Picnics aren’t just about soggy sandwiches and paper plates. With a little planning and a few homemade touches, you can turn any outdoor meal into a memorable feast. In this guide, I’m sharing my best picnic food ideas—from savory bakes and classic pies to fresh salads, dips, and sweet bites. And if sandwiches are a must, I’ve got some tasty traditional British fillings to recommend.
As a year-round picnic enthusiast, I’ll also share some practical tips that make picnicking easier, more enjoyable, and delicious—whatever the weather.
Why Wait for Summer?
Picnics might be a summer tradition, but there’s something special about eating outside any time of year. Wind, drizzle, or crisp autumn sunshine—my partner and I, often joined by friends, have enjoyed what we jokingly call “extreme picnicking.” The setting might be chilly, but the food (and fun) never fails to warm us up.
Top Tips for Effortless Picnicking
Before we get into the picnic food ideas, here are a few essential tips to keep your outdoor meal stress-free and satisfying:
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Pack proper cutlery if you’re serving more than finger food.
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Consider how far you’ll need to carry your picnic. Keep it light and manageable.
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Reusable plates made of bamboo or melamine are lightweight and eco-friendly.
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Use chilled drinks as ice packs to help keep perishable food cool.
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A compact chopping board and sharp knife can be surprisingly useful.
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Keep salad dressings separate in a screw-top jar and toss just before serving.
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Don’t forget fresh, crunchy snacks—raw veg like carrots and cucumber, and pre-cut fruits are easy and refreshing.
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British weather is unpredictable—bring sunscreen and a small umbrella just in case.
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Most importantly, take your rubbish home and leave no trace.
Picnic Food Ideas: Homemade & Crowd-Pleasing
Store-bought snacks have their place, but nothing beats the flavor and care of food made at home. Preparing picnic food from scratch is a simple, thoughtful way to show love to your family and friends. Here are some of my favorite homemade dishes perfect for packing up and enjoying outdoors.
Savory Pies and Bakes
Savory pastries are a picnic staple in Britain. Here are a few that range from quick to more involved but all are worth the effort:
Picnic Pie
This beautifully baked shortcrust pastry pie has a hearty filling of sausage meat, apple, and onion. It’s easy to make and looks impressive when sliced at the picnic table.
Mini Egg & Ham Pies
Prefer individual portions? These small pies are packed with ham (or bacon), onion, fresh parsley, and eggs baked in a crisp shortcrust shell. Ideal finger food.
Mediterranean Oat Bake
A colorful, satisfying bake that includes roasted vegetables, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and oats. Equally good warm or cold, it’s perfect for vegetarian picnics.
Tuna Empanada
A Galician favorite, this Spanish-style pie is filled with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, peppers, onions, and olives in a light tomato sauce. Best served cold, it’s made for picnics.
Homemade Sausage Rolls
Seasoned with onion and fennel seeds, these bite-sized sausage rolls are wrapped in flaky rough puff pastry made from scratch. Once you try homemade, there’s no going back.
Cheese & Walnut Loaf
This savory bread is made without yeast, using eggs and self-raising flour. It’s rich and nutty, and even better with a smear of butter.
Italian Pork Meatloaf
This meatloaf combines garlic, herbs, lemon zest, Parmesan, and fennel seeds, all wrapped in pancetta. Slice it cold and serve alongside cheeses, roasted veggies, or pickles.
Savory Flapjacks
Oats aren’t just for sweet treats. These flapjacks are loaded with savory flavors and are incredibly versatile. Try different cheese, seeds, or herbs for variety.
