There’s nothing quite like going outside to spend time with family and friends. Did you know July is National Picnic Month? It’s the perfect opportunity for family bonding and outdoor fun.
You’ve probably considered bringing a portable grill on a family picnic. But did you know that there’s a new trend that’s gaining traction? Portable griddles! Yes, you can now griddle “on the go.” In addition to picnics, portable griddles are great for creating amazing meals outside in the fresh air while you get some quality time with your family, and a little relaxation, too.
Griddle “On the Go”
Griddles are great for picnics in the great outdoors because they offer a wide array of meal options. Because a griddle provides a large, flat cooking surface, you can cook wonderful meals for many people in a short amount of time.
Portable griddles are also easy to transport and set up! Simply find a stable cooking spot with no dry brush or flammable materials nearby, and you’re good to go. With a trusty Blue Rhino propane tank hooked up, you’re ready to make a meal in no time.
You’ll also be able to cook a wide variety of food on a portable griddle, including fresh, seasonal ingredients. For example, it can be tough to cook some foods like small vegetables on the grill. Because a griddle doesn’t have any grill grates, the food will stay on the cooking surface instead of falling through. That includes small food items like rice, peas, and cherry tomatoes, which will allow you to create more flavorful, nutritious meals for your family and friends.
Remember the Essentials
Before you head out for your picnic, don’t forget to pack the essentials:
- Portable griddle – You can’t cook if you don’t have something to cook with! Your portable griddle should be one of the first thing you pack as you hit the road.
- Fresh ingredients – Now’s the time to make the most of all those farmer’s markets and roadside produce stands. Seasonal ingredients are packed with flavor and nutrients. By stocking up on fresh ingredients before your trip, you’ll ensure your meal is the highlight of your picnic.
- Cooking utensils and tools – It’s easy to remember to pack your griddle, but you may forget your cooking utensils and tools! Think of it this way. If your griddle is the star of the show, your utensils and tools are the supporting cast members. You can’t have one without the other. Don’t forget to pack things like heat-safe spatulas, tongs, and skewers.
- Plastic or paper plates, cups, and cutlery – You’ll need something to serve your delicious food on, right? So don’t forget to pack disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. You can use any brand you like. Just make sure to pack a trash bag, too, so you can clean up after your meal and leave nature the way it was when you arrived.
- Condiments, sauces, and seasonings – These are the secret ingredients to your meal. They’ll add a punch of flavor at any point during the cooking process. These items will also allow your family and friends to customize their meal. Maybe you have a loved one who devours anything with hot sauce, or a child who only likes ketchup. Be sure to pack these key ingredients so everyone enjoys their meal.
- A fresh tank of Blue Rhino – Don’t forget the propane to power your griddle! You won’t be cooking anything without this key fuel. Not sure if you have enough propane in your current tank to fuel your picnic? No problem. You can use our handy propane finder to locate a tank exchange retailer near you. Or check out our home delivery program, which is now offered in select markets.
Delicious Picnic Griddle Recipes
Okay. You’ve got your griddle and your propane. But what are you going to cook for your picnic? We’ve got some crowd-pleasing suggestions for you to try.
An ooey, gooey Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a new twist on an old favorite. This savory, salty, melty sandwich combines some classic flavors. With just four ingredients, it’s simple to assemble and takes just minutes to cook. Kids and grown-ups alike will be clamoring for more!
Potato chips are always a hit at a picnic, but there’s no need to buy them in a bag at the store. You can make your own! Grilled Potato Chips are easy to make on either a griddle or a grill. You can do some of the prep work ahead of time so that you’re ready to crisp them on the griddle when you get to your picnic site. These chips are packed with flavor from smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. You can even serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Let’s talk burgers – BBQ Cheeseburgers to be exact. Burgers cook evenly and quickly on a griddle. Plus, you can make a bunch at once so that everyone’s meal is done at the same time. These burgers are brushed with barbecue sauce and topped with cheese. Lettuce and tomato give this dish some freshness and crunch.
One thing to note; you don’t have to cook everything at your picnic site. It’s okay to do some of the work ahead of time, including making this Simple Potato Salad at home before you go. Classic flavors like dill, green onions, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs make this dish taste just like your aunt’s famous potato salad that you enjoyed as a child. But this recipe also has a secret ingredient: sweet pickle relish for a little extra tang and crunch.
The Best Picnic Spots
So, your food is prepped, the car is packed. But where are you going exactly? Choosing the perfect picnic spot is half the fun. Depending on where you live, you may have many options to choose from.
First, consider local parks with grilling areas. These sites are often set up so that there’s a safe grilling area that is free of dry brush or other flammable materials. There are also often picnic benches or seating nearby, and there are usually some shady trees. It’s the perfect place to set up your griddle and get cooking!
You could also get a little farther into nature. Think about places near you with a great view or an area that is particularly scenic. Is there an overlook with views of your town? Are there some grassy areas along the river? Maybe there’s a flat space in your yard with a tree nearby that would be the perfect picnic spot.
Do you live near the beach? Beaches make great picnic areas! Or the mountains, where parks or overlooks can be great spots? Just be sure to do your homework. Some beaches don’t allow visitors to bring griddles, grills, or fuel, so you’ll want to be sure it’s okay ahead of time.
No matter which picnic spot you choose, find one that suits your family’s needs. Consider accessibility to bathrooms, shade, and walking distance from the car, among other things. Your goal is to make this picnic as stress-free as possible for everyone.
Picture Perfect Picnic
We hope you have a chance to get outside and enjoy National Picnic Month. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your picture-perfect picnic, fueled by Blue Rhino, of course! We’d love to see your photos, so be sure to share them and tag our official accounts on social media. We might even share your post. Now get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
Published: 2024.07.10