Simple Recipe Ideas for Family Picnics

Simple Recipe Ideas for Family Picnics  

With sunshine season in full swing, it’s time to pack up the car and take off for adventure.  

Nothing says British summer quite like a ‘good old’ family picnic. Keep hungry little tummies satisfied on long car journeys and fun filled days out with these quick and easy recipe ideas that also work well as a school lunch box staple.  Oh so tasty and healthy too, they are a clever way to hide their 5 a day and are bound to go down a treat with all ages. 

These delicious muffin recipes both use carrot as the base, with a sweet and savoury option. Why not batch cook these beauties and freeze some for future days out or as a handy instant snack.  A winner for family outings, they travel well, are easy to store and are relatively mess free too. Plus, who doesn’t love a muffin1 

Get your aprons at the ready and recruit little helpers to lend a hand in the kitchen too. 

Carrot Muffins 2 ways

Preheated fan oven at 165°C

Time: 25-30 mins

Makes: 12-16 of each depending on size of tin/ cases

SAVOURY

Ham & Brie Carrot Muffins 

You will need:

• 2 finely grated carrots
• 2 slices of ham
• 100g grated cheddar cheese
• 100g brie 
• 250g plain flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 2 eggs
• 100ml milk
• 75ml sunflower/ vegetable oil

SWEET

Carrot & Walnut* muffins

You will need:

• 2 finely grated carrots
• 10 chopped walnuts
• 250g plain flour
• 200g dark brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A glug of golden syrup
• 2 eggs
• 100ml milk
• 75ml sunflower/ vegetable oil

*For nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts and replace with raisins or other dried fruit. 

Let’s Bake: 

1. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl & mix with a spoon.
2. Add all the wet ingredients to the dry mix & stir well to combine.
3. Add the grated carrots & any extra ingredients eg. ham & cheese for the savoury option and walnuts or dried fruit to the sweet mix. Fold in using a spoon.
4. Spoon into individual muffin cases & bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
5. Serve warm from the oven or pack them into your favourite picnic boxes, ready for your next adventure. 

Store your muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 or 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. 

Serving tips…

Cut the cheese muffin in half, add a slice of cheese & a dollop of pickle. Yum! Finish off with a sweet muffin topped with cream cheese & fresh blueberries 🫐 

For more mini mealtime and lunch box inspo, take a look at our full collection of tableware, picnic essentials and baking accessories for fuss free, dinner time fun in the sun.

Come and say hi over on Instagram @scandiborn. and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest too.