Our Favorite Cabin Weekend Meal Plans

We have options for everyone and every situation!

Whether you call it a cabin, a cottage, or “your place up north,” it’s officially the season for gathering the family and heading out of town. And while we love a good cabin weekend, we know that planning meals is no small feat. So—we’ve done it for you! And knowing that there are a bunch of different kinds of cabin goers, we provided recipe ideas to match your cabin vibe.

Things To Consider

Before you jump into the recipes, set yourself up for success with this quick mental checklist to help decide which meals will work best for your crew:

• How much time do I want to spend cooking? Some people are totally hands off when it comes to cabin meals, and others don’t mind some time behind the grill. Decide how much time you want to spend in the kitchen and the recipes will follow!

• What meals can I prep in advance, and what foods travel well? Invest some time during the week, so you can fully enjoy the cabin experience.

• What meals will most people enjoy? Cabin gatherings are usually multigenerational, so choose meals that can please both the kids and adults.

• Staple ingredients and available cooking methods: Does the cabin have staple seasonings, or do you need to bring your own? Is there a grill, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Blackstone? Add what you need to your packing list to make dinnertime seamless.

• How can I balance cabin fare with healthier options? Like any vacation, cabins invite indulgence—which we love! But I know that I always feel my best when I pair the “fun foods” with meals that have at least a little nutritional value.

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Our Favorite Cabin-Friendly Meals for Every Type of Cabin-Goer

So, based on your answers above, hopefully you have a more clear direction of what you’re going for when it comes to your cabin menu. Take a gander at some of our favorite cabin recipes and build the menu that works the best for you and your crew.

For the Meal Prepper - You meal prep like a pro and love setting your weekend up for success.

• Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches – Easy to make the week before your trip and perfect for any meal.

• Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – Make a batch or two, freeze it, and bring it along with all the fixings for sliders, tacos, or nachos.

• Healthy Chicken Enchiladas – Assemble in a baking dish and freeze. At the cabin, let them thaw, then add sauce and cheese before baking.

  

For the Grill Master - This is the person who wants any excuse to chill by the grill with a drink in hand.

• Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken – When’s a better time to wrap your dinner in bacon than at the cabin?

• The Best Grilled Ribs – Serve with sweet corn, coleslaw, and cornbread.

• Grilled Fish Tacos – If fishing was on the agenda, put your skills to use. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and keeps the kitchen fish-free.

• Grilled Steak Tacos – Super simple! Just make the sauce and marinate the meat ahead of time, then cook and serve.

• Grilled Brats & Hot Dogs - Also a very simple meal that is always a hit with the whole family!

  

For the Lakefront Lounger - Meals for the person who wants to enjoy cabin life with the least amount of kitchen effort:

• Instant Pot Pulled Pork – Once the meat is done, let everyone build their own sliders or tacos.

• Loaded Baked Potatoes – Let the potatoes bake while you relax lakeside. Set out the toppings when they’re done.

• Rotisserie Chicken Dinner – Grab one from the store, make Instant Pot mashed potatoes, throw baby carrots and sugar snap peas on the table—and you're done!

• BLTs – These require a bit more cooking but bring all the best summer flavors.

• Crock Pot Taco Meat - our family loves a build your own taco, bowl, or walking taco situation! So simple and everyone can get creative to build their own.

  

For the Healthy Cabin-Goer

• Homemade Granola – Great for breakfast or snacking—because granola and cabins just belong together.

• Curried Chicken Salad – Packed with veggies and protein, served cold, and perfect for a hot summer day.

• Dense Summer Bean Salad – A delicious way to get veggies and plant-based protein. Serve as a side or lunch.

• Cucumber Chickpea Salad – Loaded with fresh summer flavors. Make it in advance and hold the tzatziki dressing until you’re ready to eat.

  

For the Cabin Guest - Meals that’ll make you the MVP of any cabin weekend—and have the host asking for your recipes:

• Hashbrown Egg Bake – Breakfast is underrated—especially when you're swimming, biking, boating, and more. Be the guest they want to invite back and bring this hearty egg bake!

• White Sangria – Kick back and enjoy the sunset.

• S’mores Rice Krispies – These aren’t your average Rice Krispie treats! They’re extra gooey, won’t dry out on the counter, and have that classic s’mores flavor.

• Caprese Sandwiches – Possibly the ultimate summer sandwich. Easy, flavorful, portable, and filling.

• Summer Grain Salad - a veggie packed side dish that always hits the spot.

• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad - Perfect for sharing with a crowd and everyone will love it!

  

For the Cabin Family Reunion - Everyone RSVP’d "yes"—you’ve got a crowd to feed!

• Easy Homemade Lasagna – Make it ahead of time, freeze it, and bake when ready to serve.

• White Chicken Chili – We get it—soup at the cabin sounds weird. But hear us out: this version is hearty, fresh, and packed with cilantro and avocado to keep it seasonally appropriate. Keep a batch in the fridge for guests to help themselves all weekend.

• Tuna Macaroni Salad – A Midwest staple that pairs with anything. Perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Hibachi Chicken – If you don’t already own a Blackstone cooktop, let this be your sign! It’s our favorite way to cook for a crowd outdoors. Bonus: you’ll seriously impress Grandma.

• Grilled Chicken Fajitas - amazing flavor and always enough for a crowd to enjoy!

  

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If you do make any of these recipes and love them?! We would appreciate it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review THANK YOU!

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