Heading to the cottage is always a treat, whether it's in the Spring, Summer or Fall. But planning cottage meals, especially with little ones, can be a bit of a challenge when you want to maximize relaxation and minimize time in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve created this one-week easy 30-minute meal plan, packed with simple, flavorful recipes. These meals require minimal prep and cooking time, especially if you have access to a barbeque, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors with your little ones and less time cooking.
If you're only going for a weekend, don’t worry—this plan has you covered. Just pick a few of your favorite meals and opt for dishes with overlapping ingredients to streamline your grocery list. You can download a printable version of my 30-minute meal plan for free at the bottom of this post.
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Breakfast Delights
Start your mornings with these high-protein breakfasts, designed to be quick, easy, and delicious:
- Saturday: Ricotta, Tomato & Spinach Frittata
- Sunday: Ham & Cheese Croissant with Fresh Fruit
- Monday: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Toast
- Tuesday: Greek Yogurt with Honey, Granola, and Berries
- Wednesday: Avocado & Egg on Toast
- Thursday: Potato Hash & Ham with Fresh Fruit
- Friday: Avocado & Tomato on Toast
- Saturday: Cottage Cheese & Berries on Toast
Lunchtime Favorites
Keep lunch light and easy with these quick-to-make options, perfect for enjoying on the deck or packing for a hike:
- Saturday: Charcuterie Board (Cheese, Crackers, Cured Meats)
- Sunday: Rotisserie Caesar Chicken Sandwiches
- Monday: Grilled Hot Dogs, Sausages & Potato Salad
- Tuesday: Rotisserie Chicken Cobb Salad
- Wednesday: Chicken Noodles Soup & Garlic Toast
- Thursday: Salami, Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
- Friday: Caprese Sandwiches
- Saturday: Enjoy leftovers or get creative with any remaining ingredients to whip up something new—a great way to reduce food waste!
Easy 30-Minute Dinner Extravaganza
End your day with these crowd-pleasing cottage dinners that are easy and quick to cook and guaranteed to satisfy:
- Saturday: Grilled Steak, Fries & Asparagus
- Sunday: Grilled Chicken Wings, Shrimps & Veggies
- Monday: Lasagna & Salad
- Tuesday: Grilled Salmon & Veggies with Rice
- Wednesday: BBQ Burgers, Fries & Coleslaw
- Thursday: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Veggies
- Friday: Grilled Ribs (recipe from Taste of Home) & Corn Salad
- Saturday: Enjoy leftovers or whip up something fresh with remaining ingredients—perfect for a hassle-free final meal!
Notes:
- I cooked the fries directly on the BBQ by laying aluminum foil on the grill and placing the fries on top. They took about 20 minutes to crisp up nicely.
- I purchased the lasagna pre-made from Costco, making it a convenient, no-fuss option.
Snacks & Desserts
Make the most of your cottage time with these easy, fun snacks and treats that are perfect for afternoons or late-night indulgence:
- Mixed Nuts: Ideal for hikes or casual snacking.
- Chips & Guacamole: Quick, easy, and perfect for sharing while soaking up the outdoors.
- Banana, Apple, or Pumpkin Bread: Bake a loaf at home and enjoy slices all week long.
- S’mores Night: A cottage essential—grab graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate for a classic fireside treat.
- Frozen Yogurt Bark: Spread yogurt on a baking sheet, sprinkle with fruits and nuts, freeze, and enjoy a cool, refreshing snack.
- Pina Colada Grilled Pineapple (recipe from Taste of Home): Sweet and tangy, this is a fun twist on a tropical treat.
Notes & Tips
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken wings, chicken skewers, and ribs at home, then store them in Ziploc bags. You can also freeze them so they transport well, especially in warm weather.
- Already Prepared Items: I purchased the burgers, lasagna, chicken soup and rotisserie chicken already prepared from Costco to save time.
- Flexible Ingredients: Don’t worry if you don’t have every item. This plan is designed to be flexible—substitute ingredients based on what’s available and in season.
- Keep It Simple: Most of these recipes use just a few ingredients, many of which overlap, making it easier to keep your grocery list short and manageable for a hassle-free week.
With this easy cottage meal plan, you’ll be able to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Whether it’s for a full week or just a weekend, these simple, delicious meals will keep you satisfied and stress-free.
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