Summer is here, and that means it’s time to hit the beach! But before you grab your sunscreen and head out the door, let’s talk about one essential element of any beach day: the food. Packing the perfect beach picnic can make your day by the shore even more enjoyable. Here are some handy tips and hacks to ensure your beachside bites are tasty, fresh, and seagull-free. Let’s dive in!
1. Keep It Cool
Nothing spoils a beach picnic like warm drinks and soggy sandwiches. Invest in a good cooler and pack it with ice packs and frozen water bottles. This not only keeps your food chilled but also provides refreshing drinks as the ice melts. Pro Tip: Layer your cooler with heavier items on the bottom and delicate snacks on top to avoid crushing.
Bonus: Find more ways to prevent soggy sandwiches in our Lunchbox Hacks blog!
2. Choose Your Food Wisely
When it comes to beach snacks, think portable and non-perishable. Opt for sturdy sandwiches, pre-cut fruits and veggies, and avoid anything that can easily melt or spoil. Martin’s Potato Rolls are perfect for beach sandwiches – they hold up well and taste amazing!
Bonus: See this tip in action at the bottom of this blog with our featured California Club Sliders recipe!
3. Stick to Finger Foods
The less you have to fuss with utensils, the better. Select easy-to-eat handhelds like sandwiches, wraps, trail mix, and fruit. Tip: If you do need utensils, pack disposable ones or else bring a large zip-top bag to store the used utensils until you get a chance to wash them.
Bonus: Try our Cinnamon-Sugar Snack Mix recipe for a great on-the-go snack!
4. Beachproof Your Snacks
Sand has a sneaky way of getting into everything. Use resealable bags or waterproof containers to keep your snacks dry and sand-free. Alternatively, you can wrap your sandwiches tightly in wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
Bonus: Scroll down to get our exclusive recipe for an Asian Chopped Chicken Hoagie!
5. Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re having fun in the sun. Pack a variety of drinks like water, electrolyte sports drinks, and juice boxes. Pro Tip: Freeze some of your beverages overnight to help keep your cooler chilled and enjoy icy cold refreshments as they thaw throughout the day.
Bonus: Read our Picnic Hacks blog for more great tips on how to beat the heat!
6. Embrace the Bento Box
Bento boxes are a fantastic way to pack a variety of foods in a compact, organized way. Fill them with a mix of protein, veggies, and carbs for a balanced beach meal. Plus, they keep your food separated and sand-free!
Bonus: For a fun twist on this concept, try building a “Snackle Box” to bring to the beach!
7. Keep Seagulls at Bay
Seagulls can be relentless when it comes to stealing food. Bring a mesh food cover or use an umbrella to shield your picnic spread. Keeping your food in containers also helps deter these beach bandits. Be vigilant and store food back in the cooler when not in use to avoid any feathery intruders.
8. Keep It Simple
Simplicity is key for a hassle-free beach day. Opt for dishes that require minimal prep and cleanup. Pre-made salads, wraps, and skewers are fantastic choices that can be eaten with minimal fuss.
Bonus: Try our Panzanella Salad in a Jar or Sandwich Skewers recipes for some quick-and-easy options.
9. Plan for Cleanup
Ensure you leave the beach as beautiful as you found it. Pack some trash bags and wet wipes to make cleanup a breeze. Keeping your area tidy not only helps the environment but also makes your beach day more enjoyable. And don’t forget the hand sanitizer!
10. Pack Smart
Make sure your cooler is the last thing you load into your car, and keep it in the shade or under a beach umbrella once you arrive. This will help keep your food cooler for longer. Use a beach-friendly tote to keep your dry food and other items organized and easy to access. (P.S. Always make sure to check the rules the beach before you arrive. For example, many beaches do not allow glass bottles.)
Bonus: Beginning June 14, you can enter to win a Fabric Beach Shade, Rolling Beach Cooler, or Original Bogg® Bag at https://www.martinssummerfun.com!
11. Spice It Up
Don’t forget the condiments! Mini containers of your favorite dressings and sauces or salt and pepper packets can make a world of difference. Pack them in a small, sealable bag to prevent any leaks and enhance your beachside meals with a touch of flavor.
12. Make It Fun
Finally, make your beach picnic fun! Pack some beach-friendly games or a good book to enjoy alongside your meal. After all, a beach day is all about relaxation and enjoyment.
Bonus: Check out our Summer Playlists or Things We’re Into Right Now blogs for some music, book, and podcast recommendations!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious and stress-free beach picnic. Enjoy the beach, savor the bites, and make unforgettable memories with Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls & Bread!
Scroll down to get our featured recipes!
Featured Recipes: Perfect Beachside Bites
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks for a flawless beach picnic, let’s dive into some delicious recipes that exemplify these hacks. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a day under the sun.
Asian Chopped Chicken Hoagies
This vibrant and flavorful hoagie is made with Martin’s Hoagie Rolls, packed with a savory blend of chopped chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. The robust hoagie roll holds up well against the moisture, ensuring your sandwich stays together and remains just as tasty from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients:
- 6 Martin’s Hoagie Rolls
- 2 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cubed
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 1 1/2 Cups White Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 Cups Red Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 Medium Carrot, julienned
- 1 Cup Sugar Snap Peas, chopped
- 3 Green Onions, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Toasted Cashews, chopped
- 1/2 Cup Crispy Chow Mein Noodles
Asian Salad Dressing:
- 4 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 4 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
- 2 Teaspoons Fresh Ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 Teaspoon Salt, to taste
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over med-high heat and add chicken. Cook chicken until golden brown on all sides and transfer to a large bowl.
- Set the large bowl with chicken in it to the side to cool while prepping all the vegetables.
- Wash and prepare all the vegetables and arrange them in the large bowl with cooked chicken.
- Add chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, noodles, and chopped cashews to the bowl, then toss together
- For the dressing, combine the ingredients together in a jar and shake well.
- To serve later, layer on Martin’s Hoagie Rolls then top with Asian salad dressing, salt, and pepper when ready to eat.
Why This Recipe Works:
- The flavorful oil-and-vinegar dressing is a great alternative to mayo-based sauces that may spoil more easily in the sun.
- The salad dressing can be made in advance and stored in a sealed container in your cooler. You can add the dressing at the last minute to make sure your sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
- Wrapping your sandwich in parchment or wax paper protects it from sand and seagulls and also helps keep it fresh for longer.
- You can store the prepared hoagies back in the original bread bag for extra protection against the sand and to keep out moisture from your cooler.
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California Club Sliders
These sliders, made with Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls, are the ultimate beachside snack. They feature layers of turkey, crispy bacon, fresh avocado, lettuce, tomato, and a hint of lime, all neatly packed into bite-sized sliders.
Ingredients:
- 12 Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls
- 8 Bacon Slices
- 1 Avocado
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
- 4 Large Romaine Leaves
- 1 Tomato, sliced
- 1 Pound Sliced Turkey
- 1 Mango, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
- Slice the sheet of Dinner Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Lay the rolls on a sheet pan and bake for about 5 minutes, or until toasted, to dry out the rolls slightly.
- Remove the pit and skin from the avocado and place in another bowl. Roughly mash, season with salt and pepper, then stir in lime juice.
- Remove the top sheet of rolls, then layer lettuce, tomato, turkey, bacon, mango, and avocado spread on the bottom sheet of rolls.
- Place top buns over filling.
- Cut into individual sliders before serving.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Sliders make for easy finger food that can be enjoyed with minimal mess and clean up.
- Mashing the avocado with lime juice prevents it from turning brown as quickly and keeps it tasting fresh for longer.
- Layer your sliders in such a way to place the wetter ingredients (like tomatoes) away from the top and bottom bun. This helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Store the prepared sliders in a sealed Tupperware container to lock out moisture and keep out any pests.
These featured recipes are sure to elevate your beach picnic game, making your day in the sun even more enjoyable. Stay tuned for more delicious ideas from Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls & Bread!
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P.S. Don’t forget to enter our Summer Fun Season Sweepstakes for your chance to win these great prizes!Visit: https://martinssummerfun.com.
