s something on this list to satisfy every palate at your next sunrise gathering.
Click here to find the best picnic recipes on our site.
FAQs
Can I prepare these breakfast ideas the night before?
Yes, many of these breakfast ideas can be prepared the night before to save time in the morning.
How can I keep my picnic breakfast fresh?
Use insulated containers and coolers with ice packs to keep your breakfast items fresh. Learn more about how to keep food warm for a picnic.
Are there any gluten-free or vegan breakfast options?
Certainly! Ideas like the Vegan Frittata or the Muesli, Fruits, and Yogurt Jars can cater to dietary restrictions.
How can I make my picnic breakfast more eco-friendly by reducing waste?
Consider using reusable containers, utensils, and cloth napkins instead of disposable ones to minimize waste and be more environmentally conscious during your picnic.
How can I make my picnic breakfast more kid-friendly?
Include fun, bite-sized, and colorful items like Mini Muffins or Three-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies to appeal to kids.
What types of beverages pair well with these breakfast ideas?
Fresh juices, coffee, or a mimosa punch are great beverage options to complement your picnic breakfast. Read more about 10+1 best picnic drinks.
